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Interlocked IEC 60309 sockets

Richard Henderson

I am looking at an existing design which we will be repeating a few times. It includes various sockets from 32A to 125A; all of them are interlocked IEC60309 type.

I cannot see a reason for them to be interlocked. What is the reason for an interlock anyway? I suppose it could be to stop people from poking their fingers into the female ‘pins’ of a live 125A socket but I'm pretty sure they're too small (standard IEC finger is 12mm). There is also the risk of them being disconnected under load and drawing an arc, but that seems a bit of a small risk to me unless in an EX zone, in which case, I'd imagine they're not allowed at all.

Does anyone know the  reason for the interlock and when it is needed? Particularly in the case of 125A?

 

thanks

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    I'm hoping to find a definite statement from a standard etc that states when and where they should be used. 

    If it helps BS 7671 table 537.4 lists the suitability of various sockets for functional switching - from there it's more of a design decision on how to ensure that the larger sizes aren't plugged in or unplugged under load. If it's a controlled environment with trained personnel always following suitable procedures that it might all be sufficient - otherwise interlocking is a relatively easy way of ensuring that the plug/socket can't be abused.

       - Andy.

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  • 0

    I'm hoping to find a definite statement from a standard etc that states when and where they should be used. 

    If it helps BS 7671 table 537.4 lists the suitability of various sockets for functional switching - from there it's more of a design decision on how to ensure that the larger sizes aren't plugged in or unplugged under load. If it's a controlled environment with trained personnel always following suitable procedures that it might all be sufficient - otherwise interlocking is a relatively easy way of ensuring that the plug/socket can't be abused.

       - Andy.

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