Industrial switchgear differs greatly from what you'd find in residential and light commercial use. Power requirements vary, as well as build, materials and overall designs to suit demanding industrial settings. The connections are used when hooking up power-hungry tools at the worksite, or heavy-duty 3-phase machinery and equipment in huge production plants. Choosing sockets, plugs, switches and electrical connections is also based on the specific requirements of the settings where these are used, taking into account appropriate designs and features for uninterrupted power supply regardless of the conditions.
With that said, one of the main electrical suppliers in Australia for both residential and industrial applications is the renowned local company Clipsal. The company has been supplying Australians with high-quality electrical connections for over a century, with many of the products an indelible part of old and new housing developments. The company's industrial range is also highly sought after, with switched sockets such as the 56C310, industrial surface switches like the 56SW110, and industrial plugs embodied in the 56p310 all part of the respected 56 series of industrial switchgear, and featuring in hundreds of businesses and industries throughout the country.
So, What Makes the 56 Series Stand Out?
Clipsal boasts that its switchgear has a heavy-duty build unrivalled by any other manufacturer. All products in the 56 series are made tough, using durable engineered plastics; unparalleled safety and security, with additions like double-pad locking to prevent unintentional use, switchgear to suit a range of applications and indoor and outdoor settings and products that meet and exceed current industry standards and regulations.
Exemplary Mechanical Resistance
Production and processing facilities, and industrial sites in general mean switches, sockets and plugs are widely exposed to increased mechanical stresses, vibrations, and the risk of shocks and occurrences that can cut power supply or cause major damage. To avoid dents, damage and scratches to enclosures, Clipsal uses impact-resistant materials in all its switchgear, including switched sockets, like the 56C310, with standard grey units equally capable both for harsh outdoor or indoor settings. The high rigidity in all components also ensures that they last no matter what.
Chemical Resistance
The 56 series offers three levels of chemical resistance, defined with different colour-coded enclosures. Even standard grey switched sockets are secured by screw caps to eliminate dust, have contoured profiles to reduce dust buildup, and transparent socket covers in moulded and reinforced plastics to keep out water, dirt and other contaminants. Switchgear in what the company calls 'chemical resistant orange' additionally protects against common industrial chemicals such as solvents, acids, lubricants and oils, detergents, alkalis and oxidising agents. All also come with industry-standard IP66 ratings.
Temperature Resistance
The hardened plastic build ensures Clipsal's industrial switches, switched sockets and plugs operate within demanding temperature extremes across multiple industries. This ranges from -25 to +75 degrees. Metal-clad enclosures in other Clipsal ranges, such as WilcoROWCO and the 66 series, offer higher temperature resistance.
Products in the 56 Series
The detailed list of products in the 56 Series encompasses combination switched socket outlets, surface socket outlets, rotary surface switches, push-button control and key-operated switches, as well as angled and straight plugs in different power ranges and pin configurations. The range is enriched with sunset and timer switches in the same heavy-duty build, a range of 3,4 and 5-pin extension sockets, switchgear module combos and more. Clipsal also throws in a range of switchgear accessories, from a variety of mounting enclosures, and high-pressure gaskets to further improve waterproofing, hoseproof transformers, socket covers and anything you need for a secure and stable supply in an industrial setting.
For instance, the combo switched 56C310 socket is a single pole,10 amp socket with a 250V voltage rating, equipped with a rotary switch with "on" and "off' positions, and a 3-pin standard socket enclosed with a transparent and chemically-resistant cover for superior dust and waterproofing. It also comes with an IP66 rating. The unit additionally includes factory-installed wire connections between the switch and socket, making installation simpler and quicker and is compatible with all 3-pin plugs in the 56 Series.
If there's the need for 2-pole variants, with the same 10A rating, look to 56C310D. More poles for heavy-duty equipment running on higher voltages are available in the 56C420, able to handle 500V, while more amps are readily available in extreme-duty three-phase industrial sockets, such as the 56C532 and 56C550 with 32 and 50 amperage ratings, respectively.
Why Colour-coded Switchgear?
Colour-coded switches, sockets and plugs ensure optimal performance in defined settings with exposure to detrimental factors that can negatively affect the power supply. They also make matching switchgear to the intended uses and purchasing simpler. As mentioned, even the standard grey products perform admirably in almost all conditions and uses. For superior moisture, dust, water, chemical and temperature resistance, choose Clipsal's resistant orange or dark grey enclosures and have an interrupted and safe power supply in any setting or facility. The products are readily available directly from Clipsal or from well-stocked industrial electrical suppliers.