I know we've had discussions in the past about dual-rated receptacles, but can anybody get an idea of how old this one might be from the fitting and packaging?





It's clearly listed on the note as being for replacement use only, which I'm assuming places it after the adoption of the NEMA standard configuration for locking devices, late 1960s/early 1970s?

Paul,
A silly question I know, but as an outsider, what makes this socket dual rated?.
I it the fact that it can be used on both AC or DC?.

The plug is a non-NEMA pattern. Prior to NEMA patterns being established, it was common for plugs to be designated foe more than one system; these systems were deliberatly chosen to be wildly different, so as to reduce the risk of plugging something in to the "wrong" type of system.

Such plugs are still readily available. NEMA patterns didn't get settled until the mid-'70's. That this is identified "for replacement purposes only," it was surely made after the advent of NEMA patterns; the same packaging might even be used today!

This inlet actually came in a big box of U.S. fittings which I acquired from a local junk shop a few years ago. The owner had no idea what these "weird" plugs and sockets were for and thought that nobody here could ever want them, so I got the whole box for about £1!
I've had the box stashed away in a cupboard until deciding it was time for a tidy up a few days ago. My best bet is they found their way here from one of the North Sea oil rigs, as I know some of the oil platforms are wired to U.S. specs.

As well as many NEMA twist locks (30A 600V 3-ph, 20 and 30A 120/208V 3-ph, etc.) the box included about four dozen non-NEMA panel mount twist-lock receptacles, dual rated for 15A @ 125V or 10A @ 250V.

Of more immediate value to me, there were 30 round, panel-mount NEMA 5-15 receptacles still in their boxes with screws (also Hubbell). They'll be just the job when I get around to making up some distribution panels for my 120V gear. Well worth £1 just for those.


[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 06-12-2006).]

I have cord sets for that Hubbell style.

Brunswick designed their sanding machines around Hubbell connectors, circa 1957.

You have what would be called a male inlet.

It would typically be mounted in portable contactor/ motor controller boxes fed by cord sets -- massive SO in #6 or #4.

Standards and technology have passed it by.

Watch out for the soft, soft threads during make up. They strip out soooo easy.