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Compact universal rotary cam switch for panel mounting, single-hole mounting, key-lock operation, and padlock handle assemblies. Use LW42 for control panels that need clear position switching with configurable contact stages.

LW42 covers three current classes and several front operation formats. It sits alongside the LW28 rotary cam switch family, but focuses on compact 20A to 32A assemblies for control cabinets, small machinery panels, HVAC control boxes, and operator stations where space and handle format matter.
Use this page when the project needs a compact universal changeover switch rather than a high-current cam switch. If the duty is closer to main circuit isolation or red-yellow safety disconnect operation, compare the related SH30 load isolator switches before final selection.
Use these ratings as the first sizing filter, then confirm utilization category, contact program, installation depth, and certification market before quotation. LW42 is normally selected by AC switching duty and handle structure, not by thermal current alone.
| Model | Ith A | Ue V | AC-23A Ie A | AC-3 Ie A | Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW42-20 | 20 | 440 | 15 | 11 | Mechanical 0.3 x 10^6 cycles; electrical 0.05 x 10^6 cycles; operating frequency 120 times/hour. |
| LW42-25 | 25 | 440 | 20 | 15 | Mechanical 0.3 x 10^6 cycles; electrical 0.05 x 10^6 cycles; operating frequency 120 times/hour. |
| LW42-32 | 32 | 440 | 25 | 18 | Mechanical 0.3 x 10^6 cycles; electrical 0.05 x 10^6 cycles; operating frequency 120 times/hour. |
Ith = conventional thermal current. Ue = rated operational voltage. Use the AC-23A or AC-3 value when sizing for motor or inductive load switching. For simple resistive or mixed loads, state whether the project uses AC-21A, AC-22A, or AC-23A duty so the contact program can be checked against the real load profile.
For standards review, compare the switch application against IEC 60947-3. For North American panels, state whether UL 508 documentation or label confirmation is required; certification availability must be confirmed by model, handle format, and target market.
Use the installation format and dimension table before confirming panel cutout, shaft depth, handle style, and operator access. The same electrical class can behave very differently in a cabinet layout depending on whether the switch is front-panel operated, single-hole mounted, key controlled, or lockable for maintenance procedures.




| Installation | Model | A | B | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel mounting | LW42-20 | 52 | 52 | 37 + 9.5n |
| Panel mounting | LW42-25 / LW42-32 | 61 | 54.5 | 38 + 11.5n |
| Single-hole mounting | LW42-20 | 52 | 52 | 57 + 9.5n |
| Single-hole mounting | LW42-25 / LW42-32 | 61 | 54.5 | 58 + 11.5n |
| Key-lock mounting | LW42-20 | 52 | 52 | 37 + 9.5n |
| Key-lock mounting | LW42-25 / LW42-32 | 61 | 54.5 | 38 + 11.5n |
| Padlock mounting | LW42-20 | 65 | 65 | 37 + 9.5n |
| Padlock mounting | LW42-25 / LW42-32 | 65 | 65 | 38 + 11.5n |
Unit: mm. n = number of contact system stages. Confirm the final installation drawing before production because additional stages increase the switch depth and can affect wire bend radius, terminal access, and enclosure clearance. If your panel already has a fixed cutout, send the opening size and available rear depth with the inquiry. This helps Shieldhz confirm whether the chosen handle, contact stack, and terminal access remain practical before a sample is built.
Select LW42-20, LW42-25, or LW42-32 according to operating current and required AC-23A or AC-3 duty. Do not size from Ith alone when the switch controls a motor, transformer, or other inductive load.
Choose panel mounting, single-hole mounting, key-lock mounting, or padlock mounting according to cabinet design. Include front plate size, 22.3 mm single-hole requirement where applicable, handle color, key requirement, and available rear depth.
For D0414, 9C04, D0081, C04, GSC, or other contact sequences, share the wiring diagram and target handle positions. Catalogue examples include LW42-20/D0414/2, LW42-20/9C04/2, LW42-20/D0081/1/OMI, LW42-20/C04/2/S, and LW42-20/D0414/2GSC. Position labels should match the final panel legend.
Ask for datasheets, drawings, certificates, sample quantity, MOQ, and lead time before batch production. For broader product routing, return to the rotary cam switches category page.
LW42 is usually selected by contact program and installation structure, not only by current rating. For OEM projects, provide target panel layout, handle legend, position count, and wiring sequence so the switch program can be confirmed before quotation. Shieldhz can then check the contact stage count, handle option, terminal arrangement, and document package before samples or batch production. For drawings, datasheets, and certificate routing, use the Shieldhz resources page or send the exact model requirement through contact sales.

LW42 is best suited to compact control panels that need defined rotary positions, repeatable switching logic, and a front interface that is easier to read than a small toggle or push button group. The series is commonly used when the load is moderate but the switching sequence still needs a cam-programmed contact arrangement.
Use LW42 for AUTO-MANUAL, LOCAL-REMOTE, phase selection, and small source transfer functions where the operator needs a clear handle position. For higher current or larger contact programs, compare the LW28 series.
For pumps, fans, conveyors, and compact machinery, LW42 can switch control circuits or moderate AC loads when the AC-23A or AC-3 rating matches the real duty. Share motor power, voltage, and switching frequency before selecting the final contact program.
Key-lock and padlock handle formats help restrict unauthorized operation or keep the OFF position controlled during service work. They do not replace the full safety assessment for a machine, but they give panel builders a practical hardware option for controlled switching.
The catalogue page lists LW42-20, LW42-25, and LW42-32 with conventional thermal currents of 20A, 25A, and 32A. The rated operational voltage is 440V AC. Use the table as a starting point, then confirm the real switching duty, contact program, and installation format before ordering.
Use the AC-23A or AC-3 line according to switching duty. AC-23A values are 15A, 20A, and 25A for LW42-20, LW42-25, and LW42-32 respectively. If the load is mixed or highly inductive, share the motor power and switching frequency so the engineering team can check whether LW42 or a larger series is more suitable.
n is the number of contact system stages. The final depth increases with contact stage count, so cabinet clearance must be confirmed against the final contact program. This is important for compact enclosures because terminal access and wire bend radius can become the limiting factors.
Yes. The catalogue shows key-lock mounting and padlock mounting formats. Specify whether the project needs key removal positions, lockable OFF position, a red-yellow safety handle, or a standard black handle with position markings.
For low-voltage rotary switch applications, IEC 60947-3 is the main standards context to confirm. For North American panels, tell Shieldhz whether UL 508 documentation or model-level label confirmation is required. Do not assume every handle or contact variant carries the same certification package.
Yes. Request the datasheet, installation drawing, certificate copy, and sample plan before a batch order. Include quantity, target market, panel cutout, contact program, handle legend, and delivery schedule so the quotation includes the correct document package and lead time.
Send model class, current, voltage, installation type, contact program, handle marking, number of stages, quantity, and target certification requirement. A wiring diagram is preferred because it lets Shieldhz confirm the contact sequence before pricing and reduces the risk of ordering the wrong switch program.

Share current class, mounting format, contact program, handle requirement, quantity, certificate market, and delivery schedule. Shieldhz will confirm the LW42 model code, drawings, sample route, and batch lead time.
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