IEC mechanical position-switch contact: four-directional lever actuated - normally closed with detent

What it represents

A mechanically operated position switch changes its contact state when travel, a cam or a lever reaches the documented operating condition. The actuator mark explains how movement reaches the switch; the electrical contact still has to be read in its stated unoperated position. This entry identifies the four-directional lever actuated - normally closed with detent form in the publisher's IEC-context family.

A moving carriage may operate the switch near the end of travel, or an operator may move a multidirectional lever. Identify the actual direction or target position on the drawing and connect the switch tag to the corresponding mechanical detail. The normally-closed designation starts with a conducting output or closed contact in the documented reference condition; operation changes that state. The detent retains the lever position after actuation; a retained indication and a spring-return position input require different operating logic.

Four operating directions are represented. Identify the direction-to-contact mapping in the mechanical detail rather than assuming one signal applies to every movement. Detents retain an operating position and are different from a spring-return mechanism. The schematic does not supply operating travel, overtravel, contact force or a safety performance level; use the selected switch data for those properties.

How to read it

• The normally-closed designation starts with a conducting output or closed contact in the documented reference condition; operation changes that state.
• The detent retains the lever position after actuation; a retained indication and a spring-return position input require different operating logic.
• Four operating directions are represented. Identify the direction-to-contact mapping in the mechanical detail rather than assuming one signal applies to every movement.
• Detents retain an operating position and are different from a spring-return mechanism. The schematic does not supply operating travel, overtravel, contact force or a safety performance level; use the selected switch data for those properties.

Information to show or reference

• Name the position, movement or event that operates the switch.
• Show whether the mechanism returns or remains in a detent.
• Match terminals and contact state to the mechanical operating detail.

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

About this graphic

This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.

SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 28 October 2026