Safety Switch Not Moveable

Forums: Home Improvement, Electrical, Wiring, Safety Switch
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I have a Square-D 200-Amp 3-phase safety switch, but the lever can't be pushed down into the off position even with quite a lot of force. Also the door won't unlock or open. The 3-hole sliding lock mechanism on the side can't be moved either. Any thoughts on what might be jamming this switch?

Here's the picture ...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9en7xw1xvtttl0b/Elevator%20Room%20Incoming%20Line.jpg?dl=0

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Type: Question • Score: 1 • Views: 944 • Replies: 14

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Welded contacts?

1 Reply

@contrex,

I have never seen inside the box since I just bought the building. I'm tempted to just pry it open and replace if I end up damaging it.

0 Replies

WD40?
Sledge hammer?

0 Replies

@Miliucc,

Your link reported a 404 error.

1 Reply

@roger,

Sorry about that. It should be there now in a public dropbox folder...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9en7xw1xvtttl0b/Elevator%20Room%20Incoming%20Line.jpg?dl=0

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And there are no side screws to take apart the box?

1 Reply

@edgarblythe,

maybe so. If not, I would suggest contacting Square D. I suspect it is doing what it's supposed to, and we just don't know the trick. It may have been designed to only open when the switch is in the open position, or something like that.

2 Replies

@roger,

I found a blurb in a Square D product manual regarding Heavy Duty Safety Switches that said "Dual cover interlock keeps the cover shut when switch is ON." So I suspect that's why the cover won't open. Still no luck finding why the handle won't move to the off position. Good suggestion. I'll get in touch with Square-D/Grainger.

1 Reply

@roger,

roger wrote:

It may have been designed to only open when the switch is in the open position, or something like that.

That makes sense. I don't think the OP mentioned voltage (let me guess, 480?), but with 200 amps of 3-phase power, it sounds like it might be a Very Bad Idea to take apart the box when live current is running through it.

It might be time to summon a licensed electrician.

1 Reply

@Miliucc,

Uh oh. It almost sounds like their interlock system has failed. Good luck, but I'm beginning think your method is going to be somewhat destructive. Hope they can come up with a better solution, if they even get back to you.

0 Replies

@oralloy,

Well the good news is that there's another (older) safety switch further upstream, so I won't have to play with a live box. I'll see if there are screws on the side that might allow the door to be removed at the hinges. After looking at the prices of these switches, I would prefer not to have to destroy this one.

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@Miliucc,

Good deal.

1 Reply

@edgarblythe,

Well, I found that there are external hinges, but they are welded on to the body. I will grind off the heads of the hinge pins with a Dremel and tap them out.

1 Reply

@Miliucc,

Wouldn't it be better to bring in a professional by now?

0 Replies

Safety Switch Not Moveable

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