Benefits of Self-Ejecting Plugs and Receptacles

In drive-aways with standard plugs and receptacles, cable tension increases until something gives, essentially pulling the system apart. This can damage the power connector, the inlet and mounting structure on the trailer, the power cable and the power supply/control panel.

MELTRIC self-ejecting devices are configured for straight ejection and are outfitted with a release cord that is fixed at one end to the cable and at the other to the latching pawl in a manner that maintains slack in the power cable. Thus, during a drive-away, tension in the release cord builds faster and pulls the latch open to safely eject the spring-loaded connector before tension in the cable becomes a problem.

The ejection of the connector ensures there is no damage to the inlet, trailer, power cord or control panel. Proper tethering of the MELTRIC device will also prevent damage to it that might otherwise occur from impact after ejection.

Drive-away damage can leave trailer/mobile equipment inlets in an unsafe condition and result in live conductors being exposed on supply side/loading dock equipment, posing unexpected shock or arc flash hazards for subsequent users.

MELTRIC Self-Ejecting devices are available with auxiliary pilot contacts or additional standard contacts that can be used to control the power circuit so that power is off anytime the connector is not mated to the inlet on the trailer or other equipment.

Environmental ratings up to IP69K that are achieved automatically when the device is mated and available plug/inlet caps help ensure against electrical hazards caused by water ingress.

A padlockable pawl option allows the receptacle lid to be locked in the closed position should it ever be necessary to prevent the use of the equipment.

Drive-away damage not only puts loading docks, supply trailers and other equipment out of commission until necessary repairs can be made, but may also affect the production or supply operations they are intended to serve. The best solution is to eliminate the problem with MELTRIC Self-Ejecting devices.

MELTRIC spring-loaded, silver-nickel butt-contacts, spring assisted terminals and automatic watertightness also eliminate many of the other functional limitations of standard plugs and receptacles that lead to failure and downtime.

While the initial purchase cost of a system with self-ejecting devices may be slightly higher than with standard plugs and receptacles, that small difference is insignificant compared to the high costs of a drive-away incident:

• One drive-away event can destroy the trailer inlet and mounting, the connector and power cable and the control panel, resulting in thousands of dollars of equipment damage and significant maintenance work for repairs.
• It can also put the dock and trailer out of service and cause disruption of supply or downtime of the processes being served.
• Equipment damaged by drive-away may create safety hazards and result in injury of the next user if the damage is not found and corrected at the time of the incident.

It’s an easy choice; spend a few dollars more today and save thousands later.