Marechal Electric has launched the SPeX ATEX Single Pole Power connector. This heavy-duty connector is designed for use in hazardous environments to deliver high current safely to specialised equipment.
One connector is required for each line connection, with non-interchangeable key positions to ensure phase, neutral and earth discrimination. To maximise safety, each time the SPeX is connected or disconnected in a potentially explosive environment an ‘Ex’ positive safety micro-switch operates a contactor when the plug is inserted or removed, energising or isolating the supply accordingly.
It is capable of handling a maximum permanent current of 550A at 1000 Vac or 1500 Vdc and has an automatic ingress protection of IP65/IP66 as soon as the plug is connected. Its casing is made from fibreglass reinforced thermoplastic material, providing excellent resistance to mechanical impact, with an IK08 (5 joules) rating and can be operated in the temperature range of -20ºC to +40ºC or +60ºC (according to ATEX classification).
It can be used in many applications requiring high current carrying capability in hazardous environments, from subsurface multi-transient electromagnetic analysis of seabed composition to the growing of silicon crystal structures for the electronics industry.