Plugs&Receptacles for Food/Beverage Industry

Application Spotlights | Food and Beverage Brochure

Meltric Decontactor™ Series Plugs, Receptacles and Electrical Connectors... Ideally Suited for the Food and Beverage Industry
Decontactors are a combination plug, receptacle and disconnect switch in the same device. Using Meltric Decontactors to connect motors and other electrical equipment instead of hard-wiring can dramatically reduce equipment change-out related downtime. Due to their switch ratings, Decontactors allow users to safely and easily make and break electrical connections under full load, even in wet, and highly corrosive conditions. This eliminates the need for expensive interlocks and auxiliary disconnect switches. Meltric Decontactors improve safety while saving users both time and money.

Portable pump connection at a beverage plant	Connecting portable and stationary equipment meat processing	Crystallizer motor connection Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, Florida
Reduce Downtime
Decontactors reduce downtime related to electrical equipment change-outs. When Decontactors are used in lieu of hard-wiring, a mechanic can change out a motor safely and efficiently. A conveyor line or a process pump can be up and running in a matter of minutes instead of a matter of hours. Production halts are minimized and rewiring errors are virtually eliminated.
Ensure Safety for Maintenance Personnel
Decontactor safety features include: dead front construction, enclosed arc chambers, silver-nickel butt-style pressure contacts, and short circuit make and withstand ratings of 10kA. These features ensure safety by preventing access to live parts, by providing a superior electrical connection that does not deteriorate with wear or oxidation, and by allowing users to safely make & break connections - even during wet or overload conditions.
Provide Watertight, Durable Connections
Decontactors provide safe, durable electrical connections - even in washdown environments. Rated watertightness up to NEMA 4X is achieved as soon as the plug mates with the receptacle (DS & DSN models). A Decontactor's coil spring-loaded silver-nickel contacts offer superior electrical performance that does not deteriorate with wear or oxidation, unlike competitors' brass pin & sleeve contacts.
Simplify Code Compliance
Decontactors provide food and beverage factories with a simple and cost-effective means of achieving code compliance. A Decontactor's switch rating allows it to perform as the NEC required 'line of sight' disconnect - the need and expense of a separate disconnect switch is eliminated Decontactors also help facilities comply to NFPA 70E requirements. A Decontactor's dead front construction prevents worker exposure to live parts. As a result, qualified mechanics can change out a mtor without needing PPE.
Allow Easy Production Line Reconfigurations
Decontactors allow conveyor motors and other electrical equipment to be safely connected or disconnected with plug and play simplicity. Reconfigurations of production lines are simplified when Decontactors are used to create a modular system. Time spent performing electrical work is minimized.
Facilitate Quick Disconnection & Reconnection
Decontactors allow easy disconnection, even by operators with gloves on. Simply press the latch to break the load and, if desired, lightly twist the plug to remove it. Alternatively, the plug can remain in the receptacle to keep it conveniently out of the way. By contrast, pin and sleeve or twist type connections require much greater force to remove the plug and once the plug is removed it often must be laid down on the floor, creating unnecessary clutter.

Application Spotlights
Conveyor Systems
Decontactors enable conveyor systems to be quickly reconfigured and also allow motors to be easily replaced.
• Enable Modularity
A mechanic can safely and easily make or break live electrical connections on conveyors. The conveyors can then be quickly reconfigured to meet flexible production needs.
• Allow Advance Control
Pilot contacts can operate secondary control circuits to send alarm signals or turn other equipment on or off depending on system requirements.
Pumps and Mixers
Decontactors provide safe and quick motor connections - even in wet environments
• Ensure Safety
Workers can safely make and break electrical connections on motors up to 60 hp. Butt-style contact technology, enclosed arc chambers, dead front construction, and short circuit make & withstand capabilities ensure user safety.
• Maximize Durability
Decontactors are bulit to withsatnd harsh and wet environments. The casings are shock resistant, the silver-nickel contacts are corrosion resistant, and the complete unit is watertight up to NEMA 4X (DSN).
Portable and Handheld Equipment
Decontactors allow safe and easy equipment disconnection, even by users with gloves on.
• Inhibit corrosion
Silver-nickel contact materials and stainless steel metal parts provide exceptional resistance to corrosion in caustic washdown environments.
• Simplify Operation
Decontactors are safely and easily disconnected even with gloves on. Simply press the release button (pawl) and then lightly rotate the plug for removal.
Production Line Equipment
Decontactors facilitate the reconfiguration of production line equipment.
• Minimize Design Hassles and Installation Costs
Decontactors eliminate the need for mechanical interlocks and auxiliary disconnects, saving design and installation time.
• Reduce Downtime
A mechanic can break the power, relocate or service equipment and reconnect power in minutes. There is no hand-wiring required, even for equipment with controls.
Equipment Control Wire Connections
Meltric Decontactors and Meltric Multipin connectors allow quick, error-free control wire connections.
• Simplify Control Wiring and Maintenance
Decontactors with optional pilot contacts are ideal for controlling auxiliary equipment or monitoring key operational procedures. For more complex control schemes, Meltric Multipin connectors are available with up to 37 contacts. Both products enable quick reconfigurations of processing equipment without the need for hard-wiring or multiple plug connections.
• Promote Error-Free Connections
Avoid rewiring errors during equipment change-outs. Meltric connectors provide 'plug and play' simplicity, even in washdown environments.
Electrical Connections for Vehicles
Decontactors provide a convenient, durable means of connecting power to stationary vehicles.
• Withstand Rough Handling
Decontactor casings offer great resistance to impact and harsh environments. The silver-nickel, butt-style contact configuration allows users to routinely make and break the electrical connections.
• Prevent Damage
Potential for "drive away" damage to the electrical connection is virtually eliminated with Meltric's optional self ejecting feature.

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