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Company Switch vs. Disconnect Switches

October 19, 2017Erika Thorson

When making purchasing or specifying decisions regarding electrical equipment for entertainment venues there are many factors to consider. The top of the list should always be safety. When it comes to making a decision between company switches and standard disconnect switches, the factor that often takes priority is price. While disconnect switches may often be the more affordable option, the value added into a company switch becomes apparent when features are compared side by side.

Company Switch Chart

The additional safety and features of ESL’s ShowSwitch make it a logical choice for entertainment power needs. The standard safety-interlocked feature of the ShowSwitch prevents live parts from being accessible, thus minimizing electrical hazards. In addition to being safety-interlocked, the ShowSwitch is equipped with an indicator light that clearly shows if the power is on. The ShowSwitch is also designed to be used without a certified electrician once installed. This cuts down significantly on operating costs. Disconnect switches are a generic solution that does not offer the combination of safety features desirable in an entertainment project.

For more information on why choosing a ShowSwitch over a disconnect switch is the right move for you, please contact us at info@eslpwr.com.

ShowSwitch™ – Company Switch Demo Video Premier!

January 12, 2017Erika Thorson

ESL’s Company Switches incorporate safety and ease-of-use features that are not found in simpler electrical disconnects and fused safety switches. Watch our recent demo video below and learn why any time there is a need for safe and easy connections to facility power, a Company Switch is the obvious choice!

Eight Things to Consider When Selecting a Company Switch

August 16, 2016August 17, 2016Bill Hallemeyer

There are a number of options to consider when selecting and installing a company switch. Below is a list of 8 key items to answer before purchasing your unit.

1. What is the incoming wire size to be accommodated?
It is important to match the incoming wire size; you don’t want to have lugs on the company switch that are too small to accept the feed wires available at the installation. Make sure to indicate where the conduit will enter the enclosure.

2. Is 200% neutral required?
If unbalanced power is a problem, then an oversized neutral can be specified. If the company switch will be feeding more than one set of equipment, dual neutrals may be necessary. Depending on the amperage, there could be six cam-lock receptacles instead of five.

3. Is isolated ground required?
If the company switch will feed a sound system it is common to isolate the ground from the equipment ground in order to provide a noise-free ground return. If this is the case, an isolated ground is recommended.

4. Are direct-wire lugs needed?
If the equipment that is to be connected to the company switch does not have cam connectors available, direct-wire lugs will allow bare-wire ends to be connected.

5. Is a digital ammeter required?
An ammeter will allow quick and easy reading of the current being drawn through the company switch at a given time.

6. Is an interior work light required?
This option is very useful in dark theater environments, providing a lit chamber makes for easier connections.

7. Will the switch be inside (NEMA Type 1 enclosure) or outside (NEMA 3R enclosure)?
Standard ESL company switches are NEMA Type 1 however, if your unit will be installed outside, NEMA 3R should be specified.

8. Will the company switch use an electrical interlock or a mechanical interlock?
A mechanical interlock is more reliable; an electrical interlock can fail and expose live parts, while a mechanical interlock is a rock-solid way to ensure power is off to the company switch.

Interested in learning about ESL Company Switch features? Watch our ShowSwitch – Company Switch video here!

ESL Power Systems would be happy to discuss these options with you and ensure you get the right company switch for your venue! Contact us at 1-800-922-4188 or info@eslpwr.com for more information.

What is a Company Switch?

July 28, 2016August 16, 2016Bill Hallemeyer

Many engineers may know that during the planning and design stages of a project, an electrical disconnect will be needed. However, do you really know what you’re specifying, and what the differences are between your disconnect options? A question not so rarely asked by many engineers is, “What is a Company Switch?”

Here’s your short, to-the-point answer if you are one of the many who aren’t quite sure:

A Company Switch is a specialized type of electrical disconnect that is used extensively in the entertainment industry for set stage applications (such as lighting) by entertainers, road-shows, media personnel and the like. Company Switches include cam lock receptacles to allow single-pole cam connections to be made quickly and easily. Company Switches incorporate safety features and ease-of-use features that are not found in simpler electrical disconnects. These include safety-interlocked circuit breakers and lights to indicate which phases are live.

Any time there is a need for safe and easy connections to facility power, a Company Switch is the obvious choice.

ESL is here to help:

ESL Power Systems’ Company Switches utilize a mechanically interlocked safety scheme. This prevents access to live parts inside the Company Switch by interlocking the circuit breaker with the door handle. In order to plug in cams it is necessary to open the access door, which in turn disconnects the breaker.

ESL Power Systems’ Company Switches have lights to indicate when cams are inserted, and when power is available (circuit breaker is on). These lights are easily visible even in darkened theaters and performance spaces.

For a more in depth look at Company Switches, stay tuned for part two, “Eight Things to Consider When Selecting a Company Switch.”

Let us make your job easy, Download our Company Switch Standard Specifications or contact us if you have additional questions.

ESL presenting ShowSwitch at Lighting and Design International

October 22, 2015August 23, 2017Erika Thorson

ESL is excited to be presenting at the 2015 Live Design International show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show hosts thousands of entertainment related industry workers, and is considered the leading global tradeshow and conference for live design professionals. A wide variety of companies exhibit and attend, including those working in theatre, concerts, clubs, theme parks and houses of worship. The week is filled with live demos, and face-to-face discussions about the newest technologies and trends. The best in the industry convene from more than 88 countries, traveling to LDI to network, see the latest gear in action, refresh their knowledge, and replenish their creativity.