Posted 3 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
This is another one of my 'industrial electric' collection, an otherwise kinda typical 'gray box disconnect switch' that could be used in many ways in (generally) not household environments, to control a (also generally) larger than usual amount of electricity going to something.
It is made by WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION, their catalog # GF-321N. The box and basic switch mechanisms inside can be configured in different ways at installation depending on the exact need, this one is rated and set for up to 240VAC at 30A single phase to control a motor, and also incorporates a pair of cartridge type fuses. In rough comparison, that amount of BaZAPP would be about what it takes to run a full size electric range or clothes dryer, maybe both if they're small, so it really isn't a *huge* thing as they can be sometimes.
Pic 1 is the front with its WESTINGHOUSE nameplate and big red handle. There's a small catch at the bottom to hold the cover closed that can take a padlock (or wire seal) to secure the box, the handle can also be padlocked in either the ON or OFF position which would prevent the cover from being opened as well. Pic 2 is the backside of the enclosure box. Pic 3 has the cover open showing the paper labels on its inside as well as the (red) fuses and switching mechanisms themselves. The switch is in its OFF position here and in the ON position in pic 4, the switch handle itself is designed with an interlock of sorts which is meant to hold the cover closed unless the switch is OFF, even without any further lock or seal. (though it can be turned ON again without reclosing the door, newer boxes like this don't always let you do that either) I didn't measure the box specifically, its probably about 8" x 10". As to age it isn't one of my 'old ones' by any means, if the same item couldn't be found in the current Westinghouse catalog, parts for it nearly certainly would be.