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Connectors for 200V dc

I have an installation that uses 200V dc (balanced about earth but not earthed). All the installed equipment is direct wired, but I have an application that needs a plug and socket. I don't want to use the standard connectors that are also used for ac to avoid ac equipment being plugged in inadvertently. The equipment in question will draw a current around 8 amps and is metal framed, not double insulated so needs an earth. I would be grateful for any suggestions/ advice.

I am sure that this has been discussed previously, but I cannot find it on the old forum.

Many thanks,

David

0 mapj1 over 5 years ago

at the risk of stating the obvious, the risk of AC parts (mis)used at DC is arcing on opening of contacts, as there is no extinction at zero crossing - if you have played with a

DC vs AC welding, you will appreciate the longer arcs. Given that this is practically a museum, I cannot imagine anyone is going to be too worried about non-standard colours.

There are also connectors and isolators made for DC for solar panels, which may be an alternate source . The staubli ones are single pole, but neutrik are not - be aware that many DC connectors are NOT intended for on-load breaking..
http://www.windandsun.co.uk/products/Grid-Connect-Accessories/Isolation-Switches#.XLjXX9h7nZ4

https://cpc.farnell.com/neutrik/nac3fcb/powercon-cable-b-connector/dp/CN04056?MER=sy-me-pd-mi-alte
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0 Former Community Member over 5 years ago

-2400-:

AJJewsbury:

I guess the "correct" answer (according to standards) is a BS EN 60309 2 pole + PE connector with the earth at the 3h position (in white) - which is specifically for 50-250V d.c. Where you'd source such as beast from I've no idea though (I don't recall ever seeing such a thing even in a catalogue never mind real life).

Based on your reply, I did a quick internet search and at least found them in a catalogue (page 93)…. http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1514435.pdf

I remember seeing some connectors with purple sleeves on them, same style as our 16/32A etc plugs and sockets. I had a plug and socket that I used on a 12 battery in a box as a car starter with croc clips.... I'm sure they came from a 50VDC supply in a telephone exchange.
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0 broadgage over 5 years ago

Purple Ceeform plugs and sockets are readily available but are designed for nominal 24/25 volt circuits. In practice used for AC or DC but only for up to about 28 volts maximum, such as a 24 volt battery on charge. Not suited for 200 volts.

White Ceeforms for nominal 50 volt systems also allegedly exist, though I have never seen one.

As only one socket is needed I still feel that a BS 543 15 amp outlet is the best solution, look for an old one that incorporates a DC rated switch, fleabay is your friend ! Or a modern UNSWITCHED type with a DC rated switch adjacent. A modern 15 amp socket with an integral AC only microgap switch would not be suitable.

A BS 543 type outlet would also look more suitable in a heritage situation.
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0 gkenyon over 5 years ago

broadgage:

Purple Ceeform plugs and sockets are readily available but are designed for nominal 24/25 volt circuits. In practice used for AC or DC but only for up to about 28 volts maximum, such as a 24 volt battery on charge. Not suited for 200 volts.

White Ceeforms for nominal 50 volt systems also allegedly exist, though I have never seen one.

As only one socket is needed I still feel that a BS 543 15 amp outlet is the best solution, look for an old one that incorporates a DC rated switch, fleabay is your friend ! Or a modern UNSWITCHED type with a DC rated switch adjacent. A modern 15 amp socket with an integral AC only microgap switch would not be suitable.

A BS 543 type outlet would also look more suitable in a heritage situation.

Assuming you're referring to BS 546??

As far as I can tell, BS 546 (round pin plugs and socket-outlets) that are available today would all be subject to the 1999 amendment, which amends "FOR AC (50-60 Hz) CIRCUITS UP TO 250 V" to the title of the standard.
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0 Sparkingchip over 5 years ago

Presumably the socket should have a D.C. isolator upfront of it, such as a readily available D.C. rotary isolator like this that can be locked to restrict the use of the socket, though it cannot be interlocked.

Is there to be multiple sockets around the site to allow the equipment to be repositioned or is it to allow the equipment that will only be used in one location to be placed into storage?

Andy
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0 Sparkingchip over 5 years ago

Is this historic fair ground equipment?
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0 broadgage over 5 years ago

I did state that an old or vintage item with a DC switch would be required, and specifically noted that a new round pin socket with an AC only microgap switch would not be suitable.
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0 Sparkingchip over 5 years ago

Because that takes us to 740.55.7 which seems to allow anything similar to a BS EN 60309-1 plug and socket to be used.
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0 gkenyon over 5 years ago

broadgage:

I did state that an old or vintage item with a DC switch would be required, and specifically noted that a new round pin socket with an AC only microgap switch would not be suitable.

Yes, I was just making it clear that even a plug purchased after 1999 would be "AC only", therefore there's not simply a need to look for a vintage switched socket-outlet, but also a pre-1999 plug !
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0 Sparkingchip over 5 years ago

I think the installation is actually powered up by mercury arc rectifiers, so pre-1999 plugs and sockets will not be out of place.
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Connectors for 200V dc

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