Wiring devices come in unique styles, designed for specific markets. Understanding the unique styles, features, code compliance and use considerations will help ensure you choose the best device for your application.
First, a few definitions that will help with terminology used in the industry (I’ll just use basic definitions in this discussion).
Plug – often referred to a Male Plug. This part of the connection has exposed blades that insert into a receptacle or Connector. Think of our phone charger, a home appliance or extension cord. This connects to a receptacle that provides power to whatever you are plugging in. There are also Male Inlets, explained below, that a connector would plug into – more on that below. Plugs can be molded to the cord, as in an extension or power cord, or they can be mechanically attached as a separate piece. Some can even have an internal light to show the presence of power.
Connector – often referred to as a Female Receptacle, Female Connector or Outlet that transfers power to a plug and whatever you are powering. Technically it would be on the end of an extension cord (molded style) or mechanically attached to a cord (separate part attached). Like the lighted plug, connectors can also be lit, showing there is power at the receptacle.
Receptacles – receptacles, sometimes referred to as wall receptacles, are offered in a duplex (two spots to plug in to or, single, only one spot to plug into).
Inlets – you might find inlets on the back of your TV where you have a power cord that is attached to the TV with a plug on the power side end and molded connector on the other. (The molded connector plugs in to the TV). Inlets, in this example transfer power from a cord with a connector (female) the male inlet on the back of the TV, which has exposed plug blades. In addition to TV’s, you’ll find these on desktop computers. In industry, you’ll find these on scissor lifts, truck heaters and other equipment that don’t have a cord to plug in, rather they need a cord to plug in to it for power. Inlets mean that the male side of the cord is on the units to be powered without, dragging around a cord to plug in for power.
Outlets – these devices you find throughout your home, offices and in industry. You might find them in industrial applications on a panel supplying power to an extension cord. Outlets are designed in straight blade, locking and pin and sleeve applications (more about pin and sleeve devices in a few months).
Code Compliance and wiring device uniformity – NEMA Configurations
Who is NEMA? NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, which sets codes and compliance to ensure the female plug and receptacles, locking or straight, intermate – meaning wherever you find a receptacle you’d be able to attach your similar configured plug. Imagine if there were not any standards – trying to plug in your phone charger would be a challenge.
NEMA Configurations - There are distinct NEMA configurations that are designed to ensure safety through intermateability. NEMA configurations are separated by poles (blades), voltage and amperage. This ensures safety when connecting similar voltages and amperages. For example, a 250-Volt device, think air conditioner or heater, would not plug into a 125-Volt, your standard receptacle in your home or in the workplace.
There are unique styles of blades configurations too that help ensure that plugs and connectors or receptacle stay attached. I’ll try and explain those briefly below.
· Straight Blade – Straight Blade Devices are the most common. You find these throughout your home or at work to plug in your phone, computer, dryer, range, tools and battery chargers for tools.
· Locking – Locking devices are used to ensure that the plug stays attached to a locking receptacle or connector. These are used when there is tension on a cord and plug or connector when moving equipment around to ensure there is not an accidental disconnect, causing potential harm. There are also Miniature Locking Plugs, Connectors and Outlets. These are normally used in industry for low power applications and where normal sized devices would take up too much space.
· Non-Nema – Non-Nema refers to devices that were most often created before NEMA configurations were designed. You might find these configurations in older manufacturing facilities. There are a few configurations that still linger, but many have been replaced with safer Nema configurations. There are non-nema configurations designed intentionally to ensure products are not intermated. Some non-nema configurations are still extensively used; 50-amp, corsets used to power spider boxes are an example of these sorts of non-nema product use.
International Configurations – if you’ve traveled to Europe recently you may have noticed a different style of receptacle and plug combination, this with round pins with higher voltages and sometimes different cycle ratings – typically 60hz and 50hz. 60hz (you’ll find in most of North America) and 50hz (you might find this in distinct parts of the world). It is important to know the difference as some electrical devices are sensitive to the cycle rating and will not work properly when connected to one or the other.
Other NEMA Ratings – there are several other NEMA ratings, I’ll touch on two that are more common to our industry –
· Corrosion Resistant – these devices have nickel plated blades, contacts and screws. These devices might be used in Marine or environments where chemicals or other corrosive substances will compromise durability or electrical contact, causing harm.
· Hospital Grade Devices - These devices are designed to withstand the rigors of hospital environments where devices might face impact, potential to be crushed or disconnect at extreme angles, compromising circuits and connection in life saving applications. Watching any popular Hospital program on TV or seeing the environment yourself; with carts being raced around inside a hospital in life and death situations, you can understand why there are hospital grade device standards.
Other Considerations – when selecting the right device, you are often faced with a standard that already exists In some of those situations you might consider why you are replacing the device in the first place – wear and tear or perhaps the device failed due to moisture, dust, dirt of corrosion and select a device more suitable for your application – durability, environmental worthiness, etc.
Whether you are replacing a device or installing something new, consider the environment the device might be exposed to and the rigors of temperature range, dust, damp, impact, indoor or outdoor that it will face in its service life. Consider plated blades for damp environments, internal moisture and dust seals to prevent integration of dirt, dust and moisture to migrate down the cord and into the device shortening its life.
Ericson offers many device configurations, and each device is designed for distinct applications to ensure safety and long service life. For over 100 year, Ericson’s experience, innovation and expertise, has introduced several industry leading designs. all designed with paramount safety in mind.
Learn more about Ericson’s extensive line of portable power devices at www.ericson.com. Stay tuned for more information on watertight, antimicrobial and pin and sleeve devices in future blog posts.
