ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR ZONE 2 HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

摘要

An electrical plug and receptacle can be connected and disconnected in thepresence of explosivegas without causing a spark and possible explosion. Power is disconnected fromthe receptacleunless the plug is fully inserted and locked into position in the receptacle.A sensor detects whenthe plug is fully inserted and locked. The sensor energizes a relay whichallows power to flow tothe receptacle and the connected plug. The relay is encapsulated in epoxy orisolated in aRestricted Breathing enclosure to keep explosive gas away from the sparkingrelay contacts. Toremove the plug from the receptacle, it must first be unlocked. The sensordetects the motion ofunlocking the plug and releases the relay to disconnect power from the plugand receptacle sothat no spark is created when the plug is removed from the receptacle.Ordinary NEMA plugsand receptacles can be used in Zone 2 and Class I Division 2 hazardouslocations.