Load breaking news from Katko

Although switchgear is generally reliable and performs well, failures, when they happen, can be catastrophic causing death or serious injury and major damage to plant and even buildings. It therefore goes without saying that regular inspection and maintenance or replacement of switchgear is essential.

For new projects or replacement, innovative load break switch and switch fuse ranges from Finland’s specialist switch manufacturer, Katko deliver safety benefits above and beyond the simple on/off function.

Available in the UK from Dalroad, Katko load break switches and switch fuses feature an integrated interlocking mechanism which operates in both ON and PADLOCKED OFF positions making them impossible to override or bypass. Designed to break eight times full load current when used on AC23 duty, Katko switches are tested at 50kA short circuit capacity using a fuse back up recommended by major motor manufacturers. If a fault occurs, a 16A Katko load break switch, breaking at eight times full load current has a breaking current of 128A and will therefore turn the motor off even during start up.

More compact than many others on the market, an added benefit of Katko switches, is that for new projects, panel builders can reduce the size of cabinets used.

Incorporating the most up-to-date materials appropriate for any application, Katko offers a comprehensive range, covering everything from 16A to 630A. Load break switches are available as 3 pole, 3 pole and neutral and 4 pole versions. They can also be made into 6 pole and 8 pole versions using a parallel kit, or into changeover versions using a changeover kit. Katko switch fuses are also available in 3 pole, 3 pole and neutral and 4 pole combinations with either BS fuse or DIN fuse variants.

As specialists with over 70 years experience, Katko also design and manufacture switches tailored for specific industries such as renewable energy, power generation, hazardous areas, heavy industry, clean air and food processing, each carrying the appropriate accreditations including ATEX, FI, KEMA, CE, UL Listed, BBJ, ESC, RINA, and IEC.

Every employer wants to protect its workforce from the risk of electrical malfunction or unauthorised tampering of potentially hazardous electrical equipment and systems. Available in the UK from specialist distributor, Dalroad, Katko switches with their foolproof integrated interlocking mechanism are increasingly becoming the switches of choice for factories, public and commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, hazardous areas… worldwide.