ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area 4pdt switch for reversing motor

thanks, i'll try this out.

is a contactor necessary here? the switch is rated 120v. it's a 1/2hp motor.

You need a "motor rated" switch. If your switch is OK for a 15 or 20a inductive load it should work but a lot of these say "resistive load only" or words to that effect. That is why I said a drum switch like the Furnas is a good choice. They will work for years without any problems. You can also get them in 3R enclosures if this is outside.