Product Description
Eaton M22-WS Key-Operated Selector Switch — 2-Position, Momentary, 22mm, IP66
The Eaton M22-WS is a 22mm, 2-position momentary key-operated selector switch from the M22 modular series. It springs back from the right position to the left when the key is released, and the key is removable only in the left position. This makes it ideal for access-controlled start, jog, or enable circuits where the operator must retain the key while the machine is in the active position. Included standard: M22-ES-MS1 key and M22-A fixing adapter. Up to 6 M22-K contact blocks can be added. For a 3-position momentary key switch, see the M22-WS3. For maintained key switches, see the M22-WRS and M22-WRS3.
Quick Specifications
- Part Number: M22-WS
- Series: Eaton M22 Modular
- Type: Key-operated selector switch operator
- Positions: 2 (Left / Right)
- Operation: Momentary — spring return from Right to Left
- Key: MS1 type (included: M22-ES-MS1)
- Key Removable: Left position only
- Bezel: Silver
- Button: Black
- Panel Cutout: 22mm notched hole
- Illumination: Non-illuminated
- Protection: IP66 / NEMA 4X, 13
- Mechanical Life: 100,000 operations (key actuator)
- Contact Block Life: >5 million operations (M22-K blocks, sold separately)
- Contact Rating: A600/P300 — 10A @ 600V AC / 1A @ 250V DC (M22-K blocks)
- Included: M22-ES-MS1 key + M22-A fixing adapter
- Max Contact Blocks: Up to 6 (M22-K series)
- Certifications: UL, CSA, IEC/EN 60947-5-1, CE, NEMA
How the M22-WS Operates — Position and Key Behavior
| Position | Key State | Spring Action | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left (rest) | Key removable | Stable — no spring force | Off / secured / key withdrawn |
| Right (active) | Key must remain inserted | Springs back to Left on release | Momentary enable / jog / start |
Security logic: Because the key can only be removed in the Left (rest) position, the operator must hold the key in the switch while the machine is in the active (Right) position. When the key is released, the switch springs back to Left. The operator can then withdraw the key, leaving the machine in the off/secure state with no key in the panel.
Eaton M22 Key Switch Variants — Which to Choose
| Model | Positions | Action | Key Removable |
|---|---|---|---|
| M22-WS (this item) | 2 | Momentary (return from right) | Left only |
| M22-WS3 | 3 | Momentary (return from left & right to center) | Center only |
| M22-WRS | 2 | Maintained (stays in selected position) | Both positions |
| M22-WRS3 | 3 | Maintained (stays in selected position) | Left & right |
| M22-WS-MS6 | 2 | Momentary (return from right) — MS6 key | Left only |
Key codes: The M22-WS uses an MS1 key. The M22-WS-MS6 uses an MS6 key. Both MS1 and MS6 keys operate the same mechanical function; they are different key codes for keyed-alike programs. If multiple switches on the same machine must use the same key, order all switches with the same MS code. If switches must use different keys (so no single key opens all), use different MS codes.
M22-K Contact Block Options
Select the contact block configuration needed. All M22-K blocks clip onto the M22-A adapter (included). The A600/P300 pilot duty rating covers 120V AC, 240V AC, and 24V DC control circuits.
| Part Number | Configuration | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| M22-K10 | 1 NO | Most common — single enable circuit |
| M22-K01 | 1 NC | Inhibit / safety interlock |
| M22-K11 | 1 NO + 1 NC | Enable + interlock pair |
| M22-K20 | 2 NO | Dual circuit enable |
| M22-K02 | 2 NC | Dual safety/inhibit circuit |
| M22-K21 | 2 NO + 1 NC | Dual enable with interlock |
| M22-K12 | 1 NO + 2 NC | Single enable with dual interlock |
Product Features
- Momentary Key Switch — Spring Return from Right to Left: The M22-WS is momentary: it springs back from the Right position to the Left (rest) position when the key is released. The key can only be withdrawn in the Left position, so the operator must physically hold the key in the switch while the Right position is active. This prevents a key being left inserted and the switch being turned without authorization — a common requirement for maintenance override, jog-while-key-held, and supervised start circuits.
- MS1 Key and M22-A Adapter Included Standard: The M22-WS includes the M22-ES-MS1 key and the M22-A fixing adapter as standard. The adapter is the mechanical interface that holds M22-K contact blocks. No additional hardware is needed to begin adding contacts — simply choose the M22-K block configuration from the dropdown and it ships assembled.
- IP66 / NEMA 4X Protection: The M22-WS is rated IP66 (dust-tight, protected against powerful water jets) and NEMA 4X, 13 (corrosion-resistant, oil-tight). Suitable for outdoor enclosures, food-processing environments, and washdown applications. This is a minimum rating for the M22 series front operator — not IP65 as listed in older product descriptions.
- 100,000 Mechanical Operations (Key Actuator): The M22-WS key switch actuator is rated for 100,000 mechanical operations. Note this is separate from the M22-K contact block rating of >5 million operations. Key switch actuators cycle less frequently than standard pushbuttons; 100,000 operations represents years of typical industrial use at several dozen cycles per day.
- Keyed-Alike and Keyed-Different Options: The standard M22-WS uses an MS1 key. If multiple key switches on the same installation must accept the same key, order all with the same MS code. If isolation between switches is needed (different operators hold different keys), use different MS codes — e.g., M22-WS-MS6 uses the MS6 key, which is not interchangeable with MS1. Call Kent Electrical Supply at 1-800-222-5129 to discuss keyed-alike configurations for larger projects.
- Modular M22 Contact System: The M22-WS uses the same M22-K contact blocks as all other M22 series operators (pushbuttons, selector switches, emergency stops). Up to 6 blocks can be stacked via the included M22-A adapter. Contact blocks can be changed in the field without removing the operator from the panel, allowing reconfiguration as wiring changes dictate.
- 22mm Notched Panel Cutout — Anti-Rotation: Mounts in a standard 22mm notched hole. The notch prevents rotation of the operator after installation — important for key switches where torque is applied during key insertion and turning.
In Stock at Kent Electrical Supply — Emmaus, PA — Same-Day Shipping on Orders Before 4:00 PM EST.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which position can the key be removed from the M22-WS?
The key can only be removed in the Left position (the rest/neutral position). When the switch is turned to the Right (active) position, the key is locked in and cannot be withdrawn until the switch springs back to the Left position. This is intentional: it ensures the operator holds the key — and therefore controls the switch — throughout the duration of the active action.
What is the difference between the M22-WS and the M22-WRS?
Both are 2-position key switches, but they differ in action. The M22-WS is momentary: it springs back from Right to Left when released, and the key is only removable in Left. The M22-WRS is maintained: it stays in whichever position it is turned to, and the key is removable in both positions. Use M22-WS for supervised momentary actions (jog, enabled start). Use M22-WRS for mode selection where the switch must hold its position (Local/Remote, Speed 1/Speed 2).
Does the M22-WS include the M22-A adapter?
Yes — the M22-WS includes both the M22-ES-MS1 key and the M22-A fixing adapter as standard. The M22-A adapter is required to attach M22-K contact blocks to the operator, so you do not need to purchase it separately. Simply select the contact block configuration you need from the dropdown at checkout.
Can I use a different key with the M22-WS?
The M22-WS comes with the MS1 key. If you need a switch that accepts the same key as other MS1-coded switches on your panel, the M22-WS is the correct choice. If you need a different key code for isolation purposes (so different operators hold different keys), the M22-WS-MS6 uses the MS6 key, which does not interchange with MS1. Additional key codes may be available — call Kent Electrical Supply at 1-800-222-5129 for keyed-alike project support.
What is the IP rating of the M22-WS?
The M22-WS is rated IP66 and NEMA 4X, 13. IP66 means the operator is dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets — suitable for washdown, outdoor, and corrosive environments. The M22 series carries IP66 as its minimum front-of-panel rating; some operators in the line carry IP67 or IP69K for even harsher conditions.
Does the M22-WS qualify for same-day shipping?
Yes — the M22-WS is in stock at Kent Electrical Supply’s warehouse in Emmaus, PA and ships same business day when ordered before 4:00 PM EST. M22-K contact blocks and related M22 accessories are also stocked. For keyed-alike configurations, bulk orders, or application assistance, call 1-800-222-5129 or text your RFQ to 484-425-0652.
