Feature Industrial Plugs & Sockets
Specifying the correct industrial plugs and sockets for a given application is vitally important. Here, Caroline Boden from Legrand’s wiring devices business highlights the key factors to consider in the specification process
he key focus for many UK busi- nesses is still on reducing costs. This is primarily due to the eco- nomic climate (which remains inclement), and competition from emerging markets. While this is per- fectly understandable, it is important to remember to strike a balance. Industrial plugs and sockets are devices that power vital equipment in all kinds of environments from manu- facturing operations to building sites, outdoor events and marine applica- tions. As a result, the selection process for these products must weigh pur- chase cost of the ‘commodity’ item against the potential financial reper- cussions if it should fail.
under specification.
More to consider than cost T
Above: Caroline Boden from Legrand’s wiring devices business
Below left: Legrand’s Hypra plugs
Poor equipment performance and expensive down-time resulting from a failed industrial plug or socket can have serious financial repercussions. Product performance, ease and speed of installation, and whole life costs should be factored into purchas- ing decisions for any element of elec- trical specification in any environment, and in an industrial set- ting, durability, reliability and safety are of key importance. A wide range of design and quality issues need to be factored in to industrial plug and socket specification decisions so that the product chosen offers value for money, is fit for purpose and robust enough for a tough environment.
Right: a focus on safety led to the development of Legrand’s Hypra Prisinter sockets
Below right: Legrand P17 Tempra industrial plugs and sockets
Choosing a metal or a plastic prod- uct is one of the more basic specifica- tion criteria for industrial plugs and sockets. While a well designed plastic product is suitable for many indus- trial environments and offers the cheaper alternative, metal products should be specified for industrial set- tings that require a more robust prod- uct with better impact resistance in order to maximise the service life of the installation.
The harshness of the environment should also dictate the chosen IP rating, which indicates resistance to solid bodies and liquids, and the IK
installed onto any solid surface using a rigid conduit.
Where space is limited, using com- bined industrial switch sockets can offer a solution by providing the fea- tures of two products within one unit. Similarly, angled plugs can also help to address cabling space restraints and these are also useful where 63A and 125A products are in use, as the handle on the angled plug facilitates easy removal from the socket.
Added peace of mind/added value Selecting plugs and sockets with added safety and security features can signifi- cantly improve site safety. For example, it is worth considering a product with a padlockable cover to increase safety during maintenance and prevent unau- thorised usage or sabotage, particularly if the installation is potentially accessi- ble to non-staff.
It was this focus on safety that led to the development of Legrand’s Hypra Prisinter sockets, which have an inter- locked load break system that prevents power from reaching the plug until it is quarter turned and interlocked into place. An isolating switch must then be pressed to disconnect the power before the plug can be removed from the socket.
Knowing your environment An ‘industrial’ setting covers a wide spectrum of applications, from light industrial processing to hazardous environments. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all product when it comes to plugs and sockets. While some plugs and sockets are suitable for even the most challenging of environ- ments, getting the cost/value balance right should focus just as clearly on avoiding over specification as it does on avoiding product failure due to
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rating, which determines the product’s resistance to mechanical impact. A belt and braces approach to speci- fying a product with maximum IP and IK classifications can provide peace of mind. However, where contaminants, moisture and impact are not signifi- cant issues, this can be an unnecessary expense. Similarly, it’s important to consider the required operating tem- perature for the fitting as all industrial plugs and sockets have operating tem- perature limits. If you select a product with operating temperature parame- ters wider than you need, you risk paying more than is necessary, but if you under specify the unit could degrade, shortening its service life and increasing your operational risk. Even small design details can be sig- nificant in terms of installation envi- ronment. For example, brass contact sleeves help ensure high quality, reli- able connections, while stainless steel screws offer increased durability and resistance to corrosion.
It is also important to consider whether the plug or socket is to be installed in an enclosure or panel as this will require a product suitable for panel mounting. Where this is not the case, a surface mounting socket can be
OCTOBER 2013 Electrical Engineering
Prisinter also allows easy installa- tion of additional push-in auxiliary contacts, which work in conjunction with the main contacts to provide remote indication of the device’s status. They can also be utilised to pro- vide start-up for a support product, such as a cooling fan that must be acti- vated at the same time as the relevant circuit in high temperature applica- tions, or in dusty zones where ventila- tion is required simultaneously to support the primary circuit. Industrial plugs and sockets are often seen as a commodity product. However, by considering design fea- tures and capabilities, it soon becomes clear that there’s a lot more to consider than cost.
Legrand
www.legrand.co.uk T: 0870 608 9000
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