Knife switches help where you need visible disconnects. The rest of the functionality is similar to the generic switches, like completing or breaking the circuits.
Knife switches are widely used in heavy industries and laboratories. There can be other purposes depending on your need.
Getting the best knife switches is never easy because there are tons of options available in the market.
Don’t worry, as I will ease it down for you by providing detailed reviews about the best knife switches for this year, along with a comprehensive buyer’s guide.
My goal is to lay it out for you to demystify the concepts.
Top 10 Knife Switches Reviews
Out of all the products in the market with various features and a range of prices, I have brought the most intriguing ones to make life easier.
All these products are distinct and similar to others in their kind. So, let’s dive right into it.
1. Tatoko Educational Single Pole Knife Switch
Let’s get it on with Tatoko Educational Single Pole Knife Switch that sits on the top spot for many reasons.
First off, it is ideal for laboratory purposes and performs exceptionally well under that range of 36V. Secondly, you get ten pcs in this deal to cover all of your needs.
This is a single-pole single-throw, SPST switch for making and breaking a single electrical connection to clear the concepts of students in a good way.
Thirdly, this set is safe and visual; you get knife style for stable operation during screw type binding for secure electrical connections.
Lastly, the dimensions of the kit go like 7.5 x 3.5 x 0.9cms. Thus, you get an ideal setting for your laboratory in the form of this package.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Best for laboratory purpose
- Ten pieces to cover your needs
- Good dimensions
- Knife style with screw style combined
Cons
- Limited use
- Construction can be improved
2. 100Amp Disconnect Knife Switch
Now comes the heavy-duty 100Amp Disconnect Knife Switch. It is a 3-pole double throw knife switch that means it is for heavy-duty purposes and is made so well that you can reliably use it.
Moreover, the principal purpose of this switch is to safely disconnect the circuit and make it convenient for you to control it.
Mostly, it goes for 3 phase circuits that are of bulk transmission purpose, and this switch makes life easier in that case.
So, if you are looking for an excellent 3-pole double throw knife safety switch in the mentioned range, then this is your product.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Ideal for 3 phase systems
- Assures safety disconnect
- 100Amp of rating
Cons
- The range can be improved, otherwise no cons in particular
3. American Educational 7-KS-1 Knife Switch
Another right knife switch, single-pole single-throw, is offered by American Educational Products.
What I like about these switches is the purpose; they are solely made for the learning of students and to make sure it is the next level; they assure of the quality.
To top that off, this switch provides great stability while handling visualizing the electrical circuits.
The screw-type binding in these switches is for a secure electrical connection. Thus, you get a good-quality knife switch for your money.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Secure connection with screw connections
- Suitable dimensions of 1 x 1 x 2 inches
- Good price
- Great visualization
Cons
- The robustness can be improved.
4. Tatoko 5 Pcs Single Pole Knife Switch
Here is another deal by Takoto for you that has five unique single-pole knife switches that are great for your classroom and laboratory purposes.
The ideal working range of these switches is under 36V, which is sufficient for your lab experiments that are usually performed under 12V.
The making and breaking of the connection are a lot easier with the SPST system, a single-pole single-throw.
These switches are ideal and safe, along with the secure connection as well, that is, by screw joints.
If you are concerned about the dimensions, they are 7.5 x 3.5 x 0.9cms. I would say that this is quite a good deal for your purpose.
So, go for it if you need 5pcs of knife switches with good quality.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Safe and reliable
- Good quality switches
- Secure connection
- Great for student’s learning
Cons
- Low amount (depends on your need)
5. GSC International 4-91204 Knife Switch
Next on, there is a premium product, GSC International Knife Switch, which is a bit expensive as you have to spend several bucks for a single switch, but it’s worth it.
It is a double-pole double-throw, DPDT type switch and thus provides a good range of connectivity options.
The design is robust, and the material is very good to provide safe and long-lasting results.
The screw-type binding of this switch creates a secure connection. Thus, you can connect your low voltage circuits reliably using it.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Good switch for small projects
- High-quality material
- Robust design
- DPDT
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty purposes
- Expensive
6. Baomain 3 Pole Knife Switch
Next on, Baomain 3 Pole Double Throw Electric Brake Safety Knife Switch is an excellent product for heavy-duty purposes.
Here’s why! This switch can support up to 380V of potential and power of 100Amps.
It is a 3-pole double throw switch to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. The cutter in this switch has an insulated grip on handling safely.
So, the current flow when you push the cutter into the jaw. One thing to make sure about is the range of voltage and your need to make a successful match for your need.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Heavy-duty switch
- Robust design
- Safe and reliable
- Good material
Cons
- No cons in particular
7. BQLZR 32A Knife Switch
The BQLZR 32A double pole double throw knife switch is ideal not only for industrial purposes but for your home appliances as well. You can also use it in converting between the power system and self-generator.
The use of a switch is ideal in the range of a voltage AC 220-380V. The power is also very good, i.e., 32A.
This robust switch will not only make a strong connection but also will draw a bit more current.
While charging batteries using this switch, the process is convenient as you don’t have to get to the battery contacts.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Robust design
- Good capacity
- Provides strong connections
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Not preferred for industrial purpose
- The material can be improved.
8. AC 400V 200A Single Throw Knife Switch
Keep reading as there is a great product ahead! This single throw electric brake open type safety knife switch is an ideal heavy-duty product.
The high-quality material of this switch makes the circuits sturdy and serves for longer.
On the cutter, there is insulation so that you can put your hands on it and safely use it.
When the cutter is pushed into the jaw, the current starts flowing. Thus, it is very easy to control this switch. All in all, you get a good switch with a great outcome.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Heavy-duty product
- Sturdy and suitable
- Value for the money
- Great compatibility
Cons
- No cons in particular
9. YXQ 400V 100Amp Switch
Here comes another heavy-duty option for you by the YXQ store. This is a three-pole double-throw 3DPT switch for great jobs.
Using this switch, you can control your circuits and current flow across them very easily. Thus, once you push the cutter against the jaw, the switch will allow the current to flow.
Moreover, the open closing switches are supplanted by safety switches with all the current-carrying components and contacts within the enclosure.
This product has an anti-rust coating over the components to make it durable.
Along with that, the ABS cover makes the shock anti-electric, stable, and durable. Thus, there is a lot more that you get in this product.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Temperature resisting bottom plate
- Insulation design
- Heavy duty
- Robust design
Cons
- No cons in particular
10. Eisco Labs Knife Switch
Last but not least, the Eisco Labs Knife Switch is a great option for lower power jobs, and thus it is ideal for laboratory and classroom demonstrations.
The double pole double throw system of this switch allows good workability, and the sturdy design and solid construction make it ideal to use.
For good electric connections, they have made the connectors out of brass; thus, you get great results from your experiments with lower losses.
The insulation is also good to keep the whole process safe. Thus, if you need a next-level knife switch for lab purposes, then this is your product; get it!
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Great rugged construction
- Good insulation
- Good material
- Ideal for lab work
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty applications
Buyer’s Guide
If you are a beginner and do not know a lot about these knife switches, you should go through the buyer’s guide before making the final call.
It will clarify further and make it easy to choose for you.
Connector Material
The connector material is important in this scenario. Because as long as the switch is connected and the circuit is complete, the switch should not bother the efficiency.
Thus, look for a good connector material while buying your knife switch.
Anti-Rust Coating
The knife switches are usually open switches, and the material is exposed to the environment.
In this case, you need a switch with a good anti-rust coating over the connectors so that they don’t get worse over time.
Good Insulation
To ensure safety, especially in heavy-duty jobs, insulation is of utmost importance.
To keep it safe, in good knife switches, there is good insulation done over the body and the cutter.
Thus, it would help if you went for those switches that offer good insulation and ensure your safety.
Robust and Ergonomic Design
A robust design works great and lasts longer, while an ergonomic design increases human efficiency over the device.
Both these factors, when combined, give extremely good results. Your knife switch should e durable and reliable as well.
Compatibility
It is important to mention this aspect because you should know what you are looking for. Look for the voltage range, power, and you need.
If you are looking for switches for laboratory purposes, then buy accordingly, and I recommend you buy in bulk. Whereas for industrial and heavy-duty jobs, find accordingly.
Budget
Budget and cost are important whenever you go to buying something.
Make sure you buy something at an affordable price containing all of your desired features in it. That’s a skill and comes gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Knife switches safe?
Due to exposed metal in it, it can be risky to use. But it depends on the construction as well. Good insulation makes it safe.
What are knife switches used for today?
Knife switches are used where visual control is necessary. These are helpful in easy control of circuits, especially safety turn off.
Is a knife switch manually operated?
Yes, knife switches are manually operated to control the circuit.
What knife switch is good for the industry?
The knife switch with great construction and voltage range up to 400V (or 380V) and a good current rating are good for industries. But, check your requirements as well.
Which knife switch goes well for the laboratory?
For laboratory purposes, low-powered and lightweight, simple switches are used.
What is the maximum operating voltage of a knife switch?
A good voltage range for these switches is about 400V. It can vary as well.
Why is insulation important in knife switches?
Metal is usually exposed, so good insulation is of great importance for safety assurance.
Conclusion
I have tried to cover-up all the aspects to ease it down for you. Rest is up to you. You should make the right choice and settle for a well-suited product.
I wish you good luck with the buying phase.
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