8536.50 - Other switches:

This category, HTS Code 8536.50, encompasses a broad range of electrical switches not specifically classified under preceding subheadings within 8536. It includes manual switches operated by a person or a mechanical actuator, toggle switches, push-button switches, rotary switches, and similar devices designed for making, breaking, or changing electrical circuits for voltages not exceeding 1,000 V. The key characteristic is their function as a means of controlling the flow of electricity through a circuit.

Unlike its siblings, 8536.50 specifically excludes fuses (8536.10) which are designed to break a circuit when overloaded, automatic circuit breakers (8536.20) that automatically interrupt current, and other apparatus for protecting electrical circuits (8536.30). It also does not include dedicated relays (often classified under their own subheadings within 8536, or elsewhere depending on function) or lamp-holders, plugs, and sockets which are specific types of connectors.

The subcategories within 8536.50 further refine this broad classification. For instance, "Motor starters" (8536.50.40.00) are a specific type of switch designed to initiate and control the operation of electric motors, often incorporating protective features. The remaining items fall under "Other," necessitating a careful examination of the switch's design and intended electrical function to ensure accurate classification.