New ATEX-certified electrical socket boxes for harsh, wet or explosive environments

Marechal Electric has a new range of ATEX-certified socket boxes which increase electrical safety in harsh, wet or hazardous environments such as oil refineries, chemical plants, gas terminals, grain silos and food processing.

The MXBS range of socket boxes allows customers to combine socket-outlets and multi-contact connectors, with voltages up to 750V and currents up to 63A, in the same box. The largest of the ten standard case sizes can accept up to 24 socket-outlets or multi-connectors, with socket-outlets rated from 20A to 63A and multi-connectors rated at 10A and integrating between 12 and 37 contacts. The boxes can accept stranded wiring from 1.5 mm2 to 25 mm2 and flexible wiring from 1.5 mm2 to 16 mm2.

The Decontactor™ socket-outlets, multi-contact connectors and MXBS boxes comply with ATEX 94/9/CE directive. They are certified according to IECEx for use in zones 1 & 2, and 21 & 22, which enables them to be used in environments which have a risk of explosion from gas or dust. Sealing to IP66 makes the boxes water-tight and completely eliminates the ingress of dust. The cases also offer protection against shocks rated at level IK09 according to IEC and EN 62 262.

Reliability is improved with a robust construction throughout, with the casings manufactured in polyester resin reinforced with fiber-glass and graphite; Decontactor™ sockets manufactured in polyamide; and the multi-connectors manufactured in metal cases. A wide range of accessories provides greater convenience and simplifies installation.


Stephen Thackray, Sales manager comments, “The new ATEX boxes give customers the ability to enhance electrical safety to protection level <> in hazardous, corrosive or wet environments with a range of fully complementary socket-outlets, multi-contact connectors and accessories. The socket-outlets and connectors feature a unique design which reduces maintenance time and costs by allowing the plugs to be removed quickly and safely by any operator, without the need for a qualified electrician.”