Lasnek stainless steel rotary isolators: red and yellow or black handle?

Lasnek manufactures and range of plain or slope top stainless steel enclosures specifically for housing these disconnect switches.

While there is a plethora of different switch manufacturers, Lasnek provides a number of different enclosure options, designed around the fitment of either an Easton or Allen-Bradley switch.

While switch selection is typically focused on current / power and number of poles, one consideration which can be easily overlooked is what colour the handle should be? As with most manufacturers, both Eaton or Allen-Bradley are available with options of either a red or yellow rotary handle or a black. So, what determines this colour?

According to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Edition 2.2 - October 2019, it refers to the Harmonised standard EN 60204-1:2018 which states in clause 5.3.4 "Where the external operating means is not intended for emergency operations - it is recommended that it be coloured BLACK or GREY".

In the same directive Clause 10.2.1 it states, "The colour RED shall be used for emergency stop and emergency switching off actuators (including supply disconnecting devices where it is foreseen that they are for use in an emergency)".

In summary, if the rotary isolator does not form any part of the emergency stop circuit and is for isolation purposes only, it should be identifiable as black / grey. If the isolator is intended to be used as part of an emergency stop circuit, then this should be identifiable with a red handle on a yellow background.

It is therefore the responsibility of the installer to identify the correct function and specify the appropriate colour handle at time of order. Lasnek has inventory of both colour types and can provide pricing for any sizes and stainless steel box configuration up to 160A.