Cut Sheet

Descriptive bulletin | FT Flexitest family 9
4.6. Poles
FT-1, FT-1F and FT-1X switches are available in combinations
of 1 to a maximum of 10 individual poles or switch units. FT-14
switches are available in combinations of 1 to a maximum of 14
poles or switch units. Each pole is identified by a letter (A to J or
A to N) visible along the top of the base from left to right (front
view).
Individual pole designations are used to identify each pole ac-
cording to its type or function. In order to develop a complete
Switch Arrangement, pole designations should be listed se-
quentially from left to right to account for every pole position on
the switch. Unused poles are identified by the letter X.
Each individual pole is of a knife blade type. There are two dif-
ferent types of poles, Potential and Current.
For quick, easy, user friendly configuration of flexitest switches,
please visit
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4.6.1. Potential poles
Potential poles (P) are configured as single, non-shorting knife
blades for use in potential, trip, or control circuits. P designates
a potential, trip, or control circuit with a black handle. Potential
poles with other color handles are available by replacing the “P”
with the appropriate designation per chart on page 10.
Each potential pole can also be described with 2 characters
(P1 to P9). P indicates Potential and the second character is a
numeric color code for the switch handle.
4.6.2. Current poles
Current poles are typically configured in sets of two (C-C), for
use with current circuits, and consist of a current test jack, a
shorting spring, a shorting blade, and a non-shorting blade (see
Figure 2) The positions of the short circuit springs are always
visible from the front of the switch.
C designates a single Current circuit, non-shorting pole, with a
current test jack and a black handle. Current poles with other
color handles are available by replacing the “C” with the appro-
priate designation per chart on page 10.
Each current pole can also be described with 2 characters (C1
to C9). C indicates Current and the second character is a nu-
meric color code for the switch handle.
Current poles typically span more than one pole position. Pole
designations C-C, C-C-C, C-C-C-C and C-C-C-C-C indicate
current shorting poles (make-before-break) with black handles.
Note that any color handle may be selected for any pole posi-
tion by using the appropriate pole designation, ex: 5-R or C-9-7
(alternately C5-C2 or C1-C9-C7).
Current test jack
Figure 2. Blade assembly of 2 position pole “C-C”
Shorting blade
Note: Before shorting blade disengages from
jaw, bottom cam on blade is making contact
with shorting spring
Non-shorting blade
Shorting spring