The Appleton CES and CESD factory sealed receptacles are explosionproof 30 and 60 amp pin and sleeve devices built for Class I classified locations. The catalog describes delayed-action safety construction with a Slide-Lok design and pressure wire terminals. This article answers the questions maintenance engineers and specification writers ask most often about these receptacles and their CPH plugs.

What makes Appleton CES/CESD receptacles explosionproof in Class I locations?

The Appleton catalog states that CES and CESD receptacles are factory sealed with no external seals required. Arcing is safely confined to the receptacle interior, and energized receptacle contacts are deeply recessed to reduce the danger of accidental touching. The hazardous location ratings are specific: 30 amp CES is NEC/CEC Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups C and D. 60 amp CES is NEC Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups C and D. 30 amp CESD is NEC/CEC Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups C and D. 60 amp CESD is NEC Class I, Division 1 and 2, Group D only.

The Appleton catalog also names applications for Class I locations: petrochemical plants, petroleum refineries, paint and chemical plants, and any location where ignitable vapors or gases are present. Receptacles are used with stationary or portable electrically operated devices such as lighting systems, conveyors, heaters, motor-generator sets, air conditioners, compressors, and pumps.

How does the delayed-action Slide-Lok design sequence prevent accidental live connection?

Appleton describes delayed action construction with three physical steps. First insert the CPH plug to the first stop. Then move the Slide-Lok slide to the right. Finally push the plug fully forward. This sequence prevents the plug from being fully inserted or withdrawn in a single motion.

The design includes several mechanical and electrical details. A spring door keeps dust out of the receptacle when the plug is not in use. Plug mechanical cable clamps prevent strain on cables and meet or exceed UL strain relief pull-out requirements. A neoprene bushing compressed by the cable collar prevents entrance of water. Brass contacts exert constant pressure along the entire contact surface and provide superior electrical contact. Contacts have beryllium copper wire springs. Insulators provide superior dielectric and mechanical strength and lowest arc tracking. A smooth, rounded integral bushing in each hub protects conductor insulation.

What are the differences between CES and CESD hub configurations?

The CES receptacle is furnished with one vertical and two horizontal feed-thru hubs. The CESD receptacle is furnished with vertical feed-thru hubs only. Both families cover 30 amp and 60 amp configurations at 125-250 Vac. The catalog lists these catalog numbers: CES-3023, CES-3034, CES-6023, and CES-6034 for CES receptacles, and CESD-3023, CESD-3034, CESD-6023, and CESD-6034 for CESD receptacles.

Replacement components follow the same pattern. CESR designates receptacle replacement only, CERI designates receptacle interior replacement only, CEPI designates CPH plug interior replacement. For example, CESR-3023 is the 30 amp 2-wire 3-pole receptacle replacement for CES-3023.

Which horsepower and voltage ratings apply to CES and CESD receptacles?

The Appleton catalog provides horsepower ratings for emergency disconnect under load. At 125-250 Vac, the 2-wire 3-pole single-phase CES/CESD-3023 carries a maximum of 1-1/2 hp at 30 amps. The 3-wire 4-pole three-phase CES/CESD-3034 carries 3 hp at 30 amps. For 60 amp devices, CES/CESD-6023 is 1-1/2 hp at 60 amps single phase, and CES/CESD-6034 is 5 hp at 60 amps three phase.

At 480-600 Vac, the same catalog numbers show lower current ratings. CES/CESD-3023 is 1/2 hp at 7 amps single phase. CES/CESD-3034 is 1 hp at 7 amps three phase. CES/CESD-6023 is 1-1/2 hp at 30 amps single phase. CES/CESD-6034 is 5 hp at 30 amps three phase. The catalog states that 480 Vac is certified by UL for NEC, and 600 Vac is certified by CSA for CEC.

What materials and finishes support petrochemical plant use?

The Appleton catalog lists standard materials. Receptacle and cover are copperfree aluminum with a maximum 4/10 of 1% copper. Mounting box is malleable iron. Insulating blocks are fiber glass reinforced polyester. Standard finishes include a triple-coat on malleable iron mounting bodies: zinc electroplate, chromate, and epoxy powder coat. Aluminum receptacles are ceramic burnished. Cord connector housings and caps receive epoxy powder coat.

Certifications and compliances include UL Standard UL 1010 (UL 1203), UL 894, and UL 1682. UL Listed is E10784. CSA Standard is C22. No 30, C22.2 No. 159, and C22.2 No. 182.1. CSA Certified 038644 applies to 30 amp configurations only. The catalog also notes that 60 amp CES, CESD, and CPH amp are not CSA certified.

How do you specify a 30 or 60 amp receptacle and CPH plug?

Select by amp, wire/pole count, and hub configuration. The catalog lists 30 amp CPH plugs with cable diameter .500 to 1.125 in: CPH3023BC for 2-wire 3-pole and CPH3034BC for 3-wire 4-pole. For 60 amp CPH plugs with cable diameter .500 to 1.375 in: CPH6023BC for 2-wire 3-pole and CPH6034BC for 3-wire 4-pole. Plug interiors are CEPI-3023B, CEPI-3034B, CEPI-6023BC, and CEPI-6034BC.

The catalog carries these cautions. UL Listed with mounting box applies to the complete assembly. Receptacle-only replacements and interiors are not UL listed unless provided with mounting box. 60 amp CPH plugs with the -BC suffix are not UL listed. For CEC versions with CSA nameplate, add suffix -CN to plug and receptacle catalog numbers for 30 amp configurations only.

Summary

Appleton CES and CESD factory sealed receptacles are 30 and 60 amp pin and sleeve devices rated for Class I, Division 1 and 2 locations.
Factory sealing confines arcing to the receptacle interior; no external seals are required.
Delayed-action Slide-Lok operation requires insert to first stop, slide to right, then push fully forward.
CES uses one vertical and two horizontal feed-thru hubs; CESD uses vertical feed-thru hubs only.
Horsepower ratings range from 1/2 hp at 7 amps to 5 hp at 60 amps depending on voltage and pole configuration.
30 amp devices are NEC/CEC Groups C and D; 60 amp CESD is NEC Group D only and not CSA certified.

Step-by-step

Select the receptacle configuration: CES for one vertical and two horizontal feed-thru hubs, CESD for vertical feed-thru hubs only.
Verify the hazardous location rating matches the amp rating: 30 amp CES and CESD are Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups C and D; 60 amp CES is Groups C and D; 60 amp CESD is Group D only.
For CEC installations, add suffix -CN to plug and receptacle catalog numbers for 30 amp configurations only.
Insert the CPH plug to the first stop before actuating the Slide-Lok slide.
Move the Slide-Lok slide to the right.
Push the plug fully forward to complete the delayed-action connection.

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Appleton CES and CESD Factory Sealed Receptacles: 30 and 60 Amp for Class I Division 1 and 2