Main Switches & Rotary Isolator Switches
Main switches and rotary isolator switches provide a safe point of disconnection for consumer units, sub-mains, EV chargers, garage supplies, outdoor circuits and machinery. This range includes DIN-rail main switches, local isolators and rotary isolators for single-phase and three-phase electrical installs.
Use a main isolator switch where the board or circuit needs a clear means of isolation. Use a rotary isolator where local, visible disconnection is required near equipment such as motors, HVAC units, garages, workshops or EV charging points.
Quick answer: A main switch is normally used inside a consumer unit or distribution board to isolate the supply. A rotary isolator switch is usually a standalone local isolator used beside equipment, outdoor supplies, machinery or EV chargers.
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Choose the isolator type based on the supply, current rating, pole configuration, mounting location and whether the device needs to be fitted inside a board or in a separate enclosure. Common options include 32A isolator switches, 100A main switches, 2 pole rotary isolators and 3 phase rotary isolators.
- Main switches – DIN-rail mounted isolation for consumer units and boards
- Rotary isolators – local visible isolation for equipment and outdoor circuits
- Single-phase and three-phase options – choose the correct pole configuration for the supply
- Garage, EV and machinery isolation – suitable for common trade installs
Need isolation between the electricity meter and consumer unit? View our meter isolator switches. For related housings, browse electrical enclosures.
Metal Fuse Switch 100A with 3 × Fuses & SPD (WFMS100/3FSP)
£93.30
The WFMS100/3FSP is a 100A metal switch fuse isolator with SPD, supplied complete with a Type 2 Surge Protection Device and 63A, 80A and 100A cartridge fuse options. It provides fused isolation and surge protection in one compact metal enclosure for installers building compliant EV,...
WRS4P40 – 40A 4 Pole AC Rotary Isolator, IP65
£13.55
The WRS4P40 is a 40A 4 pole AC rotary isolator housed in a durable IP65-rated enclosure. It provides safe and reliable disconnection of single or three-phase AC circuits, isolating all live conductors (L1, L2, L3, N) to ensure compliance with BS 7671 maintenance and emergency...
4 Pole 100A Main Switch (WMS4100)
£9.95
The WMS4100 is a 4 pole 100A main switch designed for safe isolation in three-phase electrical systems. Part of the Whitecliffe WMS range, this device is a DIN rail mounted main switch / isolator for industrial and residential applications. The manufacturer lists the WMS4100 as...
Time Delayed RCD 125A Metal Fuse Switch with 3 × Fuses (WFMSRT00-3F)
£79.95
The WFMSRT00-3F is a 125 A metal fuse switch assembly that integrates a 4-pole time-delayed RCD and three 22 × 58 mm cartridge fuses, offering complete fused isolation, residual current protection, and discrimination for sub-main circuits. Built for demanding environments, it ensures selective fault clearance...
Metal Fuse Switch 4 Pole 125A with 3 Pole Fuseholder (WFMS/3P)
£82.95
The WFMS/3P is a 125 A metal fuse switch assembly combining a 4-pole main switch with a 3-pole 22 × 58 mm fuseholder for robust three-phase circuit isolation and protection. It’s built for commercial and industrial distribution where compliance, accessibility, and reliable disconnection under load...
Main Switches vs Rotary Isolators
Main switches and rotary isolators are both used for isolation, but they usually sit in different parts of the installation. A main switch is typically fitted inside a consumer unit or distribution board. A rotary isolator is usually fitted locally beside the equipment or circuit it serves.
| Product Type | Typical Location | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Main switch | Consumer unit or distribution board | Board isolation and main incoming switching |
| Rotary isolator switch | Near equipment or local circuit position | Machinery, EV chargers, garages, HVAC and outdoor supplies |
| Mains isolator switch | Main supply or sub-main position | Safe disconnection before work or maintenance |
Common Uses for Isolator Switches
An isolator switch gives electricians and maintenance teams a clear point of disconnection before work is carried out. The right device depends on the circuit, current rating, phase type and mounting location.
- Consumer units – main switches for board isolation
- Garage supplies – local isolators for garage boards and outbuildings
- EV chargers – EV isolator switches where local disconnection is required
- Machinery and HVAC – rotary isolators for motors, fans and plant equipment
- Sub-mains – main isolators for secondary distribution circuits
- Outdoor circuits – IP-rated isolators where external mounting is needed
Choosing the Right Rotary Isolator Switch
When choosing a rotary isolator switch, check the current rating, pole configuration, enclosure rating and whether the circuit is single-phase or three-phase. A 32A isolator switch may be suitable for smaller local circuits, while larger loads may need higher-rated devices.
- 32A isolator switches – commonly used for local equipment isolation
- 2 pole rotary isolators – typically used on single-phase supplies
- 3 phase rotary isolators – used on three-phase equipment and commercial supplies
- Outdoor isolator switches – check the IP rating before external installation
- Fused rotary isolators – useful where isolation and fuse protection are required in one unit
Main Isolator Switches for Consumer Units
A main isolator switch is normally fitted as the main incoming switch within a consumer unit or distribution board. It allows the board to be safely isolated before inspection, testing, maintenance or replacement work.
For isolation between the electricity meter and consumer unit, use the dedicated meter isolator switch range rather than a standard board-mounted main switch.
EV, Garage and Outdoor Isolation
Rotary isolators are often specified where a local point of isolation is needed away from the main board. This includes EV charger isolator switches, garage isolator switches, workshop supplies and outdoor equipment.
For EV-specific board protection, browse our EV-ready consumer units, PEN fault detection devices and EV surge protection boards.
Main Switch and Rotary Isolator FAQs
What is a main switch?
A main switch is a switching device used to isolate the supply to a consumer unit or distribution board.
What is a rotary isolator switch?
A rotary isolator switch is a local isolation device with a rotary handle, commonly used beside equipment, machinery, outdoor circuits, EV chargers and garage supplies.
What is the difference between a main switch and an isolator?
A main switch is usually board-mounted. An isolator can be board-mounted or standalone, depending on the circuit and location.
Can I use a rotary isolator for an EV charger?
Yes, a rotary isolator may be used where local isolation is required for an EV charger circuit. The full protection setup should match the charger, circuit design and installation requirements.
What size isolator switch do I need?
The isolator rating should match the supply, load and circuit design. Common options include 32A isolator switches for local circuits and higher-rated switches for main or sub-main isolation.
Do I need a 2 pole or 3 phase rotary isolator?
2 pole isolators are commonly used on single-phase supplies. Three-phase rotary isolators are used for three-phase equipment and distribution circuits.
UK-Stocked Main Switches and Rotary Isolators
Power & Data UK supplies main switches, main isolator switches, rotary isolators and electrical isolation switches for trade installs. Orders over £30 qualify for free UK mainland next-day delivery when placed before 2pm.
For related products, browse our meter isolator switches, electrical enclosures, consumer units and three-phase boards and protection.