Westhomes Electric WH1-80 2P Switch Disconnector

A 2P (two-pole) switch disconnector opens both the live (phase) and neutral conductors of a single-phase circuit together, providing load-break switching plus a clear isolating gap. The WH1-80 2P is used in single-phase installations where both conductors need to be disconnected for safe isolation. It is modular, DIN-rail mountable, and rated to IEC 60947-3.

Opening both phase and neutral ensures that neither conductor can feed downstream equipment when the switch is off, which is important in TT/IT earthing systems or where neutral potential could otherwise remain on the load. It also prevents shock risk from a reverse-fed or back-fed neutral. However, switching the neutral is not always required—check local wiring rules, as some systems switch the phase only and keep neutral continuous.

The 80A is the rated current (In) the device can carry and switch continuously on a single-phase circuit (commonly 230 V AC). It is a current-carrying and load-break rating, not a trip rating. Because the WH1-80 has no automatic overcurrent trip, an upstream MCB, RCBO, or fuse must protect the cables and load against overload and short circuit.

Yes. As a switch disconnector, the WH1-80 2P is load-break rated to IEC 60947-3, so it can be used to switch normal operating loads on and off. Its exact switching capacity depends on the utilization category (AC-21 resistive, AC-22 mixed). It is not designed for frequent, repeated switching cycles like a contactor, so treat it as a service/maintenance switch rather than an operating control.

It clips onto a standard 35 mm DIN rail inside a consumer unit or distribution enclosure. This makes it easy to install alongside MCBs, RCCBs, and RCBOs. Allow correct spacing and cooling for 80A, and ensure the enclosure's ingress protection and busbar rating suit the installation.

Connect the incoming phase and neutral to the line terminals (IN) and the outgoing phase and neutral to the load terminals (OUT), observing the correct phase/neutral identification on each pole. Use 80A-rated conductors and torque the terminals to specification. Because neutral is switched, verify the downstream earthing system and confirm that appliances requiring a permanently referenced neutral are not affected by opening it.

Yes. The handle can be padlocked in the OFF position so the circuit cannot be re-energized during work. This makes it suitable as a dedicated isolation switch. Always prove the circuit is dead with a test instrument after switching off and applying the lock.

The WH1-80 2P is commonly used as the main switch of a single-phase domestic or light-commercial distribution board, as the isolator for a high-power single-phase load (e.g., an oven, shower, air conditioner, or EV supply), or as a local service disconnect. In each case it provides a manual isolation point, while downstream protective devices handle fault protection.

An MCB automatically disconnects on overload or short circuit; a switch disconnector provides manual, positive, load-break isolation with a visible gap and LOTO facility. The MCB protects the circuit; the disconnector safely isolates it for work. They are complementary—do not use the WH1-80 as overcurrent protection or rely on an MCB as a lockable isolator.

The WH1-80 2P is manufactured to IEC 60947-3. Keep terminals tight, exercise the handle periodically, and inspect contacts during routine testing. During installation and periodic inspection, verify the double-pole isolating gap and that both phase and neutral open together.