Disconnect Switch Accessories
Sprecher + Schuh switch handle assemblies are the operator half of an L7 motor disconnect or L2 cam switch: the handle, legend, and fixing plate that mount on the panel or enclosure door and drive the switch shaft. An L7 disconnect is ordered as two catalog numbers, a switch body and a switch handle assembly, so the handle determines the enclosure rating, lockout capability, color coding, and legend at the operator position. Automation Distribution carries the full LFS screw-fixing and LFC central-nut handle lines, plus Type R door-interlocking handles for LA7 base-mount switches.
Replacing a Type G or Type N handle? LFS2/LFS7 series change, May 2026
Sprecher + Schuh updated the Type G and Type N screw-fixing handle assemblies with polycarbonate construction, integral seals built into the fixing plate, a Type 4/4X rating (up from Type 1/12/3R), and UL/CSA/IEC certification. IP66 carries over. Fit, form, and function are unchanged, and the updated handles are fully interchangeable with the previous series.
Catalog numbers affected: LFS7-G-4-175, LFS2-G-6-175, LFS2-G-8-175, LFS7-N-4-175, LFS2-N-6-175, LFS2-N-8-175. Central-nut (LFC) handles are not affected.
How do you choose a Sprecher + Schuh switch handle assembly?
Start with the switch body, then narrow by environment, lockout, and legend. Five decisions cover almost every application:
- Mounting method. LFS handles use screw fixing (screws ship with the switch body) and work with both LE7 front-mount and LA7 base-mount switches. LFC handles use a single central-nut fixing for LE7-16 through LE7-63A front-mount switches. Type R handles are for LA7 base-mount switches only.
- Enclosure rating. Types A, E, I, and L are rated Type 12, IP66. Screw-fixing Types G and N are rated Type 4/4X, IP66 for washdown and wet locations. Type R handles cover Type 3R, 3, 12, 4, and 4X.
- Lockout and color. Types E and L lock in OFF, ON, or both. Red/yellow handles (Types I, L, N, and the yellow Type R) are the usual choice where the disconnect also serves as an emergency switching device; confirm against NFPA 79 or IEC 60204-1 for your machine.
- Frame size. Match the handle footprint to the switch amp rating using the table below. The largest 88 mm and 90 mm handles cannot be used on LE7 switches joined with an L2-G3 mechanical coupling.
- Legend. The final digits of the catalog number set the legend: -175 is O-I, -175I is OFF-ON, and -375 is 1-0-2 for three-pole changeover switches. Substitute -000 for a blank legend plate.
If an LA7 base-mount switch sits on the backplate and the handle mounts on the enclosure door, you will also need a shaft extension. See Shaft Extensions + Couplers. Type R handles require the matching R-type shaft extension.
Sprecher + Schuh L7 switch handle types compared
| Type | Colors | Rating | Lockout | Frame sizes (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Silver legend, black knob | Type 12, IP66 | No | 48, 64, 88 |
| E | Silver legend, black knob | Type 12, IP66 | OFF, ON, or both | 48, 64 |
| I | Yellow legend, red knob | Type 12, IP66 | No | 48, 64, 88 |
| L | Yellow legend, red knob | Type 12, IP66 | OFF, ON, or both | 48, 64 |
| G | Gray frame, black handle | Type 4/4X, IP66 (screw fixing) | Padlockable in OFF | 54, 67, 90 |
| N | Yellow frame, red handle | Type 4/4X, IP66 (screw fixing) | Padlockable in OFF | 54, 67, 90 |
| R | Black/black or yellow/red (LA7-SB, LA7-SY, L11-PB, L11-PY) | Type 3R, 3, 12, 4, 4X, IP66 | OFF, up to 3 padlocks; defeatable or non-defeatable door interlock | 48.7 x 47 (LA7-S), 80 x 114 (L11-P) |
Which frame size fits my L7 switch?
| Frame code | Types A, E, I, L | Types G, N |
|---|---|---|
| -4 | 48 x 48 mm, LA/LE7-16 to 63A | 54 x 54 mm (LFS7), LA/LE7-16 |
| -6 | 64 x 64 mm, LA/LE7-25 to 100A | 67 x 67 mm, LA7-16 to 100A and LE7-25 to 100A |
| -8 | 88 x 88 mm, LA/LE7-40 to 100A (Types A and I) | 90 x 90 mm, LA/LE7-40 to 100A |
For 80 and 100A three-pole changeover switches, use an 88 x 88 mm handle. Specifications per the Sprecher + Schuh SSNA2026 catalog, Section L1.
Frequently asked questions
Does an L7 disconnect switch come with a handle?
No. The L7 switch body and switch handle assembly are separate catalog numbers. The switch body includes the shaft and the mounting screws for the handle; shaft extensions and auxiliary contacts are also ordered separately.
What is the difference between LFS and LFC handles?
LFS handles use screw fixing and fit both LE7 front-mount and LA7 base-mount switches. LFC handles use a single central nut and fit LE7-16 through LE7-63A front-mount switches.
Which switch handle should I use for washdown or outdoor panels?
Screw-fixing Type G and Type N handles are rated Type 4/4X and IP66. For LA7 base-mount switches operated through the enclosure door, Type R handles are rated Type 3R, 3, 12, 4, and 4X with a defeatable or non-defeatable door interlock.
Are the updated LFS2/LFS7 Type G and Type N handles interchangeable with the old ones?
Yes. Sprecher + Schuh confirms no change to fit, function, performance, or application. The May 2026 series change adds polycarbonate construction, integral seals, a Type 4/4X rating, and UL/CSA/IEC certification.
Which handles can be locked out?
Types E and L lock in the OFF position, the ON position, or both. Types G, N, and R are padlockable in OFF; Type R accepts up to three padlocks.
Automation Distribution is an authorized Sprecher + Schuh distributor. Browse the full Sprecher + Schuh catalog, or call 1-888-600-3080 to confirm the right handle, frame size, and shaft extension for your switch.