Reverse forwarding switch, 16A or 32A at 415 V — a manual forward-off-reverse switch that runs a three-phase motor either way, with OFF in the centre.
- Three positions: R (reverse), OFF and F (forward), marked on the top of the switch.
- Reverses a three-phase motor by swapping two of its phases — no rewiring at the motor.
- Rated 16A or 32A at 415 V — pick from the options.
- OFF sits between forward and reverse — let the motor stop there before changing direction.
- Lever handle on top, easy to reach at the machine.
- Suits lathes, hoists, winches, mixers, conveyors and other machines that run both ways.
- A switch only — use it with a fuse or MCB and motor overload protection.
A reverse forwarding switch (forward-reverse switch, reversing or drum switch) changes the direction of a three-phase motor by hand. In F the motor gets its three phases in the normal order; in R two of the phases are swapped, which reverses the rotating field and so the direction of the motor. OFF, in the centre, switches the motor off.
It is a manual control switch, not a starter or a breaker: it gives no overload or short-circuit protection. Use it after a fuse or MCB and an overload relay, motor starter or motor protection circuit breaker sized for the motor.
Ratings in this listing: 16A and 32A at 415 V. Pick a rating comfortably above the full-load current on the motor nameplate.
Where it is commonly used
- Lathes, drilling and threading machines that need both directions.
- Hoists, winches and material lifts.
- Concrete mixers, conveyors and agitators.
- Three-phase gate and rolling-shutter motors.
How to install
- Switch off and isolate the three-phase supply before working.
- Fix the switch near the machine, where the operator can see the machine while switching.
- Connect the supply and the motor leads as marked on the switch, with a fuse or MCB and overload protection ahead of it.
- Test: in F the motor must turn in the forward direction; if it turns the wrong way, isolate and swap any two supply phases.
Electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician. Always let the motor stop completely in OFF before selecting the other direction.
Frequently asked questions
- How does a reverse forwarding switch work?
- In F it feeds the motor its three phases in the normal order; in R it swaps two of them, which reverses the motor. OFF, in the centre, switches the motor off.
- Can I switch straight from forward to reverse?
- No. Stop in OFF and wait until the motor has stopped. Reversing a running motor draws a very large current, jerks the motor, gearbox and machine, and burns the switch contacts.
- 16A or 32A — which do I need?
- Choose a rating comfortably above the full-load current on the motor nameplate. If the motor runs close to 16A, starts under heavy load or is reversed often, choose 32A.
- Does it protect the motor?
- No. It is a switch only. Use a fuse or MCB for short-circuit protection and an overload relay, motor starter or motor protection circuit breaker for overload protection.
- Can it be used on a single-phase motor?
- It is listed for 415 V three-phase motors. Single-phase motors are reversed differently, through their starting winding, so check with your electrician first.
Buy reverse forwarding switches online from Electric Market, Chennai. For workshops, machine builders and bulk orders, contact us for a quote.