Precisely engineered and carefully manufactured switchgear is the mainstay of the industry, supplying uninterrupted power supply in areas as diverse as mines and construction to manufacturing plants and mills. Switches, sockets, switched socket outlets and industrial plugs in settings like these endure extreme conditions, including high temperatures, humidity and moisture, exposure to chemicals and contaminants and impact or vibrations from surrounding equipment. They're also designed to carry higher voltages to power-hungry equipment than what you'd usually find at home.
To simplify power supply with industrial switchgear, Australian businesses turn to the industry heavyweights - Clipsal. The homegrown company produces distinct lines for residential, commercial and industrial power supply, with safe, durable and engineered switches, sockets and plugs in both single and three-phase power supplies, and amperage ratings catering to different equipment and uses. Whether you're looking for a heavy-duty Clipsal switch socket outlet to power larger machinery or simple yet stylish powerpoints and switches for home use, the extensive Clipsal lineup is where to look.
The Clipsal 56 Series
The 56 Series is the bread and butter of Clipsal's industrial range. It's by far the most respected and utilised switchgear you'd find in high-power commercial and industrial use in Australia. Besides meeting or exceeding industry standards and set guidelines for safety, build and compliance, all products in the 56 Series are built tough using engineering plastics designed in three recognisable colourways and with targeted uses for specific settings. This makes purchasing easier.
Mutual to all products in the range are the unparalleled safety and security features, such as socket flaps and padlocks; innovative designs (transparent covers) for simple inspection and maintenance and the ability to mix and match with other 56 Series products, or with the Clipsal 66 Series and WilcoROWCO ranges where higher safety, operational and design requirements need to be met.
Features and Benefits of the 56 range
Choose a Clipsal switch socket outlet, switches, sockets, appliance inlets, plugs, enclosures or the wide range of accessories and parts from the 56 Series when high chemical, temperature and mechanical resistance are paramount.
High Mechanical Resistance
Exposure to mechanical stresses, consistent vibrations and shocks that risk cutting power supply are all too common in industrial environments. The 56 range is designed with housings and enclosures to resist dents, scratches and major impact while still staying intact. And they can be safely used in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Chemical Resistance
Caustics, acids, solvents, alkalis and other chemicals can have a devastating effect on power connections. The engineering plastics seen in 56 switchgear are designed to protect power supply with varied design solutions. Combination switch socket outlets for instance include covered, corrosion-resistant screw caps and contoured profiles for enhanced water and dust protection (and IP66 ratings). at the same time, plugs and plug sockets have shallow lock rings and cable clamp grooves for dirt protection and screw-less bodies for sustained durability.
Heat Resistance
The hardened UV-stabilised plastics used in the 56 Series have operating temperature ranges of -25 to +75 degrees Celsius, meeting strict guidelines in dozens of applications. For areas with higher heat levels, look to the metal-clad options in the 66 Series.
Any Colour You Like
The properties listed above come in different tastes with varying colour-coded 56 switchgear items. Basic and all-purpose switches, sockets and plugs in the Standard Grey line (GY) are ideal for indoor use, at ambient temperatures and limited exposure to chemicals, UV rays, or moisture. They're commonly found in areas like tools rooms, maintenance workshops, warehouses; loading bays and storage rooms.
Chemical Resistant Orange (RO) is good for areas with low to medium exposure to weak acids, alkalis, and alcohol. Ideal uses include both indoor and outdoor settings with low temperature fluctuations, and low exposure to detergents, liquids and UV radiation. You'll find these commercial kitchens and food courts and outdoor storage areas like tanks and silos. Similar uses are available with Chemical Resistant White (RW) switchgear, though these perform better against acid-based detergents and chemicals.
Chemical Resistant Grey (CG) and Chemical Resistant Dark Grey (WW) are used for safe electrical supply in commercial and industrial facilities with high exposure to alkalis. This includes food processing areas, bottling plants, fast food stores and more. Where there's the risk of falling heavy equipment and potential interruption to power supply from impact, the company offers the metal-clad Clipsal Switch Socket Outlet and other switchgear in the extreme-duty yellow WilcoROWCO range.
The straightforward colour range makes choosing electrical connections for your intended purpose simpler.
Short Overview of 56 Series Gear
So, what's included in the 56 Series? Apart from combination switch socket outlets offered with either one or two-piece covers, there are surface mount sockets, variants that meet international electrical standards (IEC sockets) and downward-facing appliance outlets. The range encompasses dozens of electrical connections for varied uses. Combination switch sockets for instance are offered in 1 and 3-pole types, in amperage ratings ranging between 10 and 50A and in high, standard and low-voltage types.
There's also a huge selection of industrial switches, including rotary surface mount switches, changeover and reversing, key-operated, sliding dolly and timer switches in 1 to 4 pole configurations, high and standard voltages, and a range of innovative design and security features to restrict use and prevent damage from external factors.
Rounding up the Clipsal 56 Series is a huge selection of industrial plugs (single and three-phase, straight and angled) in a 3 to 7-pin arrangement, pad locking options and the same IP66 ratings found across the 56 range.
