When plugs don’t plug and play

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.

Sockets with a different contact design solve this problem. A successful, alternative design of contact is the spring-loaded butt type contacts found in MARECHAL Electric decontactor sockets. Here the contacts meet head-on and offer self-cleaning silver-nickel tips.  These maintain low contact resistance and offer a 10kA short circuit rating.

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.  

To learn more about decontactors please contact MARECHAL Electric.
Tel: 0844 804 2066
Fax: 0844 804 4231
E-mail : sales.uk@marechal.com
Web: www.marechal.com