Self Eject! Stay Safe From Shock With Marechal Electric Plugs
Published 30 Mar 2017
“Cables, plugs, sockets and fittings must be robust enough and adequately protected for the working environment. Ensure that machinery has an accessible switch or isolator to cut off the power quickly in an emergency.”
- from UK HSE – Guidance Notes On Workplace Electrical Safety
- Posted By Chris Dodds : Estimated reading time 5 minutes
This article explains the inherent dangers of working on or near electrical equipment under load and provides accident risk reduction advice for plant managers and safety supervisors who control the specification, selection, installation and operation of electrical equipment.
Effective safety measures can be introduced to counteract occupational electrocution, today we consider the seemingly benign plug. But firstly, the ever-present danger.
The electrical Threat
Some Shocking Facts….
Fatal electrical injuries are inflicted irrespective of voltage or current. FACT. 50 volts of electrical current applied between two parts of the human body causes a current to flow that can block the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles, some effects include:
- Stopping the heart beating properly
- Preventing the person from breathing
- Painful muscle spasms – breaking bones and dislocating joints
During electrocution the electrical current is conducted through the victims body heating tissue along the length of the current flow. Deep skin and flesh burns often require major surgery and can be permanently disabling. Loss of muscle function prevents the electric shock victim from “letting go” – personally helpless and ensnared.
Marechal Self Ejecting Plugs
Marechal, a world leading manufacturer of Electrical Safety Plugs & Sockets have innovated self-ejecting plugs and power connector systems designed to protect people and plant from electrocution caused by accidental or intentional disconnection of power supply.
Self-ejecting plug-socket systems eliminate the need to disconnect electrical equipment, allowing a mobile device to be moved while electrically connected without unplugging it, or where equipment is located in high-risk or hazardous area locations.

Marechal Self Ejecting Plugs. B = box, Sl = sleeve, S = socket outlet, I = inlet, Me = mechanism, H = handle and C = cord.
Wherever The location
Whatever the current
Whether you require a high IP rated electrical connector to permit washing down with a high pressure hose in the food and beverage industry, ATEX certified plugs for hazardous areas or up to 37 pin plugs for complex configured power and control distribution, we’re here to help. We support safe electrical circuits across all industries:
- Non-Hazardous Heavy Industry
- Water & Waste Water Industry
- Construction Industry
- Tunnels (Road & Rail)
- Offshore Oil & Gas
- Mines & QuarriesÂ
- Hazardous Area ATEX Industries
- Food & Beverage
Self-ejecting plugs are available in the following Marechal Decontactor ranges:
Up to 63Amps plugs & sockets
Marechal DSN (DSN1, DSN3, DSN6) – AC-22 & AC-23. IP66/IP67/IP69k Water & Dust Tight
- 20 A, 32 A, 63 Amp optionsÂ
Up To 90amps Plugs & Sockets
Marechal DN (DN1, DN3, DN3, DN6, DN8) – AC-22. IP54/IP55 Water & Dust Tight
- 20 A, 30 A, 50 A 90 Amp options
Up to 250Amps plugs & sockets
Marechal DS (DS1, DS3, DS6) –Â IP54/ IP55. AC-22 / AC-23. Safety Shutter (IP4X/IPXXD Socket-Outlet)
- 30 A, 50 A, 90 A, 150 A, 250 Amp options
Motor Connectors
Marechal DS7C3 – Star Delta Motor Connectors 50 Amps 500 Volts
Electrical Plug Connectors For Hazardous Areas
Marechal DXN, No Risk Connectors For High Risk Areas
Marechal DXN Decontactors certified according to ATEX ensure safe electrical power installations in hazardous areas – the explosion-proof range of compact and watertight plug and socket connectors feature a mechanical self-ejecting mechanism with Marechals unique patented Decontactor integrated load-break switch.
Marechal DXN decontactors are available in 3 different versions: standard plugs and connectors, self-ejecting plugs and self-ejecting coupler sockets.
The self-ejection plug-socket system for Zones 1/2 (gas) and Zones 21/22 (dust) is certified according to the ATEX 2014/34/EU directive and IEC Ex standards. Whether connected or disconnected, self-ejecting Marechal DXN decontactors can be operated by any authorised person under any circumstances.
- Marechal DXN1 20A 550V – ATEX Certified Zones 1 & 2 (Gas), Zones 21 & 22 (Dust)
- Marechal DXN3 32A 750V – ATEX Certified Zones 1 & 2 (Gas), Zones 21 & 22 (Dust)
- Marechal DXN6 63A 750V – ATEX Certified Zones 1 & 2 (Gas), Zones 21 & 22 (Dust)
- -40°C ≤ Ta ≤ +60°C for all Marechal DXN Plug Connectors
➡ T&D distribute the complete range of Hazardous Area Plugs for safe electrical power distribution in potentially explosive atmospheres, including Marechal self ejecting plugs for Zone 1 & Zone 2.

Marechal Supplier – contact us to improve power supply safety and reliability
 More reading
Marechal – The Decontactor. Maximum Efficiency, Safety & Reliability For Power Supply
EXPERTS IN EQUIPMENT FOR EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES
Thorne & Derrick are leaders in the development and distribution of Product Innovations that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas.
Your first-choice provider of innovative and competitive solutions to ensure ATEX & IECEx Compliance for Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment to UK and international projects.
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Further Reading
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HSE Electricity At Work – Safe Working Practices Guide Size: 219.25 KB
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Marechal DSN Plugs 20A-63A Decontactors (IP66 IP67 IP69K) Size: 602.13 KB
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Marechal DN Plugs 20A-90A Decontactors (IP54 IP55) Size: 463.56 KB
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Marechal DS Plugs 30A-250A Decontactors (IP54 IP55) Size: 1,013.12 KB
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Marechal DS7C3 Star-Delta Motor Connector – AC-22 50A 500V Size: 205.00 KB