What is a Company Switch?

Company Switches are electrical panels designed to output breaker-protected power from a building’s main power via Cam-Lock connectors to external loads. These electrical panels are designed to provide a safe, fast, and efficient means of connecting and disconnecting power to lighting, sound, or visual equipment used in theaters, arenas, churches, concert halls, and studios.

Company Switches may also be known as Breakered Disconnects, Theatrical Switchboards, Show Power Panels, and Front-of-House Switches.

The purpose of a company switch is to allow technical staff to easily manage power distribution without the need for permanent wiring. This flexibility is essential in environments where setups change frequently, and time is of the essence.

What are Critical Features of a Company Switch?

Roam Company Switches incorporate all the feature listed below.

• Safety Interlocks: These should always use an external handle controlled switch that prevents the power from being engaged while the access door is open to enhance safety. Safety Interlocks are normally not available on Company Switches built with no exterior door or with a breaker handle inside the exterior door. Such panels are only appropriate for rare applications.
• Circuit Protection: Built-in circuit breakers protect against overcurrent, helping to prevent electrical fires and equipment damage.
• Cam-Lock Output Connectors: Female Cam-Lock series-16 connectors are standard for Company Switch to stage cable connections.
• Listed to UL 891: Be careful; some manufacturers build Company Switches that are not UL listed, or are listed to the wrong standard, or only have a breaker component which is UL listed.

What are Optional Features of a Company Switch?

Roam offers all of the options below for its Company Switch line.

• Shunt Trip Disconnect: This module provides a low voltage DC contact linked to the site’s fire alarm system to automatically cut power if the fire alarm goes off. Many local fire codes will require a Shunt Trip Disconnect. Roam considers a Shunt Trip Disconnect to be an important safety feature. We quote it along with all Company Switches, unless expressly declined by the customer.
• Dual Neutral Connectors: An extra Neutral Cam-Lock connection used to provide 200% Neutral for balancing heavy loads.
• Isolated Ground Connection: A second, independent ground that is electrically isolated from the Company Switch to prevent interference in sensitive audio-visual equipment
• Reversed Ground and/or Neutral Connectors: Some Company Switch applications may be configured with a reversed (Male) Ground and/or Neutral Cam-Lock connector depending on user preferences or local electrical codes. As an alternative, Male to Male green and/or white turnaround plugs are sometimes used so that the standard female Ground and Neutral connector can be converted to accept female cable end Cam-Lock plug connectors.
• 100% Breakers: Most circuit breakers in Company Switches have an 80% load rating. What this means is that breaker protects only power a continuous load of not more than 80% of the breakers rated value. (i.e., if a Company Switch has an 80% rated 100A breaker, then the continuous load shouldn’t exceed 80A.) Optionally, you can opt to select a 100% rated 100A breaker which can handle a continuous load of 100A.

What Are Applications for Company Switches?

Company switches are not just for entertainment venues. They can be a critical component of any electrical system that frequently requires temporary power setups, such as:

How Do You Choose the Right Company Switch?

When selecting a company switch, it’s essential to consider:

• Capacity: Ensure that the Company Switch supports Amperage sufficient for total load of all equipment.
• Voltage: Determine what voltage that equipment connected to the Company Switch runs at.
• Power Phase: Single or Three-Phase Power
• Compliance: It should meet all local electrical codes and standards.
• Ease of Use: Look for switches with user-friendly features, such as clearly labeled controls and robust handles for easy operation.
• Short Circuit Rating (SCR): Ensure that you select a breaker that has a high enough rating to not trip on the start up of your equipment. The breaker needs to have a high enough SCR rating to support the full “in-rush” or start up load. This is especially important when powering devices that include motors and/or compressors.

Interested in learning more about how company switches can enhance your venue’s capabilities? Visit Roam Technologies for our line of Company Switches. Roam specializes in advanced power solutions that boost efficiency and safety across various industries.