MELTRIC Corporation’s switch-rated plugs & receptacles facilitate lockout/tagout of electrical equipment. Only a lock and tag are needed to ensure that a MELTRIC plug is properly locked out and tagged out – no additional mechanisms are required. Switch-ratings ensure safe load-breaking and the separated plug and receptacle provide visual verification of equipment deenergization. Since operation of the MELTRIC device is a NFPA 70E defined “normal operation” personal protective equipment is not required to safely deenergize most equipment.
In order to lockout most competitive pin and sleeve type plugs an additional third-party ‘lockout shield’ or ‘plug cap’ is required. These devices can be expensive and are often times lost, broken, or not available when you need them. MELTRIC’s lockout provision is integral to the device – it is always available when you need it. On most models the lockout provision is a simple 5/16” hole in the plug shroud that facilitates the insertion of a typical padlock which prevents the plug from being inserted into a receptacle. An optional provision for locking out the receptacle is also available. In most cases this is accomplished via a specially machined hole at the receptacle pawl which allows insertion of a padlock with a 5/16” shank to secure the receptacle lid in a closed position. This same optional provision can be used to prevent removal of the plug if desired.
The convenient lockout/tagout capability of a MELTRIC plug is just one of the exclusive safety features that make it easy for technicians to quickly change-out motors and other electrical equipment. Other important safety features include; (1) short circuit ratings that protect users in fault conditions up to 100 kA; (2) a safety shutter on the receptacle that prevents access to live parts to all but the correct mating plug; and (3) UL switch ratings which permit utilization as a ‘line of sight’ disconnect for both ‘branch circuit’ and ‘motor circuit’ switching up to 200A or 75 hp.