If you own an industrial facility or commercial premises where you operate heavy-duty industrial equipment, you probably know how important it is to provide that equipment with appropriate, safe power. Industrial plugs and sockets are simple, yet important products that are a crucial part of providing that safe power. If you aren't too familiar with industrial sockets and how they differ from conventional sockets and plugs, here are the most important specifications that differentiate it.
- The housing material of the plug socket is usually polyamide plastic
- The conductor material to make the pins is brass
- The current, which can be 15A, 32A, 65A, 125A, etc.
- The voltage, which can be 110V, 220V, 380V, 415V, etc.
- The number of pins, which defines how many poles or pins a socket or plug has
- The IP rating represents how waterproof and dustproof the socket or plug is. Ratings can be IP44, IP45 or IP67
Industrial plugs and sockets can be used in any outdoor and indoor application across many different industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, airport, ships, chemistry, metallurgy, construction, solar power, nuclear power, entertainment, packing, automation, lighting, wharf, transportation, etc. Different plug and socket models are designed to meet the varying application and environment requirements. Depending on how the plugs and sockets are installed, they're separated into three categories - mobile, exposed installation and hidden installation type. Depending on the protection configuration, they can be either fused, circuit breaker equipped and non-protection plugs and sockets. And lastly, depending on their interlock configuration, they can be either electric interlocked, mechanic interlocked or non-interlocked.
Besides the differences mentioned above, other advantages that make industrial plug socket models different than household plugs and sockets are:
When deciding on the ideal industrial plugs and sockets for your industrial facility, there are 4 important factors to consider - the type, environmental requirements, electric condition and mechanical performance.
Regardless of all these differences between industrial and household plugs and sockets, the two major differences why you can't use household products for industrial purposes are - industrial applications requiring 3-phase electricity and the stringent security requirements mandated by industrial applications.
If you're tasked with wiring an industrial socket, doing so is relatively easy. All you have to do is follow these steps:
That being said, quality industrial plugs and sockets are designed to be extremely durable, with solid brass sleeves and screws, and stainless steel springs in order to provide high levels of contact pressure that's consistent throughout the use of the connector. Their cable protection properties are of a high standard, and the casings are specifically designed without sharp edges. Modern industrial plugs are very easy to connect and disconnect, and they're tested for use in extreme temperatures, making them suitable in any type of environment.
You can shop for quality industrial plugs and sockets online, where you'll find a wide range of products fit for your specific application. Having read this article means that you have a good general idea of the type of plugs and sockets you need, which will make your decision-making process much easier. However, even if you don't feel like you can make the right choice, worry not - online stores usually have some sort of customer support with technical knowledge that can help you make the right buying decision.
Besides the differences mentioned above, other advantages that make industrial plug socket models different than household plugs and sockets are:
- Industrial plugs and sockets are colour coded based on voltage. For instnace, blue products have a 200V, while red products have 380V
- Industrial plugs and sockets feature an anti-electric shock design. Their earth pins are longer than the negative and positive pin which means that the application is grounded before it's electrified
- Industrial plugs and sockets have a high protection rating. In other words, the materials are highly insolating so that you can't touch the electrified parts. Further, an IP67 rated plug and socket will offer even more protection in harsh industrial environments
- Industrial plugs and sockets have a much higher load capacity
- Industrial plugs and sockets have a long lifespan of about 10 years or more
When deciding on the ideal industrial plugs and sockets for your industrial facility, there are 4 important factors to consider - the type, environmental requirements, electric condition and mechanical performance.
- The ideal type of industrial plug and socket will depend on where the connectors are, and how many pins you need
- The environmental requirements will also impact your decision, because if you need to use the plug and socket in a wet, corrosive or high-temperature environment, you'll need to pick a high-end product that's made to withstand those conditions
- The electrical conditions are also an important consideration, as each application has its own requirements. The plug and socket need to match the current and voltage, otherwise, the equipment may get damaged
- The mechanical performance of the product you pick is also crucial. This includes the contact area of the pin, allowed dimension tolerance and frequency of insertion
Regardless of all these differences between industrial and household plugs and sockets, the two major differences why you can't use household products for industrial purposes are - industrial applications requiring 3-phase electricity and the stringent security requirements mandated by industrial applications.
If you're tasked with wiring an industrial socket, doing so is relatively easy. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Remove the screws at the front end
- Make a hole at the other end
- Loosen the screws of the fire wire
- Place the fire wire in the screw hole and tighten it
- Loosen the screws of the zero wire
- Place the zero line in the screw hole and tighten the screw
- Tighten the screw at the cover
That being said, quality industrial plugs and sockets are designed to be extremely durable, with solid brass sleeves and screws, and stainless steel springs in order to provide high levels of contact pressure that's consistent throughout the use of the connector. Their cable protection properties are of a high standard, and the casings are specifically designed without sharp edges. Modern industrial plugs are very easy to connect and disconnect, and they're tested for use in extreme temperatures, making them suitable in any type of environment.
You can shop for quality industrial plugs and sockets online, where you'll find a wide range of products fit for your specific application. Having read this article means that you have a good general idea of the type of plugs and sockets you need, which will make your decision-making process much easier. However, even if you don't feel like you can make the right choice, worry not - online stores usually have some sort of customer support with technical knowledge that can help you make the right buying decision.
