Selector Switch Symbol: Positions & Contacts

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• Read a selector switch symbol, count the drawn positions, and separate a maintained selector from a momentary button or a plain switch.
• Original symbol illustrations, a reading check and feedback for learning.

What does this symbol mean?

A selector switch symbol shows a common terminal and a wiper that can be set to one of several drawn positions. Each fixed contact represents a selectable position, so the symbol tells you how many positions the drafter drew and which one is shown as selected.

The symbol does not show the number of poles, contact arrangement, maintained or spring-return action, or the legend lettering used for each position. Those come from the switch schedule, the legend and the device datasheet, not from the shape alone.

See the symbol

How to read it in context

1. Find the device tag and the switch schedule entry, then count the drawn positions and note which one the wiper points to.
2. Check the legend for the position lettering and any note about maintained or spring-return action.
3. Separate the common terminal from the selectable contacts before tracing which circuit each position energises.
4. Confirm poles, ratings and terminal numbers from the datasheet; the drawn position is documentation, not the switch's present field position.

Common look-alikes and mistakes

• A selector switch, a push button and a plain switch can share a similar contact drawing; the number of drawn positions and the action note separate them.
• More drawn positions do not imply more poles; positions and poles are independent properties.
• A spring-return selector returns to its home position when released; a maintained selector stays. The symbol alone does not prove which one it is.
• The symbol does not establish isolation, absence of voltage or a safe work condition.

Try the symbol-reading check

Standards, sources and related symbols

These are independently drawn teaching diagrams. They help you read a drawing, but the project legend, applicable standard and equipment documentation control the actual meaning. Editorial source check: 29 October 2026.

• IEC 60617 — graphical symbols for diagrams
• IEC 60617 — graphical symbols for diagrams
• US Department of Energy — Engineering Symbology, Prints, and Drawings
• Switch Symbol in Electrical Schematics & Floor Plans
• Push Button Symbol: NO, NC & Momentary Contacts
• Contactor Symbol: Coil, Main Contacts & Control
• Electrical Drawing Symbols: 4 Core Diagram Types
• Content responsibility and review status