What is the difference between a general duty & a heavy duty safety switch?
There are many differences between a General Duty and Heavy Duty safety switch: maximum voltage rating (240Vac vs. 600Vac/600Vdc), maximum amperage rating (600A vs. 1200A), maximum short circuit current rating (100KAIC vs. 200KAIC), NEMA Type enclosures (Type 1 and 3R only vs. Type 1, 3R, 4, 4X, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 12K), for instance.
In general, General Duty switches are intended for residential and light commercial applications, while Heavy Duty is intended for commercial and industrial use. The Heavy Duty switches have a wider variety of accessories available. Per NEMA standards, Heavy Duty switches must be provided with a dual cover interlock.