Panelboard optimizes circuit breaker life and performance.
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Press Release Summary:
Suited for Class I Zone 1 and Class I Division 2 environments, PowerPlex(TM) transfers its flamepath protection from enclosure to individual circuit breaker housings. Component-level protection promotes installation flexibility and reliability while facilitating maintenance and eliminating need for external conduit or cable seals. Coupled vertically or horizontally, product is available in configurations up to 225 A @ 600 Vac with or without main circuit breaker.
Original Press Release:
Appleton Reinvents Traditional Panelboard Design with Innovative New PowerPlex(TM)
PowerPlex panelboard transfers flamepath protection to individual breaker housings to make installation and maintenance simplier, while eliminating need for external seals
ROSEMONT, IL, May 27, 2009 - Appleton, the leading supplier of premium electrical products for hazardous locations, introduced today the PowerPlex(TM) panelboard which brings an innovative new design to Class I Zone 1 and Class I Division 2 environments such as found in petrochemical and chemical plants, waste treatment centers, and other industrial areas where explosive fumes may be present.
The PowerPlex breaks away from traditional panelboard design by transferring its flamepath protection from the enclosure to individual circuit breaker housings. This component-level protection allows it to deliver increased installation flexibility, improved reliability, as well as simpler, faster maintenance while also eliminating the need for external conduit or cable seals. Each circuit breaker housing connects to the panelboard through "increased safety" terminal connections. The terminations provide quick wiring access and are molded into the housing for unyielding performance through years of heavy vibrations and shocks.
Compared to other cast housings, the PowerPlex panelboard has a more highly engineered design that reduces installation time and cost. For example, it can be coupled either vertically or horizontally for better space utilization in large installations. In addition, its flat sided construction results in easier storage and transporting. Footprints are similar to traditional panelboards with configurations ranging up to 225 Amps at 600 VAC with or without a main circuit breaker. Entries can be made on site, in any location, without jeopardizing flamepath protection, providing significant cost and time savings. Outer enclosure material options include stainless steel or fiberglass for greater application flexibility.
The panelboard's circuit breaker housings are engineered to optimize circuit breaker life and performance. Their unique design allows heat to safely dissipate, enabling the circuit breakers to maintain their rated amperage and reduce the possibility of nuisance tripping. Circuit breakers are readily field replaceable. There are no special breakers to order and no heavy, bolted enclosure to secure. Utilizing standard, off the shelf circuit breakers (Cutler-Hammer F-Series or QC-Series) reduces inventory costs as well as logistics for maintenance personnel.
Appleton's concentration on hazardous location safety and productivity has enabled it to continually introduce new products like the PowerPlex. For more details on how the PowerPlex is reinventing panelboard design, visit www.appletonelec.com/powerplex.
For details on Appleton's full line of electrical products, call 800-621-1506 or visit www.appletonelec.com.
About Appleton
For over 100 years, Appleton has designed and manufactured a wide range of innovative electrical products for both hazardous and non-hazardous locations. The Appleton name appears on more than 20,000 electrical products used in almost every phase and type of construction. Today, Appleton is a brand of Emerson Industrial Automation.
