What NEC hazardous location ratings do Appleton U-Line Contender plugs and receptacles carry?

The Appleton U-Line Contender factory sealed 20 Amp plugs and receptacles are rated for NEC Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D; Class I, Division 2, Group B; Class I, Zone 1, Group IIB; Class I, Zone 2, Group IIB + H2; Class II, Division 1 and 2, Groups F and G; and Class III locations. NEMA ratings include 3, 3R, 3RX, 4X, 7CD, and 9FG. The NEMA 3RX rating applies when the spring-loaded cover is installed and closed, while NEMA 4X applies when the screw cover is installed and fully engaged.

The U-Line Interchanger 20 Amp plugs carry a separate but overlapping rating: NEC/CEC Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups B, C, D; Class II, Division 1 and 2, Groups F, G; Class III; and NEMA Type 4 when unmated. The GFS-1 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is rated for NEC Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups B, C, D; Class II, Division 1 and 2, Groups E, F, G; Class III; and NEMA 3, 3X, 3RX, 7CD, 9FG.

How does the dead front design on U-Line Contender receptacles improve safety?

The U-Line Contender receptacle uses a dead front design: the receptacle is not energized until the plug is fully inserted and the switch is engaged. This prevents arcing at the receptacle face and reduces the risk of ignition in classified areas. The switch is an integral part of the receptacle interior, contained in an aluminum sleeve with a protective xylan coating on the inside to provide smooth rotating action. The entire aluminum sleeve is sealed at both ends with neoprene O-rings to protect the receptacle and switch interior against moisture.

A twist of the plug produces an audible click to indicate fast make and break of the built-in switch contacts. Twisting the plug locks it in place so it cannot be accidentally pulled out. The spring-loaded cover keeps dust out of the receptacle when the plug is not in use and may be rotated 180 degrees or completely removed. When the plug is in use, a neoprene gasket in the throat of the receptacle seals around the plug to keep out dirt, water, dust, and other foreign matter.

What is the difference between the ECP aluminum plug and the NCP thermoplastic polyester plug?

Appleton offers two U-Line Interchanger 20 Amp plug materials. The ECP plug is made of copperfree aluminum with less than 4/10 of 1 percent copper content. The NCP plug is made of 30 percent glass-reinforced thermoplastic polyester. Both plugs are watertight when unmated and fit NEMA 5-20R or 6-20R receptacles in nonclassified areas as well as U-Line explosionproof receptacles.

The ECP plug is suitable for refineries, petrochemical plants, and other areas where ignitable gases are present. The NCP plug is ideal where moisture or corrosion is a constant problem, such as production facilities on marine platforms and pipeline transportation facilities. Both plugs feature a longer housing for better gripping and easier insertion and withdrawal. The ECP plug uses a twist action with an audible click for fast make and break of switch contacts, while the NCP plug uses a special neoprene watertight bushing that accommodates flexible cord from .538 to .639 inches in diameter.

How do U-Line Interchanger plugs prevent water ingress and short circuits?

The U-Line Interchanger plugs are watertight, helping to reduce the risks of power outages and damage to vital equipment. The design protects against ingress of water even when the plug is not mated, eliminating the risk of short circuits in receptacles and equipment due to damaged plugs. The plugs use unique blade-type brass contacts that exert constant pressure along the entire contact surface for superior electrical contact. Insulators provide superior dielectric and mechanical strength and lowest arc tracking.

Wiring is simplified with large, easy-to-access terminals and standard size combination screws that eliminate the need for special tools. Mechanical cable clamps on the plug prevent strain on cables and meet or exceed the UL 150 lb strain relief pull-out test for classified locations. The special neoprene watertight plug bushing accommodates flexible cord ranging from .538 to .639 inches in diameter.

What GFI protection options are available for U-Line Contender receptacles?

The GFS-1 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter provides required ground fault protection for portable electrically-operated devices on 20 Amp, 125 Vac branch circuits. It installs on standard Contender series mounting boxes and is rated 20 Amp, 125 Vac with a 5 mA trip setting. The GFI cover and sealing chamber are cast from copperfree aluminum with less than 4/10 of 1 percent copper content. Cover bolts, test and reset buttons, and shafts are stainless steel. The GFI cover has an epoxy powder coat finish.

The GFS-1 is factory sealed, so no external seals are required. Arcing is confined within the device’s interior sealed chamber. GFI covers are UL Listed when used with Contender series mounting boxes and UL Classified when used with Crouse-Hinds EDS series mounting boxes. The GFS-1 meets all UL and CSA requirements for ground fault protection in hazardous locations and is well suited for highly corrosive atmospheres and wet locations. GFI receptacle combinations are not certified for use in Class I, Division 2 Group B.

How do you select the correct EDS mounting box for U-Line Contender receptacles?

EDS cast device mounting boxes are available in single gang, two gang, and tandem configurations, with dead-end or feed-thru hub types. Hub sizes include 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch. Standard mounting boxes are malleable iron with a triple-coat finish of zinc electroplate, chromate, and epoxy powder coat. Aluminum mounting boxes are available by adding the suffix -SA to the catalog number.

For tandem mounting boxes, external seals must be installed within 1.52 meters (5 feet) of each conduit entrance for Class I, Groups C and D. Receptacle covers are UL Listed when used with Contender series mounting boxes and UL Classified when used with Crouse-Hinds EDS series mounting boxes. The U-Line Contender receptacles are only available for use in combination with 1- and 2-gang EDS series mounting boxes incorporating devices such as pilot lights, switches, and push buttons.

What catalog numbers identify U-Line Contender receptacles and plugs?

The U-Line Contender factory sealed 20 Amp receptacles use catalog numbers beginning with ENR for dead-end and ENRC for feed-thru configurations. Single gang dead-end receptacles include ENR11201 and ENR11202 for 125 Vac and 250 Vac respectively with 1/2 inch hubs. Feed-thru single gang versions include ENRC11201 and ENRC11202. Two gang versions follow the same pattern with ENR12201, ENR12202, ENRC12201, and ENRC12202.

GFI receptacle combinations use the suffix GFI, such as ENR12201GFI for a two gang dead-end receptacle with GFI cover. Replacement receptacle cover assemblies include ENR5201 for 125 Vac and ENR6202 for 250 Vac. The spring-loaded cover replacement assembly is ULSCA in aluminum. The GFCI cover assembly is GFS1. The NEMA 4X screw cover kit is ULINEREC4XKIT. U-Line Interchanger plugs use catalog numbers ECP-2023 for 125 Vac and ECP-20232 for 250 Vac in aluminum, and NCP-2023 and NCP-20232 for the thermoplastic polyester versions.

Summary

Appleton U-Line Contender factory sealed 20 Amp plugs and receptacles are rated for NEC Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D, plus Class I, Division 2, Group B, and NEMA 3, 3R, 3RX, 4X, 7CD, 9FG.
The dead front design prevents receptacle energization until the plug is fully inserted and the switch is engaged, with an audible click confirming fast make and break.
ECP aluminum plugs suit refineries and petrochemical plants, while NCP thermoplastic polyester plugs target marine platforms and pipeline facilities with constant moisture or corrosion.
The GFS-1 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter provides 20 Amp, 125 Vac, 5 mA trip protection and is factory sealed with no external seals required.
EDS mounting boxes come in single gang, two gang, and tandem configurations in malleable iron or aluminum, with tandem boxes requiring external seals within 1.52 meters of each conduit entrance for Class I, Groups C and D.

Step-by-step

Select the U-Line Contender receptacle catalog number based on voltage, hub size, and single gang or two gang configuration.
Choose a malleable iron EDS mounting box, or add the -SA suffix for an aluminum mounting box.
Install the receptacle cover on the Contender series mounting box, or use a Crouse-Hinds EDS series mounting box for UL Classified mounting.
For tandem mounting boxes, install external seals within 1.52 meters (5 feet) of each conduit entrance for Class I, Groups C and D.
Insert the U-Line Interchanger ECP or NCP plug fully and twist to engage the switch, listening for the audible click that confirms fast make and break.
For ground fault protection, install the GFS-1 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter on a standard Contender series mounting box for 20 Amp, 125 Vac branch circuits.

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Appleton U-Line Contender Factory Sealed 20 Amp Plugs and Receptacles: Class I, Division 1, Groups C, D with EDS Mounting Boxes