Please wait...
Please wait...

FT Switch Configuration


The FT-1 Configurator allows you to configure your own Flexitest Switch from the ground up. It also allows you to verify existing test switches by either Style Number (Part No.) or Code Number. The information on this page is a guide to assist you in making selections on the Configurator page. Just click above on the feature you would like to see more information on.

Switch Types:

  • FT-1  - Standard 10 pole, rear connected, stand alone test switch.

  • FT-1 for FT-19R application - 10 pole switch designed for rack mounting on   FT-19R panels.

  • FT-1F  - Surface mount FT-1 with terminal connections on the front of the switch.

  • FT-1X  - Extended length test switch with rear terminals approximately 10" beyond the front switch blades

  • FT-14  - Same as FT-1 but with a maximum of 14 individual poles.

Back to Top


 Base Selections:

  • The base of all Flexitest Switches is made of a molded polycarbonate material which provides a tough, insulated enclosure. Barriers are molded into the base (front and rear) to isolate switch units from one another.

  • FT-1 Stand Alone  - Standard 10 pole switch.

  • FT-1 for FT-19R Application - Replacement 10 pole switches for rack mounted FT-19R panels. Terminals can be standard depth (FT-1) or extended depth (FT-1X).

  • FT-1F Front Connected  - Surface mount 10 pole switch with terminal connections in front.

  • FT-14  - 14 Pole switch supplies 4 additional poles with a slightly larger base than FT-1.

Back to Top

  Pole Selections:


Individual switch units located on the front of the switch are the Poles. They consist of a switch jaw (along the top) and a switch blade (along the bottom) which opens and closes. In the closed position, the knife type switch blades are fully engaged into the jaws. Each pole is identified by the letters A to J (FT-1) or A to N (FT-14) visible along the top of the base from left to right (front view).

Essentially, there are 2 different types of poles - Potential ( P ) and Current ( C ).

  • P represents a single, non-shorting Potential pole for use in potential, trip, or control circuits.

  • C-C Represents Current poles for use with current circuits, providing the necessary MAKE-before-BREAK short-circuit functionality. Although typically configured in sets of two (C-C), they can also span up to 5 positions (C-C-C-C-C). The shorting spring, represented by the "dash" travels the length of the C-C... configuration and is always visible from the front of the switch.

  • Let's break C-C... down pole by pole: When a Pole designated C- or -C- is opene

     d, that switch blade will "make" contact or short to the shorting spring under it (connected to its corresponding -C pole) before it disengages or "breaks" from the jaw.

  • Let's look at variations of pole -C (the pole where the shorting spring is connected)

  • -C is the standard configuration for current shorting poles. It has a shorting spring, a current test jack and a standard switch blade.

  • -D has a shorting spring, a current test jack, no switch blade.

  • -A has a shorting spring, standard blade, no current test jack.

  • -E has a shorting spring, make-before-break blade, no current test jack.

  • -S has a shorting spring and a fixed strap.

  • -B has a shorting spring, no current jack, no switch blade.

Other pole configurations beside P and C-C...

  • C is a single current pole with a standard blade and a current test jack.

  • D is a single current pole with a current test jack but without a blade.

  • S is a fixed strap.

  • X designates an empty pole position.

Back to Top


Handle Colors

Color-coded handles can be assigned at the user's discretion to any pole. Available colors are:

  • 1 - Black

  • 2 - Red

  • 4 - Purple

  • 5 - Green

  • 6 - Yellow

  • 7 - Blue

  • 8 - White

  • 9 - Orange

Identification Card Holder - Each handle has a dovetail indentation that can hold a circuit identification card.

Interlocking Bars - Knife blade switches can be operated independently, or ganged together with a horizontal interlocking bar, to suit testing needs. A hole runs through the middle of each switch handle to allow insertion of interlocking bars that can mechanically tie 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or 14 switch handles together.
Interlocking Bars are sold separately, see Accessories Section in DB 41-077.

Back to Top


 Options

Cover  - Flexitest Switch covers provide a tough insulated enclosure for the switch. Covers are fastened with thumbnuts that can be loosened / tightened by hand, or with a 1/4” nut driver.

  • Black cover comes standard with all FT-1, clear cover is optional.

  • Clear cover comes standard with all FT-14, black cover is optional.

  • Replacement switches for FT-19R panels come without a cover .

  • Black and clear covers are available as replacement parts.

Clear cover - allows the user to see at a glance if the switch blades are opened or closed.

Black cover - with cover in place all switch blades must be in closed position.

Meter seal - With either the black or clear cover in place, a meter-type lead seal can be placed through either one of the switch mounting studs. This deters unauthorized access to the switch.

Back to Top