Disconnect Switches

[anbm]

What is the difference between general and heavy duty disconnect switch?

Sounds like general duty disconnect switch only available at max. 240V AC
and come with certain size less than 600A? Maybe only use for residential application? Is this correct?

 

[Jraef]

From a design standpoint, General Duty switches do not have to pass the more rigorous switching duty testing that Heavy Duty switches do. The design criteria for HD is I believe 15,000 operations at up to 5 per hour at full rated capacity. GD switches are 10,000 operations at 1 per hour. The reason you don't see GD safety switches in 600V ratings is because it is generally accepted that anything that needs 480V and up will not be a light duty residential or commercial application.

 

[jim dungar]

Maybe only use for residential application? Is this correct?

No. General duty devices can be used in any type of facility. However, most general duty devices are limited to NEMA 1 or 3R enclosures so there are many environments for which they are not suitable.