What is a sign that a switch is motor rated?

A switch that is motor rated is specifically designed to control motors and is capable of handling the electrical demands associated with them. The marking of Full Load Amperage (FLA) or Horsepower (HP) on a switch provides crucial information about its capacity to control the power and protect the motor circuit effectively.

By indicating FLA or HP, the manufacturer communicates the maximum currents or power levels that the switch can manage safely without overheating or failing. This feature distinguishes a motor-rated switch from standard switches, which may not have the same specifications or durability required for motor applications. Therefore, the presence of these markings is a definitive sign that the switch is engineered to handle motor loads.

In contrast, while a fuse or circuit breaker may indicate a protective feature, they are not exclusive to motor-rated switches and can be found in many types of electrical control devices. The physical size of the switch can vary based on different applications, and larger size alone does not necessarily indicate a motor rating.