Sparks Electrical News November 2016

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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HEAVY DUTY PLUGS AND SOCKETS FOR HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS A lthough it may be tempting to dismiss certain electrical prod- ucts as ‘commodity items’, one sector where this should not apply is industrial plugs, sockets and connectors, says Dirk “On-site electrical equipment is at the receiving end of a lot of abuse, whether from the harsh environments it has to endure or simply from misuse by site personnel.”

Holm, switchgear specialist ACDC Dynamics. “Few people would argue that when it comes to specifying, installing or maintaining these products for industrial use whether in a building, on a construction site, outdoors at an event or outdoor leisure location an awareness of safety considerations is paramount, as well as a clear recognition of fitness for purpose,” explains Holm. “At ACDC Dynamics, we strive to give customers the best engineered solution possible. When the requirement calls for a robust and durable plug and socket solution, nothing compares to our Palazzoli range,” he says.

IP67 watertight aluminium enclosures “Palazzoli’s Alupres wall-mounted, heavy duty three-phase 415 V interlock power outlets have been approved for use by London Underground Limited (LUL) and in factories and mines across southern Africa. Engineers and contractors can now specify and install the IP67 watertight aluminium enclosures with confidence throughout their networks – above and below the surface.” The separate supply isolator is mechanically linked or

‘interlocked’ within a single unit to the socket, so that a plug can only be inserted or removed once the supply is safely shut off. The AC23/AC3 rated isolator is capable of switching inductive loads at full-rated current (EN609473). Available in 163263125A solutions Alupres sockets have has been designed and manufactured for heavy duty application in tun- nels, hazardous area environments and gen- eral outlets. Fully compliant with LUL standard 1085A3, they have a protection rating of IP66/67 and impact resistance in excess of IK10. They are available with or without additional localised cir- cuit protection. “This is an important third-party recognition for Alupres, and we are delighted to have our product approved by London Underground under its Approved Product Register (APR), as only the products that have passed through its rigorous approval process can be commissioned for its network,” says Lewden’s business development manager, Guy Birchall. “Palazzoli has more than one impressive range,” adds Holm. “At the recent Electra Mining show, ACDC Dynamics displayed the two new ranges they are offering to the South African market – the Atex range for protection against explosive and hazardous environments, as well as the Alumax range for applications up to 400 A at 1 000 V ac, with or without earth leakage protection.” For any technical information or application assistance,email the ACDCDynamics’ switchgear department at switchgear@acdc.co.za

Enquiries: +27 10 202 3400

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 2016