Industrial plugs and sockets are basically designed to suit all needs and kinds of environments: tertiary sector, industry, building sites, workshops, agriculture sector, mining sector, as well as indoor and outdoor of any kind of a building, and they should conform to international standards. They should also be fast to connect, safe in the use, functional, ergonomic and easy to use.
Industrial and multiphase plugs and sockets provide a connection to the electrical mains rated at higher voltages and currents than house hold plugs and sockets. They are normally used in polyphase systems, with high currents. Industrial outlets may have weatherproof covers, waterproofing sleeves, or maybe interlocked with a switch to prevent accidental disconnection of an energised plug.
Some types of connectors are approved for hazardous areas such as coal mines or petrochemical plants, where flammable gases maybe present. Almost all three-phase loads such as motors do not need the neutral. Such plugs have only four prongs (earth, and the three phases).
Some of the plugs and sockets available on the market include wander plugs and sockets, panel sockets, wall sockets and plugs, multi way adaptors and system adapters. As for the wander plugs and sockets- the locking cable clamp devices grant an easy and safe installation. The lock is guaranteed by a stainless steel insert (spring) which gives particular solidity and durability to the union of the two parts. The external cable clamp, with its integrated cable-gland can be easily tightened just with hands, no tool is needed. Its conception prevents the accidental loosening due to vibrations or mechanical stresses.
Multiple way adapters- it is one of the latest innovations on the market to integrate externally a visible LED, worlds’ unique solution that highlights when product is powered. This is very useful for the user who can easily see in a distance if the power is ON. It is available in both the mono-phase version and three phase versions; in this case the three LEDs indicate if all phases are connected. External hook enables the hanging of the product as to give an additional visibility and avoid treading on a heavy machinery.
When plugs don’t plug and play in mining industry
There are many plugs and sockets in process industries that are used infrequently for whatever reason. However when the time comes to disconnect the plugged equipment the operator finds he cannot get the plug out of its socket. Much tugging ensues causing more potential damage to the contacts and operator.
The plug contacts have suffered what is known as cold welding. The plug pins have settled inside the socket sleeve contacts and removing the plug is all but impossible. The cost clock starts ticking at this point.
MARECHAL Electric group
Sockets with a different contact design solve this problem. Now imagine a contact design that allows separation of plug and socket with just one finger. That contact design is featured in the MARECHAL DECONTACTOR™ socket. Their spring-loaded, silver-nickel butt type contacts separate in just 15milliseconds. They withstand arcing, they resist cold-welding, corrosion and vibration. These maintain low contact resistance and offer a 10kA short circuit rating. The DECONTACTOR™ is the preferred retro-fit socket where enhanced performance, user safety and visible isolation are demanded.
When the equipment needs to be disconnected the operator merely presses the release latch on the socket. The plug is automatically ejected to a parked position ready for removal or re-insertion. This contact design also allows equipment to be disconnected on load (each contact having its own arc-chamber) and visibly isolated in complete safety.
MARECHAL Electric group is a global leader specialising in electrical DECONTACTOR™ for use in demanding environments such as the food and drink, nuclear power, heavy industry, infrastructure and EX sectors.
The unique design of MARECHAL DECONTACTOR™ protects workers by eliminating the risk of disconnecting a ‘live’ connection whilst also allowing disconnection and reconnection to be performed more quickly, to reduce maintenance time and cost.
Key facts
Robust materials and manufacturing of plugs; major MARECHAL and TECHNOR brands: whole range of electrical plugs for standard and EX applications; Experience and expertise in mining industries: more than 250 sites equipped with MARECHAL plugs and socket-outlets all over the world
