16 Load Switch Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for load switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 16 load switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked load switch companies as of November, 2024: 1.ITALWEBER S.p.A., 2.Vacem Electrical Co, Ltd, 3.SGMICRO.
Table of Contents
Engaged in research on nitride semiconductor growth using the MBE method at Waseda University Graduate School. After graduating from graduate school in 2016, he joined a non-ferrous metal manufacturer.
Engaged in equipment maintenance and engineering work at metal smelting plants. Moved to a chemical manufacturer in 2022. Engaging in similar tasks.
What Is a Load Switch?
A load switch is a device designed to either open or close an electric circuit carrying a load current. Typically, it refers to a product used for controlling high-voltage AC load currents.
Moreover, Load Break Switch (LBS) is often included in this category. Devices responsible for opening and closing circuits in high-voltage electrical lines encompass disconnectors, circuit breakers, and load switches.
A disconnector is a device that cannot interrupt the load current and is primarily used for safety control during maintenance tasks. On the other hand, a circuit breaker is capable of interrupting both load currents and fault currents during short circuits, and it finds extensive use in main power receiving equipment and power distribution systems.
A load switch can control load currents but cannot interrupt high-current short-circuit events. Generally, load switches are combined with current-limiting fuses to safeguard upper circuits against accidental overcurrents.
Applications of Load Switches
Load switches are widely deployed in high-voltage transmission and distribution circuits. Here are some examples of load switch applications:
- Connecting lines for commercial facilities supplied with high-voltage power
- Located upstream of transformers that step down high voltage to low voltage
- Located upstream of high-voltage phase advance capacitors
- Located upstream of high-voltage motors
The first type is often installed on utility poles, and it utilizes air-load switches. The second and third types are frequently situated inside cubicles, where LBS is employed. The fourth type is typically found in factories and infrastructure facilities and utilizes vacuum electromagnetic switches. The fifth type is generally installed in factories and employs vacuum electromagnetic switches.
Principle of Load Switches
A typical load switch, such as LBS, comprises a main contact, an operating mechanism, and a current-limiting fuse.
1. Main Contact
The main contact is a metal component that allows the flow of electric current. In LBS, the main contact often consists of a blade and a blade holder. It becomes energized when the blade is inserted into the holder.
Interrupting the load current in a high-voltage circuit can lead to an arc discharge phenomenon. This involves electrical discharge through tiny airborne metal particles, which can break down air insulation. To prevent extended arc discharge, an arc chute is frequently installed in the blade receptacle of LBS.
2. Operating Mechanism
The operating mechanism is a structural component responsible for opening and closing operations. The simplest design consists of an operating handle attached to the blade, which is opened and closed using an operating rod made of insulating material. Electrically operated LBSs are also available for those requiring interlocks and other features.
3. Current-Limiting Fuse
Current-limiting fuses are components installed to interrupt a circuit in the event of a short circuit in the downstream wiring. Inside the fuse, there is a fuse element and silica sand. In the event of a short circuit, the fuse element breaks, and the silica sand extinguishes the arc, providing protection.
Strictly speaking, current-limiting fuses are not part of the load switches, as they can interrupt fault currents, but they are typically installed together.
Types of Load Switches
While load switches commonly refer to LBSs, there are other types, including air load switches and vacuum load switches.
1. Air Load Switches
Air-load switches are employed to switch the load on and off in high-voltage circuits and are also known as PAS (Pole Air Switches). They are often installed at the point where transmission and distribution companies connect with customers.
Since PAS itself does not provide overload or ground fault protection, it is frequently combined with an SOG (Storage Over Current Ground).
2. Vacuum Load Switches
Vacuum load switches utilize a vacuum to extinguish arcs around the contacts. They are often equipped with a current-limiting fuse and are also referred to as high-voltage combination units or VCS (Vacuum Circuit Switches).
The principle is similar to that of vacuum circuit breakers, and many products are operated by electromagnetic coils. Even with frequent load current switching, arcing is unlikely due to this principle, and the fuse melts faster than typical circuit breakers.
List of 16 Load Switch Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- China
- Finland
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
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Nexperia B.V.
Load switches
Manufacturer Overview
Nexperia is based in the Netherlands and is a designer, manufacturer, and global supplier of semiconductors. Their stock includes Bipolar Transistors, Diodes, MOSFETs, GaN FETs, and various ICs that are used as basic components in electronic systems and devices and have multiple applications. These parts are supplied to the automotive, computing, power, and electronic industries as parts of a system or as essential tools for various gadgets and devices. They are also used by manufacturers of consumer appliances such as smartphones, batteries, aerial vehicles, fire detectors, and more.
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ITALWEBER S.p.A.
Modular switch disconnectors
Manufacturer Overview
Italweber S.p.A., founded in 1960, is an Italian manufacturer based in Assago, Milan, providing electrical fuses and components. The company's product portfolio includes over 5,000 fuses and fuse holders tailored for low and medium-voltage applications, including those for photovoltaic (PV) systems. It also develops specialized fuses and fuse holders for various sectors such as automotive, railway, and telecommunications. The company further offers motor-protective circuit breakers, modular boxes for switchboards and industrial plants, as well as copper bars and related accessories.
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Vacem Electrical Co, Ltd
Load Break Switch
Manufacturer Overview
Vacem Electrical Co. Ltd., founded in 1994 and headquartered in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, is a vacuum electrical component and equipment designer and manufacturer. The company's products include vacuum circuit breakers, vacuum contactors, and vacuum isolating switches. These products are used in the control and protection of medium-voltage electrical supply facilities for industries that include industrial processing, manufacturing, and mining, as well as for power supply substations. The company also offers original equipment manufacturing and supply chain management services.
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KATKO
LOAD BREAK SWITCHES
Manufacturer Overview
KATKO founded in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, in 1938, is a manufacturer of switches and other electric products. The company offers products including load break switches, isolators, connectors, and switch fuses. It also manufactures custom products for critical locations. Its products are sold in 60 countries on all continents. The company is a member of the Finland Chamber of Commerce. Its LoadSafe industrial switches have been awarded the Red Dot (2021) Product Design award.
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Ensto
switch disconnector
Manufacturer Overview
Ensto, established in 1958 in Finland, is a manufacturer of electrical systems for electricity distribution networks, marine as well as electric traffic. The company specializes in providing unique electrical solutions for various industries. Their product portfolio includes electrical enclosures, cable management systems, and electric vehicle charging solutions. These products find diverse applications in industries such as construction, energy, and transportation, offering adaptive and sustainable electrical infrastructure. The benefits of their solutions include enhanced safety, improved energy efficiency, and seamless integration with modern technologies.
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Hitachi, Ltd.
Switches & Breakers
Manufacturer Overview
Hitachi, Ltd was established in 2002 and headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo is a manufacturer of industrial electrical equipment and system solutions. The company offers an extensive and diversified product portfolio including industrial drive systems, power electronics, energy-related equipment, power distribution systems, and various other industrial solutions. These products serve as integral components that drive advancements in industrial capabilities across diverse sectors by playing a pivotal role in promoting energy conservation and storage, automating robot systems in large factories, enabling smarter manufacturing through digital solutions, and facilitating efficient transportation within industrial facilities.
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SGMICRO
Load Switches
Manufacturer Overview
SG Micro, established in 2007, and based in Beijing, China, is a manufacturer of analog integrated circuits (ICs). The company designs and markets different products including motor drivers, digital to analogue converter (DAC), temperature sensors, load switches and gate drivers which are used in automotive, wireless communication, and electronics industries. It has 30 product families and 4600 part numbers that are used by over 5000 customers. In addition, the company uses the QA system technology to ensure that its products meet the required standards.
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Jiangsu Runic Technology Co., Ltd
Load Switches
Manufacturer Overview
Jiangsu Runic Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2014 and headquartered in Wuxi, China, is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in the production of general-purpose and high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs. The company aims for R&D in new energy, automotive electronics, IOT sensors, medical electronics, and consumer electronics. The company's product portfolio includes analog switches, data converters, level shifters, little logic ICs, voltage references, and more. These products serve a diverse array of industries, including consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets.
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NXP Semiconductors
Load Switches
Manufacturer Overview
NXP was established in 2006 as a spinoff from Phillips and is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The company is a co-founder of NFC communication and designs and manufactures semiconductors that serve the automotive, industrial, mobile, and smart home industries. The company’s automotive products include driver assistance transceivers, sensors, and security systems. For industrial markets, the company produces RFID readers, processors, and microcontrollers. For communication infrastructure, the company produces RF mixers, diodes, and low-noise amplifiers for wireless LAN networks. The company also produces peripherals, power management chips, communications chips, and interface devices.
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Renesas Electronics Corporation.
Load Switches
Manufacturer Overview
Renesas Electronics Corporation was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Renesas is a global research, design, and manufacturer of semiconductors used in industries spanning automotive, consumer electronics, the internet of things, power & energy, and industrial sectors. Renesas manufactures both analog and digital products. Analog products include amplifiers, audio & video devices, data converters, PLC, and switches & multiplexers. Digital products include microcontrollers, memory components, sensors, wireless connectivity products, and others. Renesas also offers design resources such as kits, development tools, partner programs, and design tools.
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Wuxi ETEK Micro-Electronics Co.,Ltd.
Load Switches
Company Overview
Wuxi Etek Micro-Electronics Co., Ltd., established in 2002 and based in Wuxi, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of a large assortment of power management chips. The company's range of products includes power IC, signal & sense IC, and display & LED drivers. The products are marketed to world-class companies such as Samsung, LG, and Haier. Its products can be used for various applications, including wireless charging interfaces, mix switches, dual-rail LDO, and load switches.
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Wayon Electronics Co.,Ltd.
Load Switches
Company Overview
Wayon Electronics Co., Ltd., established in 1999 and based in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of a large array of electronic circuit protection solutions and associated products. The company's range of products includes circuit protection products and power control products. The variants of its circuit protection products, copper straps, provide dual protection for over-current and over-temperature generated after the motor stalling. Its products can be used for various applications, including networking communications, the Internet of Things, and consumer electronics.
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Trex Semiconductor
Load Switches
Company Overview
Trex Semiconductor is a developer and manufacturer of integrated circuit (IC) products that was established in Tokyo, Japan, in 1995. The company offers voltage regulator ICs for providing stable voltage output from variable input voltage, DC/DC converter ICs for power management applications, and hall ICs for detecting magnetic fields and outputting digital signals. It also offers design and production services for custom orders or unique projects. The company mainly serves client OEMs in the automotive, consumer electronics, and power distribution industries.
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Rockwell Automation
IEC Load Switches
Company Overview
Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwakee, WI. Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions around the world. Rockwell Automation operates through their intelligent devices, software & control, and lifecycle services segments with both hardware and software products and services. The Intelligent Devices segment offers drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products. The Software & Control segment provides control and visualization software and hardware, information software, and network and security infrastructure solutions. The Lifecycle Services segment provides consulting, professional services and solutions, and connected and maintenance services through independent distributors.
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Haydon Kerk Pittman
High Electrical Load Switches
Company Overview
AMETEK, Inc., headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut, and founded in 1930, is a supplier and manufacturer of advanced linear and rotary solutions. The company offers a product portfolio, including multi-axis motion systems, linear rail systems, and lead screw and nuts assemblies. These solutions find applications in various fields, such as playing a key role in purge and trap analysis for gas chromatography sample preparation, ensuring the precise and accurate delivery of dyes and agents in contrast injector systems, and contributing to dialysis pump applications with linear stepper actuators.
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shengyuic
Load switches
Company Overview
Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Ltd., founded in 2008 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is an electric component distributor that is ISO 9001 certified. The company stocks several components, including switches, capacitors, and resistors, which it sources from multiple manufacturers like Seiko Instruments, Inc., Renesas Electronics America, and Nuvoton Technology Corporation America. Depending on the size and configuration of the customer’s components, the company provides a full range of packaging services. It accepts single or multiple-part quotations, and its website allows customers to search hundreds of products ranging from ICs to computer accessories.
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Load Switch Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ITALWEBER S.p.A. |
17.6%
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| 2 | Vacem Electrical Co, Ltd |
11.8%
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| 3 | SGMICRO |
11.8%
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| 4 | Jiangsu Runic Technology Co., Ltd |
11.8%
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| 5 | NXP Semiconductors |
11.8%
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| 6 | Wuxi ETEK Micro-Electronics Co.,Ltd. |
5.9%
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| 7 | Wayon Electronics Co.,Ltd. |
5.9%
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| 8 | Ensto |
5.9%
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| 9 | Nexperia B.V. |
5.9%
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| 10 | Trex Semiconductor |
5.9%
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Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the load switch page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Hitachi, Ltd.: 29,485
- Renesas Electronics Corporation.: 21,017
- SGMICRO: 1,200
Newly Established Company
- Jiangsu Runic Technology Co., Ltd: 2014 (10 years ago)
- Wuxi ETEK Micro-Electronics Co.,Ltd.: 2002 (22 years ago)
- Renesas Electronics Corporation.: 2002 (22 years ago)
Company with a History
- NXP Semiconductors: 1891 (133 years ago)
- Hitachi, Ltd.: 1910 (114 years ago)
- KATKO: 1938 (86 years ago)
Global Distribution of Load Switch Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
China
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5 | 38.5% |
Japan
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3 | 23.1% |
Netherlands
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2 | 15.4% |
Finland
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2 | 15.4% |
Italy
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1 | 7.7% |
