# Selector Switch Symbol: Positions & Contacts > Read a selector switch symbol, count the drawn positions, and separate a maintained selector from a momentary button or a plain switch. Canonical: https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/selector-switch-symbol/ Language: en JSON: https://elect-learn.org/en/guides/selector-switch-symbol/index.json Page updated: 2026-10-29 First published: 2026-10-29 Maintained by: Elect Learn (https://elect-learn.org) Review status: No independent professional review is recorded. Cited sources do not imply review or endorsement by those organizations. Review policy: https://elect-learn.org/en/methodology/ Learning reference only: electrical codes, permits, inspection bodies, and licensing rules differ by region. This course is not a substitute for local code, licensed training, permits, or authority requirements. Before any hands-on work, de-energize, verify absence of voltage, and follow local regulators/AHJ and employer procedures. ## 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 ![Teaching selector-switch symbol: a common terminal with a wiper drawn toward one of several selectable contacts.](https://elect-learn.org/images/reference/selector-switch.svg) A teaching selector switch with one common and multiple positions. The legend and switch schedule define the real positions, contacts and action. ## 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 A selector-switch symbol shows one common and three positions, and the schedule adds “spring return”. What does that support? It supports a three-position selector with spring-return action in that document. It does not establish pole count, ratings, terminal numbers, the present field position or a safe work condition; those require the schedule, datasheet and approved verification. ## 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]()