Industrial | Hazardous Area | Explosive Atmospheres | Plugs & Sockets
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres & ATEX Product Innovation – we supply and distribute the Marechal range of low voltage power, control and signal plugs and sockets for heavy industrial and hazardous area applications where ATEX IECEx Certified products are required.
In this series of application Blogs we review the use of Decontactors in the offshore and maritime industries.
DECONTACTOR™ power connectors help power plants improving their safety and performance while also reducing equipment and costs.
In nuclear power, hydroelectricity, fossil fuels and waste-to-energy stations, the diversity of energy distribution needs is covered by the wide range of Marechal industrial electrical plugs and socket-outlets: robustness in hostile environments, varied electrical installations, customisable and flexible, compliance with electrical standards, assistance with the specification, installation and maintenance of electrical outlets and boxes.
Welding Machine Connections Ensure User Safety
Significant safety and cost advantages make the DECONTACTOR™ the ideal choice for connecting power to welding machines and other equipment.
With their switch ratings, 65 kA or greater short circuit ratings, enclosed arc chambers and front safety shutter, they not only allow users to make and break resistive and inductive loads safely under full load, but also eliminate the potential for arc flash exposure and provide protection in dangerous overload situations.
The need for expensive interlocks required with other plugs & socket-outlets and the common problem of defeating the interlock with extension cords are eliminated.
Downtime Critical Equipment Simplify Motor Replacement
Motors prewired with either a DECONTACTOR™ inlet on the terminal box or with a power lead and DECONTACTOR™ motor rated plug offers huge time and cost savings. Safety features allow technicians to replace motors in the field eliminating the need to wait for electricians.
Using Marechal DECONTACTOR™ to connect motors and pumps instead of hard-wiring can help reduce motor replacement downtime costs by 50%.
Mobile Facilities Power Supply Easily Meet Regulations Requirements
Regulations require motors to have readily accessible disconnects. Marechal DECONTACTOR™ are rated for ‘Motor circuits’ and distribution switching.
With models rated up to 250 A, and with configurations available for wall or panel mount and in-line coupler connections, DECONTACTOR™ provide the most convenient and cost effective means of meeting regulations for local disconnects.
Hoist Connections Ensure Arc Flash Protection
DECONTACTOR™ provides arc flash protection by eliminating the potential for exposure to live parts and arcing.
The contacts are completely enclosed during load-making and breaking, ensuring that any associated arcing is safely isolated in internally.
The plug can only be removed if the socket has been switched ‘off’ and the plug contacts are dead.
The safety shutter on the socket automatically closes when the plug is removed, maintaining a dead front and preventing access to live parts. Thus, at no time during the operation of the device will the user have unintended access to live contacts or arcing.
ATEX Certified Plugs & Sockets from Marechal Electric
The DSN/DS/DN range of plugs and sockets spans currents from 20 A to 250 A, making it our largest and most complete DECONTACTOR™ range. Their casing meets the requirements of industries that need robust connectors.
Socket-outlets and connectors are available in GRP for currents from 20 A to 90 A and in metal for currents above 50 A, and offer a large array of options like padlocking, keying systems and auxiliary contacts.
With an AC-3 switching capability, the disconnectable motor switches DB combine the functions of a motor disconnect and a power socket. They ensure the safety of people during operation on load (motor or highly inductive load).
DB range is equipped with a mechanical indicator (red / green) and options such as lockout or addition of auxiliary contacts.
Suppliers of market-leading brands of ATEX & IECEx Certified Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment : CEAG | Wolf Safety | Technor | Raytec | Abtech | MEDC | Amphenol | ATEXOR | Appleton ATX | Pepperl+Fuchs | Raxton
Hazcon Inc.
Hazcon Inc. provides a full suite of consulting services for manufacturers of electrical equipment for hazardous locations and explosive atmospheres.
Dust explosive atmospheres are locations that are hazardous due to the presence of combustible dusts. Explosive dusts are categorized mainly by the type of materials, their physical properties, and electrical resistivity characteristics.
How are Dust Explosive Atmospheres Grouped in North America?
Several characteristics of explosive dusts are considered when they are classified or grouped together to define a hazardous area location:
– Their physical properties and types of materials involved
– Their electrical resistivity (Standard IEC 60079-10-2, clause 3.6 defines conductive dust as combustible dust with electrical resistivity equal to or less than 103 Ωm)
– The effect of layers of the dust that can accumulate on equipment
– Grades of releases of explosive dusts during normal operation and maintenance (that is, how often per year the explosive dusts might be expected to be released to the atmosphere)
In North America, there are two systems used to classify or group explosive dusts: the Class/Division system and the Zone System. The Class-Division system for dust explosive atmospheres is based on the NFPA 499 Standard. Standard IEC 60079-10-2 provides area classifications for the Zone system.
Explosive dusts are identified as Class II in the North American Class/Division system.
The Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and the National Electrical Code in the U.S. (NEC) define Class II, Division 1 (known as C2D1) as a location in which combustible and explosive dusts are in the air under normal operating condition in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures. Class II, Division 2 (known as C2D2) is defined as a location where combustible and explosive dusts are not normally in the air in quantities sufficient to generate explosive or ignitable mixtures, but the ignitable dusts may be suspended in the air as a result of infrequent malfunctioning of the processing equipment.
There are three Dust Groups (E, F and G) in North America. Dust Group E are combustible metal dusts; Dust Group F consists of combustible dust other than combustible metal dust; and Dust Group G are solid particles, including fibres.
In the Zone system, explosive dusts are identified as Group III. The Zone system further divides Group III into three zones (Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22). Zone 20 is defined by the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and the National Electrical Code in the U.S. (NEC) as a location in which ignitable concentrations of combustible dust or ignitable fibres/ flyings are present continuously or for long periods of time under normal operating conditions.
Zone 21 is a location where ignitable concentrations of combustible dust or ignitable fibres/flyings are likely to exist occasionally under normal operating conditions. Zone 22 is a location in which ignitable concentrations of combustible dust or ignitable fibres/flyings are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions.
There are three dust groups: Groups IIIC, IIIB, and IIIA. Similar to the Division/Class system, explosive dusts that are identified as IIIC are combustible metal dusts; IIIB are combustible dust other than combustible metal dust; and IIIA are solid particles, including fibres.
What Protection Techniques are Used
for Electrical Equipment in Dust Explosive Atmospheres?
Class/Division System Protection Techniques
In the Class/Division system, the most common protection technique used in Class II, Division 1 hazardous locations is “dust-ignition proof”. The main concept behind this technique is that the electrical equipment is built in a way that prevents the ignitable dust from entering into the equipment.
The equipment, by design, will also not permit arcs, sparks, or heat generated or liberated inside of the enclosure to cause ignition of exterior accumulations or atmospheric suspensions of a specified dust on or in the vicinity of the enclosure. The “dust- ignition proof” technique is based on UL 1203 or FM 3616 Standard for the U.S. and CSA C22.2 No. 25 Standard for Canada.
Other techniques used in the Class/Division system for “Class II, Division 1” equipment are:
The main protection techniques used for “Class II, Division 2” equipment are:
Protection Techniques for the Zone System
Based on the degree of risk involved, each Zone requires a different explosion protection level (EPL).
Zone 20 Protection Techniques
Explosion protection techniques that can be implemented for Zone 20 equipment are:
Products having a “Class II, Division 1” marking with a valid certificate from an accredited agency in North America can also be installed in Zone 20 hazardous areas in North America.
Zone 21 Protection Techniques
Explosion protection techniques that can be implemented for Zone 21 equipment are:
Products having a “Class II, Division 1” marking and certified for Zone 20 with EPL Da with a valid certificate from an accredited agency in North America can also be installed in Zone 20 hazardous areas in North America.
Examples of Markings in the Class/Division System
Examples of Markings in the Zone System
For Canada:
For the USA:
Class/Division and Zone Markings Applied to Products Certified in North America
For any North American hazardous location certification, the equipment such as lighting must first comply with the general safety, also known as ordinary location, as well as the requirements of the hazardous environment. Ordinary location requirements are specific for each type of electrical equipment and cover general safety requirements such as risk of electrical shock, fire hazards and injuries.
“Class II Division 1 or 2” products are electrical devices approved for use in a hazardous location Class-Division system in North America. They can be manufactured anywhere in the world but, because they are based on the North America classification system of Classes and Divisions, are approved only by North American certifying agencies for use in Canada and the U.S.
A product can be approved for North American Zone marking or a valid existing IECEx certificate issued by a recognized certification body can be used as a basis of Zone marking for North America. However, the product must comply additional with North American requirements which are: the ordinary location requirements, hazardous locations national deviation in North America and wiring restrictions per CEC and NEC.
Products with “Class II, Division 1” marking are permitted to be installed in Zones 20, 21, 22 areas. Similarly, products with “Class II, Division 2” marking are only allowed to be installed in Zone 22. Products approved for Zone 20 with EPL Da are allowed to be installed in “Class II, Division 1” and “Class II, Division 2” areas. Products approved for Zone 21 (with EPL Db) and 22 (with EPL Dc) can only be installed in “Class II, Division 2”.
Information Courtesy
Behzad Nejad, P. Eng. (Hazcon)
Director & Consulting Engineer at Hazcon Inc.; Hazardous Locations Consulting Services; IECEx, ATEX, CEC & NEC
Specializing in the design, safety and approval of electrical equipment for hazardous locations.
Mr. Nejad has over 15 years of experience as an Electrical Engineer and is a sought after professional in the hzardous area and explosion protection industry. He is fully-qualified at the advanced level of all hazardous locations protection techniques including Intrinsic Safety & Non-incendive, Explosion Proof & Flame proof, Increased Safety, Non-arcing, Purging and Pressurization, Encapsulation, Optical Radiation, and Dust-tight enclosures. Mr. Nejad’s tenure in the industry includes six years at the CSA certification agency, working closely with manufacturers (Emerson, GE, ABB, Siemens, Endress-Houser, VEGA etc.) as a technical and certification engineer for Hazardous locations equipment.
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.
Control Panels | Plugs | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace | Gas Detection | Flame Detection | Process Instrumentation | Process Heating | Ventilation Fans | Security Access Control
Competitive Prices | Extensive Stocks | Technical Support | Express Delivery
Thorne & Derrick | Wolf Safety Lamp Distributors
Hazardous Area Portable & Temporary Lighting
Wolf M-485 Blastlite Torch
uploaded by Natalie Lundie | Supply Chain: Marketing Lead with Thorne & Derrick International
Thorne & Derrick are Main Distributors for the Wolf Safety Lamp range of portable and temporary lighting for hazardous area and explosive atmospheres – a complete range of lighting products are available certified according to ATEX for safe use in hazardous areas Zone 1 & Zone 2 (Gas) and Zone 21 & Zone 22 (Dust).
The Wolf M-485 Blastlite provides a powerful, safe and cost effective ATEX and IECEx certified lighting solution for shot blasting applications. Designed to take full advantage of the powerful ATEX and IECEx Zone 0 certified M-85 Midi Torch which has an impressive light output figure of up to 210 lumens – the Blastlite’s tightly focused white beam cuts through dust and spray improving visibility and resulting in more precise blasting and a higher quality finish. By reducing the need to constantly stop and re-assess the surface, you will save time and increase productivity.
World Leading UK Manufactured Hazardous Area Portable & Temporary Lighting.
Contact us for price, stock and technical support about Wolf-M485 Blastlite:
Blastlite is easily, quickly & securely attached to the nozzle or hogger
Cable ties firmly secure the torch and bracket to the nozzle or hose
Blastlite is positioned on the nozzle or hose and points directly at the surface being targeted
Stockists & Suppliers of Wolf Safety Lamp | Portable & Hazardous Area Lighting
The Wolf M-485 Blastlite is available as a complete package including the torch, or you can use any existing M-80 or M85 and purchase the accessories separately.
The Wolf Blastlite is suitable for use on 58mm nozzle or hose.
Image Credit | RM Contractors | The Wolf M-485 Blastlite provides a powerful, safe and cost effective ATEX and IECEx certified lighting solution for shot, sand and water blasting applications in hazardous area locations.
Further Reading
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.
Control Panels | Plugs | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace | Gas Detection | Flame Detection | Process Instrumentation | Process Heating | Ventilation Fans | Security Access Control
Competitive Prices | Extensive Stocks | Technical Support | Express Delivery
Follow our Showcase Page on LinkedIn to receive hazardous area product innovations, industry news, whitepapers, videos, technical tips and training webinars for professionals involved in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Industrial | Hazardous Area | Explosive Atmospheres | Plugs & Sockets
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres & ATEX Product Innovation – we supply and distribute the Marechal range of low voltage power, control and signal plugs and sockets for heavy industrial and hazardous area applications where ATEX IECEx Certified products are required.
In this series of application Blogs we review the use of Decontactors in ports, marinas, shipyards and onboard vessels.
Salt corrosion, humidity, temperature changes and mechanical shocks lead to bad connections and overheating, and ultimately failure.
To satisfy the many needs linked to these hazardous situations, Marechal Electric provides you with a wide range of electrical connection solutions which reduce the time and means required for operations.
To meet the multiple needs related to port activity, Marechal Electric provides you with reliable and quality solutions of various electrical connections, always with the goal to ensure the safety of people and equipment.
Marinas
Marinas, Power connection of floating pontoon, Local animation.
Trading Ports & Shipyards
Crane supply, Ship-to-shore connections, Converters / Compressors, Distribution boxes.
Marine certification of the DSN / DS / DXN / SP / SPeX ranges by Bureau Veritas.
Marechal Electric connectors and plugs and sockets have already been used in marine applications for more than 20 years, especially for navy and Oil & Gas projects.
Ensuring optimal operation in humid conditions
The reinforced IP66/IP67/IP69K water-tightness is effective automatically upon connecting the socket or upon closing the lid.
It enables the product to be used in extremely wet or dusty environments.
Guarantee of a long life in harsh environments
DECONTACTOR™ are UV and corrosion resistant. They also withstand extreme temperatures (-40 °C to +60 °C operating).
Their GRP casing is resistant to mechanical shocks (IK08 / IK09) and to IK10 with a metal casing.
Dual-voltage socket-outlets: the perfect cost effective solution
Simplify the operation of shore connections: for 16 A, 32 A or 63 A powers, dual voltage plugs and socket-outlets enables connection to boats with 230 V or 400 V requirements.
A domestic adaptor can be used for small dock maintenance.
Quality and sustainable connection: guarantee of a long life in harsh environments
Marechal Electric products are fitted with spring-loaded contacts providing permanent and durable contact.
The silver-nickel tips at the end of the contacts provide exceptional connection quality and excellent resistance to wet and corrosive environments, even after years of use.
DSN / DS / DN DECONTACTOR™– From 20 A to 250 A
The DSN/DS/DN range spans currents from 20 A to 250 A, making it Marechal’s largest and most complete DECONTACTOR™ range. The casing meets the requirements of industries that need robust connectors. Socket-outlets and connectors are available in GRP for currents from 20 A to 90 A and in metal for currents above 50 A, and offer a large array of options like padlocking, keying systems and auxiliary contacts.
DS4 HIGH-CURRENT CONNECTORS – Available as 400 A 1,000 V
Our DS4 range offers compact plug and socket-outlet systems for connections up to 400 A 1,000 V. The sturdy metal box means that the system will continue to work reliably even in harsh conditions. DS4 connectors come standard with two pilot contacts that can be used to electrically lock out the system and a steel mechanical interlock mechanism – making them suitable for cranes connections.
SP SINGLE-POLE POWER CONNECTORS 700 A
Thanks to the butt-contact technology the SP single pole connector accepts a permanent current of 700 A / 1 000 V ac or 1500 V dc (connection with 70 to 400m² conductors).
Mega yachts, cruise ships or the Navy will use it for quayside connection via single cable. Available in ATEX.
Suppliers of market-leading brands of ATEX & IECEx Certified Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment : CEAG | Wolf Safety | Technor | Raytec | Abtech | MEDC | Amphenol | ATEXOR | Appleton ATX | Pepperl+Fuchs | Raxton
Industrial | Hazardous Area | Explosive Atmospheres | Plugs & Sockets
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres & ATEX Product Innovation – we supply and distribute the Marechal range of low voltage power, control and signal plugs and sockets for heavy industrial and hazardous area applications where ATEX IECEx Certified products are required.
In this series of application Blogs we review the use of Decontactors in the Extractive Industries.
Your electrical plugs and sockets must not only comply with strict quality and safety standards, they must also deliver high performance and flexibility and be robust enough to withstand daily exposure to harsh conditions like dust, mud, and humidity.
Marechal offer a unique portfolio of DECONTACTOR™ plugs, socket-outlets, and multi-contact connectors that meet the demanding requirements inherent to mine and quarry operations. With our proprietary systems, you can be assured of safe, reliable power connections at every step of your process: power supply, extraction, and processing.
The right industrial connector for your mining equipment needs:
The DECONTACTOR™ is a plug and socket-outlet system with an integrated power switch, allowing you to connect and disconnect motors in absolute safety – with plug-and-play-like simplicity.
This proprietary technology also makes equipment maintenance fast and safe. With Marechal’s exceptionally robust system, you can be sure that your industrial electrical connections deliver long-lasting performance and comply with the latest regulations (like IEC EN 60947-3 for switches, IEC EN 60309-1 and the EU Low Voltage Directive.
Power Supply
Extraction
Processing
IP66/IP67 sealing is achieved as soon as the plug is inserted or lid is closed manually.
Mines and quarries need to pump a lot of water, for equipment cleaning and as part of wastewater and surface runoff treatment processes.
With Marechal DECONTACTOR™ plugs and socket-outlets, you can easily hook up and remove pumps on the fly – without having to wait for a maintenance technician. The connections are IP66/IP67 watertight, meaning they are automatically protected against any accidental contact with water.
DECONTACTOR™ Technology – Electrical Safety
• A socket-outlet with a built-in switch, all in a single, compact unit
• Just press the button once to cut the current and eliminate the risk of electric shock; the plugs then eject automatically, disconnecting the appliance
• Personnel safety is guaranteed at all times.
Reliable Electrical Connections
Marechal connectors are fitted with spring-loaded contacts providing continuous, durable connections. The silver-nickel tipped contacts deliver exceptional connection quality and superior resistance to humidity and corrosion – even after years of use.
Mechanical Lock-outs for Enhanced User Safety
An optional lock-out system can prevent current from unexpectedly reaching equipment while maintenance is being performed, and can be seamlessly incorporated into your lock-off procedures. After safely unplugging the DECONTACTOR™, you can mechanically lock off the socket outlet.
DN DECONTACTOR™ 20 A / 30 A / 50 A / 90 A
The metal casing on this range is designed for industries where robust connectors are crucial. DN DECONTACTOR™ can accommodate a wide range of cable diameters, making them perfect for the long cables used in mining and tunnelling.
MULTICONTACT Crimp mounting CONNECTORS 5 to 37 contacts; 5 A to 30 A Low currents: 4 mA to 20 mA. Marechal multi-contact connectors can hook up equipment to a power supply and transmit data. The silver-nickel alloy used for the butt contacts provides exceptional conductivity and longevity (can withstand several thousand operations).
Casings are available in glass-reinforced polyester or metal to ensure excellent resistance – even in harsh conditions.
DS4 HIGH-CURRENT CONNECTORS 400 A 1,000 V. The Marechal DS4 range offers compact plug and socket-outlet systems for connections up to 400 A 1,000 V. The sturdy metal box means that the system will continue to work reliably even in harsh conditions. DS4 connectors come standard with two pilot contacts that can be used to electrically lock out the system and a steel mechanical interlok mechanism – making them suitable for cranes connections.
Suppliers of market-leading brands of ATEX & IECEx Certified Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment : CEAG | Wolf Safety | Technor | Raytec | Abtech | MEDC | Amphenol | ATEXOR | Appleton ATX | Pepperl+Fuchs | Raxton
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
