ODS Control and

Selector Switches
ODS Control and Selector Switches

Introduction Approvals
This publication provides design, ODS switches are approved by –
application and ordering
CEGB to ES150-18 Duty II
information for the ALSTOM range
& Life Classes I, II & III
of ODS control, auxiliary and
Lloyds Register of Shipping
instrument switches.
The ODS range has been Ordering Procedure
manufactured for over twenty five
years and is well proven in a wide Contact arrangements for most
variety of applications and standard types are detailed on
operating conditions. pages 9 to 13.
Please specify requirements by
filling in the whole of the switch
ordering sheet provided at the back
of this publication. Further copies of
this form are available on request
although you may prefer to produce
your own duplicate copies.

2
Features Benefits

30A contact rating Negates the use of ancillary

contactors for many heavy current
switching applications

Up to 60 contacts on one switch Critical switching operations can be

achieved using one switch
preventing possible errors when
using more switches

Up to eight switch positions Can be used for duties having many

functions

Choice of contact duties Switches suitable for ac, dc and

small signal applications

Choice of stayput or spring return Switches available for both selector

and control applications from the
same range

Flame retardant material with arc Meets all required safety standards
quenching properties

Silver cadmium oxide contacts for High reliability and durability

positive electrical connection

Choice of 13 handles including Suitable for use on all styles of

key operated switchboard
Large handles provide positive
switch operation when multiple
contacts are used
Key operated switches provide
added security

Barrel locks or padlocking facility Prevents unauthorised use

available

Auxiliary switch available with Provides additional contacts when

universal driver lever used with circuit breakers

Last position indicator and lost Last position indicator displays

motion (slip) contacts available for status of breaker
circuit breaker control applications Lost motion contacts provide an
electrical means of displaying status
of circuit breaker and ensures
breaker cannot be opened or closed
twice in succession

Engraved escutcheon Provides easily readable display of

switch duty

3
Construction Contacts Four classes of contact duty are
available; Extra Light (gold plated),
The ODS switch has been designed Each pole provides a double Light, Medium and Heavy duty.
on the ‘pack’ principle, each electrical break by means of two To determine which class of contact
individual pack containing fixed contacts and one moving duty you require refer to contact
electrically independent double bridge contact. Contacts have data on page 15.
break contacts and a mechanical domed silver cadmium oxide buttons
operating cam, driven by a common on the fixed parts and flat silver Escutcheons
shaft. Up to 30 packs can be cadmium oxide buttons on the
accommodated on a single switch moving contact. The fixed copper If required an escutcheon for
giving a maximum of 60 electrical terminal faces are tin plated to mounting on the front of the panel
ways. More contacts can be ensure a good electrical connection. can be provided. The escutcheon
accommodated, as required, by See Figure 1. can be supplied blank or with
ganging two or more switches customised engraving which must
The contact bridge system comprises
together. be stated at the time of order.
a moving contact attached to a cam
The individual switch packs which follower. On operation of the switch A standard gravoply escutcheon is
form the basis of the switch are the brass roller, part of the cam provided with a white background
moulded in a self extinguishing follower, follows the contours of the and black letters when engraved.
plastic compound with inherent arc operating cam causing the contacts Alternative colours are available on
quenching and high insulating to open and close as required. request – please refer to factory.
properties. The contacts and Contact pressure is maintained by
associated moving parts are two springs acting on the contact
completely enclosed in the moulding bridge.
giving a high degree of dust
The design of the ODS switch is
protection.
such that ‘make before break’ or
The mechanism housing is moulded ‘break before make’ contact
in fire resistant material and arrangements can be provided
contains the mechanical parts dependent upon the switch
necessary to provide the stay-put, application.
spring return or lost motion switch
actions.

Figure 1: ODS switch pack

4
Handles
Small pointer type (MS) handles are
normally fitted as standard to both
control and instrument switches.
Alternative handles are available as
illustrated in Figure 2.

AL BL DL

AS BS DS

CL ML EL

CS MS ES

Figure 2: ODS switch handles

5
Locking Facilities
The following locking facilities can
be provided on control switches.

Padlocking
Padlocking arrangements can be
provided with either a ‘pull to lock’
or a self locking ‘push to release’
facility. See Figure 3. Locking can
be achieved in any switch position
or combinations thereof, by
selection.
The maximum diameter padlock
hasp suitable for use with the switch
is 4.7mm.

Figure 3: Padlockable ODS switch

Barrel locking
A barrel lock can be incorporated in
the centre of the operating handle,
lockable, by selection, in any of the
switch positions. It can be supplied
with either the ‘key free when switch
locked or unlocked’ or ‘key free only
when switch locked’. See Figure 4.

Figure 4: ODS switch with barrel lock

Key operated removable

handle
Here the key acts as the handle to
operate the switch. The key can be
chosen to be removable in all or
selected positions. See Figure 5.

Figure 5: Key operated ODS switch

6
Control and Instrument Spring return and lost motion Sequence device
switch
Switches This device, used with a spring
This type of switch is divided into return mechanism, prevents two
The following types of control
two parts. The front portion of the consecutive movements in the
instrument switch are available in
switch contains contacts requiring clockwise position from neutral.
the ODS range:
spring return action and the rear
portion accommodating contacts for Auxiliary switches
Maintained contact
which the lost motion (slip contacts) The ODS auxiliary switch is
The maintained contact or stay-put facility is required. normally operated by the action of
switch is normally supplied for all
Using this facility, the relevant the circuit breaker and provides
instrument and selector switch
contacts are made in one of the non- auxiliary contacts for control and
applications. It is available with a
neutral positions and remain made indication.
45 or 90 degree throw between
in that position until the switch is A universal drive lever is available
positions.
operated to the other non-neutral for use with the ODS auxiliary
Spring return position. A maximum of 3 contacts switch. This lever consists of two
can be made in any one non-neutral side members of aluminium alloy
Most control switches are and two clamping plates.
manufactured with spring return to position.
See Figure 7.
the original neutral position. Stayput and Spring return
They are used for circuit breaker switch
control and other types of
electrically controlled apparatus This switch can have up to three
where momentary contact is stay-put positions having a 90
required. The ODS spring return degree operating angle, with up to
switch is designed with a 60° two spring return positions having a
operating angle in either direction 45 degree operating angle.
from the neutral position. Naturally, spring return will only be
A maximum of 10 contacts can be available at the extreme positions to
made in either non-neutral position. which the switch will operate, hence
the maximum of two.
Spring return and last position
indicator switch
A mechanical last position indicator
can be fitted to a spring return
switch and indicates the last position
to which the switch was operated.
See Figure 6.

Figure 6: ODS switch with Figure 7: ODS auxiliary switch with

last position indicator universal drive lever

7
Outline & Mounting Panel mounting
Details ODS control instrument switches are
mounted by four screws to panels of
The detail given below indicates the
a maximum thickness of 6.35mm
space required behind panel to
(0.25) inches. If switches exceed
mount switches. Exact details of
200mm
switches will be provided upon
(8 inches) in length, a supporting
acknowledgement of order.
bracket is advisable. Panel drilling
details for most switches are as
outlined in Figure 8. Exact detail for
the switch you order will be
provided upon acknowledgement.

A
2 off tapped bushes for
M5 x 0.8 thread fixing screws 15.9
14.3 M4 terminals Auxiliary Switch
66.5
3.0 to 6.4
Dimension A
= (No. packs x 12.7 + 14.3mm)
Mounting Panel

Datum scribe
50.8 (up for mounting)
25.4
19 Handle locking groove

Rear view Side view

Stayput or spring return non lock switch

3.0 to 6.4
41.3 Mounting Panel
8
25 AS 12
AL 29

Panel hole for optional last

position indicator.
Ø6.0 C’sk @ 90° incl to Ø8.0.

AS 51
AL 89
4 Holes Ø 5.5
C’sk @ 90° to Ø10.0
45°
43.0

on 70.0 PCD.

Escutcheon mounting
83.0

20.6 20.6 Stayput or spring return barrel lock or padlockable switch

holes to suit fixing.
(Escutcheon holes Ø4.2) 3.0 to 6.4

69.8 Mounting Panel

35.0

Escutcheon outline
35.0 8? 45 extended
37 retracted
35.0 70.0

Mounting diagram

Part detail
of padlock
If LOST MOTION is required add 54mm to length. type handle

If sequence device is required, add 25.4mm to length.

For spring return switches of six packs and over, an
extra mechanism is required; add 25.4mm to length.
All dimensions in mm

Figure 8: Outline and mounting details

8
Standard Switching Positions
(viewed from front of switch)
Applications
The following pages detail standard
switching applications. A A
H B M J
Contacts are shown in pack G C
arrangements, each pack having
F D
two contacts. E

Stayput Spring Return

(45° or 90° Operation) (60° Operation)

2 Position ON/OFF 2 Position changeover 3 Position changeover with

OFF/NEUTRAL
Stayput 45 degree Stayput 45 degree Stayput 45 degree

Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1

A A B A B A A B A B A H A B H A B
B B H B

Stayput 90 degree Stayput 90 degree Stayput 90 degree

Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1

A A C A C A A C A C A G A C G A C

C C G C

Spring return 60 degree Spring return 60 degree Spring return 60 degree

Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1

A A J A J A A J A J M A J M A J
A
J J M J

Stayput 90 degree from 45 degree Stayput 90 degree from 45 degree

Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1

H B H B H B H B
H B H B

9
3 Position 3 way no OFF/NEUTRAL 4 Position 3 way with OFF/NEUTRAL 4 Position 4 way no OFF/NEUTRAL

Stayput 45 degree Stayput 45 degree Stayput 45 degree

Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1

H A B H A B H A B C H A B C H A B C H A B C

A A
A H B
H B H B
Pack 2 C Pack 2
C Pack 2
H A B H A B H A B C H A B C H A B C H A B C

No contact No contact

Stayput 90 degree Stayput 90 degree Stayput 90 degree

Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1

G A C G A C G A C E G A C E G A C E G A C E

A A A

G C Pack 2 G C Pack 2 G C Pack 2

G A C G A C G A C E G A C E G A C E G A C E

No contact No contact E
E

Spring return 60 degree 5 Position 4 way with OFF/NEUTRAL

Positions Pack 1 Stayput 45 degree

M A J M A J
Positions Pack 1
G H A B C G H A B C

A
M J
Pack 2 A
H B
M A J M A J
Pack 2
G C
G H A B C G H A B C
No contact

10
5 Position 5 way no OFF/NEUTRAL 7 Position 6 way with OFF/NEUTRAL

Stayput 45 degree Stayput 45 degree

Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1

G H A B C G H A B C E F G H A B C E F G H A B C

Pack 2 Pack 2
A G H A B C G H A B C E F G H A B C E F G H A B C
H B
A
G C H B
G C
Pack 3 Pack 3
G H A B C G H A B C F E F G H A B C E F G H A B C
E
No contact No contact

Pack 4

6 Position 5 way with OFF/NEUTRAL E F G H A B C E F G H A B C

No contact
Stayput 45 degree

Positions Pack 1
F G H A B C F G H A B C
7 Position 7 way no OFF/NEUTRAL

Stayput 45 degree

A Pack 2 Positions Pack 1

H B
F G H A B C F G H A B C E F G H A B C E F G H A B C
G C

F
Pack 3 Pack 2
F G H A B C F G H A B C E F G H A B C E F G H A B C
No contact A
H B
G C

Pack 3
6 Position 6 way no OFF/NEUTRAL F E F G H A B C E F G H A B C
E
Stayput 45 degree

Positions Pack 1
F G H A B C F G H A B C Pack 4
E F G H A B C E F G H A B C
No contact

A Pack 2
H B
F G H A B C F G H A B C
G C

F
Pack 3
F G H A B C F G H A B C

11
8 Position 7 way with OFF/NEUTRAL 3 Position 4 way with single and cumulative

Stayput 45 degree Stayput 45 degree

Positions Pack 1 Positions Pack 1

E F G H A B C D E F G H A B C D H A B H A B

A
Pack 2 H B
E F G H A B C D E F G H A B C D Pack 2
H A B H A B
A
H B

G C
Pack 3
F D E F G H A B C D E F G H A B C D
E Stayput 90 degree
No contact

Positions Pack 1
G A C G A C
Pack 4
E F G H A B C D E F G H A B C D

G C Pack 2
G A C G A C

8 Position 8 way no OFF/NEUTRAL

Stayput 45 degree
Spring return 60 degree
Positions Pack 1
Positions Pack 1
E F G H A B C D E F G H A B C D M A J M A J

A
Pack 2
M J
E F G H A B C D E F G H A B C D Pack 2
A M A J M A J
H B

G C
Pack 3
F D E F G H A B C D E F G H A B C D
E

Pack 4
E F G H A B C D E F G H A B C D

12
2 Position 6 way changeover with make-before-break contacts

Stayput 90 degree from 45 degree

Positions Pack 1
H B H B

Pack 2
H B H B
H B

Pack 3
H B H B

3 Position changeover with OFF/NEUTRAL and lost motion contacts

Spring return 60 degree

Positions Pack 1
M A J M A J

A
M J
Pack 2
M A J M A J

Lost motion contacts

13
Technical Data

Maximum operating voltage 660V ac and dc.

Isolation 2kV rms 50/60Hz for 1 minute

across open contacts.

Test procedure Contacts should be tested at or

above their minimum capacity.
Testing at lower values may produce
erroneous results.

Mechanical ratings*
IEC 60337-1 (1970). 3 million switching cycles.
Up to 2 million complete rotations of
switch.
* Contact packs only.
When spring return fitted,
100,000 switching cycles.
When stayput fitted, 500,000
switching cycles.

Contact materials
Extra light duty Gold plated silver
Light duty Silver
Medium/heavy duty Silver cadmium oxide

Make and carry ac

Extra light 20A415V
Light 30A415V
Medium 35A415V

Breaking ac
Up to 500,000 operations at 0.3 pf lag.
Extra light 0.2A 415V
Light 20A 415V
Medium 30A 415V
IEC 60337-1 (1970) Category AC11 Fault requirements

Make and carry dc

Extra light 20A 415V
Light 30A 415V
Medium/heavy 35A 415V

Breaking dc All ratings in tables 1, 2 and 3 are

for 25,000 operations.
Ratings in table 4 are for 5,000
operations (except where stated).
IEC 60337-1 (1970) Category DC11 Fault requirements.

Minimum capacity ac and dc

Extra light <1mA 1V
Light 350mA 12V
Medium/heavy 1A 20V

14
 Number of Breaking capacity – amp dc
Contact duty Voltage contacts in Resistive Inductive time constants
(Note 1) series 10ms 20ms 40ms
12 1 2 2 2 2
Extra light
30 1 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
Table 1
125 1 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
50 1 20 20 15 ---
2 --- --- 20 ---
Light duty
Table 2 1 2 1.5 1 ---
125 2 20 8 6 ---
3 --- 20 20 ---
1 20 20 15 6
50 2 --- --- 20 14
3 --- --- --- 20
Medium duty 1 3 2.5 1.5 1
Table 3 125 2 20 15 10 5
3 --- 20 20 10
1 1 0.5 0.3 ---
250 2 5 2 1 0.5
3 20 10 4 1
50 1 30 30 30 30
1 20 10 6 4
100 2 30 30 30 25
3 --- --- --- 30
Heavy duty 1 20 10 5 3
Table 4 125 2 30 30 30 20
3 --- --- --- 30
1 5 2 1 0.5†
250 2 20 20 12 8
3 --- --- 20 20

Notes 1. Extra light, light and medium duty are for ac and dc use. †25,000 operations this rating
Heavy duty is for dc use only.

15
 Voltage/Current curves for ALSTOM Extra Light Duty, Light Duty and Medium Duty Contacts

2.6

2.4 NOTES:
Lower limit of use for silver For low current applications and where the contacts may remain
2.2 cadmium oxide contacts. open or closed for long periods the use of EXTRA LIGHT DUTY
MEDIUM DUTY (gold plated) contacts is highly recommended.
2 e.g. on intertrip circuits, opto inputs for ‘K'-Relays or Optimho etc.
Ideal lower limit of use LIGHT DUTY and MEDIUM DUTY contacts should ideally be used
for MEDIUM DUTY contacts at or above twice the lower limit of use where practically possible
1.8

1.6
Lower limit of use for fine
1.4 silver contacts.
LIGHT DUTY

Current (Amps)

16
1.2
Ideal lower limit of use for
Upper limit of use for gold plated
1 LIGHT DUTY
silver contacts.
EXTRA LIGHT DUTY
0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200
Voltage (Volts)
 Switch Ordering Sheet Contact arrangement 1. Enter required positions at top of table
(or angles for auxiliary switches).
This sheet may be photocopied. Please specify required contact arrangement using the following table.
Switch action
Contact Position or angle Contact Lost 2. For each contact show which positions
Please specify type of switch action required by ticking appropriate box. Number duty motion ? contact is to be made. Refer to example for
1 guidance.
Stayput Spring return Stayput spring return
2
Auxiliary 3 3. Enter duty for each contact.
4
Switch positions 5 EL extra light duty (gold plated)
Select required switch positions by circling on appropriate diagram. 6
L light duty
7
H A B A M A J H A B M medium duty
his own specific requirements.

8
G C G C G C 9 H heavy duty
Switch Ordering sheet

F D F D
specify details of a switch to meet

E E E
10
11 4. If contact is to have lost motion
This sheet is to enable a customer to

45° Stayput 90° Stayput 60° Spring Combined 90° stayput 12 please tick in final column.
only only return only and 45° spring return 13
only 5. If more than 30 contacts are required
14
For auxiliary switches please state angular positions at which contacts are to 15 please use copy of order sheet
make 16 (60 contacts maximum).
17
Special feature
18 6. For ordering purposes each contact is
Please specify required special feature by ticking appropriate box. 19 detailed individually on a separate line
Sequence device Last position indicator Lost motion 20 of the ordering sheet. When acknowledged,
21
Handle type a wiring diagram is provided detailing the
22
Please specify required handle by ticking appropriate box. position of each contact within the switch.
23
AS BS CS DS ES MS 24
25 7. Standard colour scheme for escutcheons
AL BL CL DL EL ML 26 is black letters on white background.

17
27 For alternative colours refer to factory.
No handle Please state required shaft extension in mm 28
Key operated Please state positions in which key can be removed 29
30
be specified is shown below .
Upon acknowledgement of the

Key number (if known) Escutcheon

showing the exact position of the

Engraving on lock Supply blank Not required

contacts in the switch. An example
order, the customer will receive full

sheet detailing how contacts are to

details of the switch to be supplied,

on key

Universal driver lever For auxiliary switch only

Title engraving
Please state required shaft extension in mm (standard short 19mm, standard long 44mm).
Position engraving:–
Locking
Please indicate type of locking by ticking appropriate box and circling positions in which switch is
to be locked.
Padlocking pull to lock
push to release
Barrel lock Key free when switch locked
key free at all times
Lock-in positions A B C D E F G H J M

Example 1
Spring return switch with lost motion contacts.
Contact arrangement
Please specify required contact arrangement using the following table.
Contact Position or angle Contact Lost
Number duty motion ?
1
2
3
4
5

Example 2 – Auxiliary switch

How to mark angles for auxiliary switch.

Contact arrangement
Please specify required contact arrangement using the following table.
Contact Position or angle Contact Lost
Number duty motion ?
1
2
3
4
5

Example 3 – 90° Stayput switch

Contacts 1 and 2 are make-before-break.

Contact 3 makes in A and G.

Contact arrangement
Please specify required contact arrangement using the following table.
Contact Position or angle Contact Lost
Number duty motion ?
1
2
3
4
5

Example 4 – 45° Stayput switch

Contact 1 makes in C,A and G but not in B and H.

18
 Switch Ordering Sheet Contact arrangement 1. Enter required positions at top of table
(or angles for auxiliary switches).
This sheet may be photocopied. Please specify required contact arrangement using the following table.
Switch action Contact Position or angle Contact Lost 2. For each contact show which positions
Please specify type of switch action required by ticking appropriate box. Number duty motion ? contact is to be made. Refer to example for
1 guidance.
Stayput Spring return Stayput spring return 2
Auxiliary 3 3. Enter duty for each contact.
4
Switch positions 5 EL extra light duty (gold plated)
Select required switch positions by circling on appropriate diagram. 6
L light duty
7
H A B A M A J H A B
M medium duty
8
G C G C G C 9 H heavy duty
F D F D 10
E E E 4. If contact is to have lost motion
11
45° Stayput 90° Stayput 60° Spring Combined 90° stayput 12 please tick in final column.
only only return only and 45° spring return 13
only 14 5. If more than 30 contacts are required
For auxiliary switches please state angular positions at which contacts are to 15 please use copy of order sheet
make 16 (60 contacts maximum).
17
Special feature 18 6. For ordering purposes each contact is
Please specify required special feature by ticking appropriate box. 19 detailed individually on a separate line
Sequence device Last position indicator Lost motion 20 of the ordering sheet. When acknowledged,
21
Handle type a wiring diagram is provided detailing the
22
Please specify required handle by ticking appropriate box. position of each contact within the switch.
23

19
24
AS BS CS DS ES MS
25 7. Standard colour scheme for escutcheons
AL BL CL DL EL ML 26 is black letters on white background.
27 For alternative colours refer to factory.
No handle Please state required shaft extension in mm 28
29
Key operated Please state positions in which key can be removed
30

Escutcheon
Key number (if known)
Engraving on lock Supply blank Not required

on key

Universal driver lever For auxiliary switch only

Title engraving
Please state required shaft extension in mm (standard short 19mm, standard long 44mm).
Position engraving:–
Locking
Please indicate type of locking by ticking appropriate box and circling positions in which switch is
to be locked.
Padlocking pull to lock
push to release
Barrel lock Key free when switch locked
key free at all times
Lock-in positions A B C D E F G H J M
 ALSTOM T&D Protection & Control Ltd St Leonards Works, Stafford, ST17 4LX England
Tel: 44 (0) 1785 223251 Fax: 44 (0) 1785 212232 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.gecalsthomgpc.co.uk
©1998 ALSTOM T&D Protection & Control Ltd

Our policy is one of continuous development. Accordingly the design of our products may change at any time. Whilst every effort is made to produce up to date literature, this brochure should
only be regarded as a guide and is intended for information purposes only. Its contents do not constitute an offer for sale or advice on the application of any product referred to in it.
ALSTOM T&D Protection & Control Ltd cannot be held responsible for any reliance on any decisions taken on its contents without specific advice.

Publication I7-001J 119810 CPS Printed in England.