Switch Rated Generator Plugs, Generator Receptacles, Generator Connectors

Danger- Live Generator Connections!

Workers risk exposure to arc flash when disconnecting standard generator plugs and receptacles. To prevent accidents install UL/CSA switch rated generator plugs and receptacles from Meltric. They are a combination plug, receptacle and disconnect switch in one device. Meltric’s receptacles/connectors feature a built-in switching function that ensures the contacts are safely deenergized before the generator plug can be withdrawn.
Arc flash safety is ensured

DECONTACTOR™Series Generator Plugs, Receptacles & Connectors

	Switch ratings ensure safe load breaking/making – even in overload situations.
	Decontactors are switch rated up to 200A & 60 hp. They provide short circuit make & withstand protection up to 100kA.

	Dead front construction prevents exposure to live parts and arc flash hazards.
	The need for flash protection boundaries and cumbersome PPE is eliminated. Decontactors maintain a NFPA 70E 'hazard risk category' equal to zero.

	Separation of the plug & receptacle provides verification of deenergization.
	Voltage testing is not required. Visible contact separation proves the power is off.

	Plug & play simplicity allows any qualified employee to quickly connect and disconnect generators and other electrical equipment.
	Specially trained electrical workers are not required for load making/breaking. Downtime related to equipment change-outs can be reduced by up to 50%.

	Lockout provisions facilitate easy compliance with lockout/tagout requirements.
	Only your lock and tag are needed, no additional mechanisms are required. (Provisions are standard on the plug and optional on the receptacle.)

	NEC, UL & CSA Compliance
	In addition to their electrical plug & receptacle listings, Meltric Decontactor Series plugs & receptacles are UL and CSA switch rated and are approved NEC 'line of sight' disconnect switches for both resistive and inductive loads.

	UL/CSA listed for 'Branch Circuit Disconnect Switching' and 'Motor Circuit Disconnect Switching' per UL Subject 2682 'Switch Rated Plugs & Receptacles.'


Case Study

Safer and Faster Portable Generator to Lift Station Connections.
A Wisconsin wastewater treatment plant is saving time with a combination plug/receptacle and disconnect switch that makes generator connections safe, fast and easy at lift stations around town. Safety concerns led the Watertown, WI wastewater utility to equip its portable emergency generators and remote lift stations with Decontactors. The Meltric Decontactor™ Series switch-rated plugs and receptacles allow workers to safely make and break electrical connections, even under full load.
The city is underlain by 105 miles of sewers that collect wastewater from a 12 square mile area. The collection system also includes 18 remote lift stations. The lift stations, located around the city, use submersible pumps to elevate the wastewater in the sewer lines and facilitate gravity flow to the treatment plant. Typically, they are located below ground level with a control panel above ground. Assistant Water Systems Manager-Wastewater Kevin L. Freber says the total capacity of the pumps is 27 million gallons per day, although flow generally averages between three and three-and-a-half mgd.
While some lift stations are equipped with stationary generators to provide emergency power, a power failure may make it necessary to bring the department’s portable generators to the other lift stations and connect them to power the pumps until service is restored. Previously, these stations were equipped with conventional pin and sleeve connectors. However, they could not be locked easily to prevent tampering or injury to children or vandals who might try to remove the plug. Freber says, “The generators deliver 100 amp service, and with the plugs we had before, there was no way of locking the two parts together. Any kid could walk up and pull it apart.” Freber points out that the Decontactors are easy to lock to prevent tampering and also are safe when they are separated. He states, “You have to twist it to open it, and even if someone could get it apart, they never could get at the live contacts.” This is due to their dead-front construction and enclosed arc chambers. Easily accessible contacts on the previous connectors had the potential to expose workers or others to live power, so switching to Meltric’s Decontactors also helped the utility to simplify compliance with NFPA 70E arc flash requirements. Arc flash can be a concern when it becomes necessary to switch power connections, but the city’s lift stations that use mobile generators for emergency power are constructed to minimize or eliminate this risk. Freber says that wiring typically comes up from the pump into the bottom section of the control panel, which is constructed so that the related starters and other electronics are segregated in a sealed area. He explains, “Because of the new arc flash laws, we have them separated so our technicians can open the outside panel without danger from arc flash. There is also a walking beam inside, so when we switch from city power to emergency power, the power can’t back feed. Using the Decontactor to connect to the generator with this arrangement we can switch safely from city to emergency power.” Now, it takes only minutes to connect a generator and begin pumping. The ability to connect or disconnect quickly and safely makes it easier to move generators around to various lift stations for monthly test runs or if necessary during a prolonged or widespread power outage.