How to Reverse a Drum Switch Cutler Hammer

Expand the possibilities of your machine with a drum switch.

Some machine tools, pieces of heavy equipment and woodworking machines have a motor which is able to run in both forward and reverse; however, they are wired to only run in the forward direction. If you wish to make your lathe spin in both directions, you can accomplish this by wiring a drum switch to the lathe. Cutler Hammer drum switches can be installed on single-speed reversible motors, single phase and squirrel cage motors. To move the motor into forward or reverse, you need to turn the lever or knob on the switch.

Instructions

1. Grasp the handle of the drum switch. Cutler Hammer produces drum switches with both lever handles and knob handles. Look where the arrow on the switch is pointing; towards the "F," towards the "R" or straight down the middle.

2. Turn the handle towards the "R" to make the motor run in reverse. The motor will continue to run in reverse until you move the handle again.

3. Turn the handle towards the "F" to make the motor run forward again. The motor will continue running forward until you move the handle.

4. Turn the handle towards the center to stop the motor.

References

• Pacific Parts; Eaton Cutler Hammer Reversing Drum Switches; 2010
• Cutler Hammer: Drum Switch Installation Guide
• Schneider Electric: Type A and B Reversing Drum Switches