Switch-Rated Plugs: The Ideal Connector for Electrical Power on the Move

Written by the experts at MELTRIC

Safety is a large concern when it comes to working at remote construction sites.  Finding electrical connections that are safe and easy to operate can be more challenging than inside a facility or permanent worksite since resources are limited.  MELTRIC Switch-Rated plugs and receptacles have become the top choice of power connectors for guaranteed safety while providing reliable power.

Pavement Preservation

A pavement preservation firm needed a high-capacity, compact, plug and play electrical connector for their infrared asphalt heaters.  After inspecting a wide variety of connection devices, the firm’s Project Engineer specified MELTRIC Switch-Rated plugs and receptacles for all of their machines.

When considering other plugs, they found that most of them were heavy and bulky while MELTRIC plugs were compact.  The Switch-Rated and dead-front design also allowed for users to safely make and break connections.  The firm’s construction sites were primarily in remote locations, as such safety became the deciding factor in their decision – after considering the worst-case scenario of someone possibly pulling the plug out ‘live,’ they chose MELTRIC plugs to eliminate that concern altogether.

The lead engineer found a way to also use MELTRIC devices to make their seam sealing machines more user-friendly while keeping workers safe.  He was able to take the power connectors used on their electric infrared asphalt heaters, which were frequently removed for transport to a job site or moved to a different side of the machine based on a particular sealing job’s requirements.  Due to limited space on the machines for mounting junction boxes or electrical disconnects, he sought a compact connecting device that had a quick change out feature.  Most of the plugs they researched were not well-suited for these requirements but found MELTRIC Switch-Rated plugs to stand out from other devices because of the small compact size.  The pavement preservation firm was able to connect the receptacles right on the machine without the need of a junction box.  Presently, all the heaters and dryers on the sealing machines are connected with MELTRICDS-100 plugs and receptacles.

While the size, electrical ratings, and performance of MELTRIC DS-100 plugs satisfied the power connection requirements of the asphalt heaters, the dead-front safety feature of the plugs was favored in these applications.  Their lead engineer explained how on some of their projects, labourers who weren’t familiar with electricity would need to work around the machines which created a serious concern regarding someone potentially unplugging the device while it was in use.  MELTRIC Switch-Rated devices’ dead-front design makes it virtually impossible for a user to be exposed to either ‘live’ parts or arc flashes.  In addition, MELTRIC plugs have provisions for lockout/tagout (LOTO).  Both of these features help employers simplify compliance to workplace electrical safety standards such as NFPA 70E.

About Switch-Rated Devices from MELTRIC

MELTRIC Switch-Rated plugs combine the safety and functionality of a disconnect switch with the convenience of a plug and receptacle.  They are an NEC approved ‘line of sight’ disconnect switch, which eliminates the need for space consuming interlocks and auxiliary disconnects, resulting in a compact footprint.  Push-button circuit disconnection provides fast, safe connections and disconnections.

Safely and quickly connect and disconnect mining, quarrying, paving, and aggregate electrical equipment using MELTRIC plugs and receptacles. MELTRIC Switch-Rated devices can also be used as a motor disconnect without hassle or waiting.  Relocate power supply systems where you need them because MELTRIC devices were made to move when you need them to.  MELTRIC Switch-Rated devices are UL/CSA listed.