Appleton ATX PRE316MB Explosion-Proof Industrial Mobile Socket (16A, 3-Pin)
The Appleton ATX PRE316MB (by Emerson) is an explosion-proof inline/mobile female socket receptacle. It provides safe, dependable temporary power to portable machinery and electrical equipment in hazardous industrial setups. This heavy-duty plug connector features a protective hinged spring cover and a pin-and-sleeve configuration fully ATEX and IECEx certified for explosive atmospheres categorized as Zones 1 and 2 (Gas) as well as Zones 21 and 22 (Dust).
Key Features
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Dual-Chamber Safety Disconnect Mechanism: Built with an advanced load-breaking internal configuration. Contact separation takes place in a localized flameproof chamber, and the automatic electrical isolation of each individual phase is housed inside a secondary flameproof cell. This configuration confines electrical arcing to protect volatile surrounding gases during disconnects under load.
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High Interruption / Short-Circuit Rating: Designed with a high short-circuit rating of 20 kA, providing heavy-duty surge and fault protection in high-demand power systems.
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IEC Color-Coded Coding & Keying: Outfitted with high-visibility blue trim rings and identification labels denoting standard compliance with the 200V AC to 250V AC low-voltage operational range. The internal terminal matrix is physically keyed to accept matching ATX plugs (such as the PRE316PB), completely ruling out cross-voltage or phase mismatch risks.
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Ruggedized Construction & Spring Cap Shield: Molded from a lightweight, high-impact polyamide compound carrying a rugged mechanical shock rating of IK10 (and IK09 at extreme freezing temperatures down to $-25^\circ\text{C}$). The integrated blue flip-lid cover seals the interior contacts to IP66 standards when completely closed, fully blocking dust, high-pressure water streams, and chemical corrosion.
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Integrated Cable Management: Features a built-in cable gland accommodating clean strain relief and moisture anchoring for incoming trailing cords.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Model Type / Part Code | PRE316MB (Type: PCX) |
| Brand / Manufacturer | Appleton / ATX (Emerson Automation Solutions) |
| Product Series Classification | ATX PRE Series Increased Safety |
| Amperage Capacity ($I_N$) | 16 A |
| Nominal Operating Voltage ($U_N$) | 200V AC to 250V AC ($50 / 60\text{ Hz}$ frequency) |
| Pole & Pin Layout Matrix | 3-Pin Array (2P + PE / 2 Poles + Earth Ground) |
| Explosion Protection Concepts | Ex de IIC T6 (Gas) | Ex tD A21 T80°C (Dust) |
| Hazardous Environment Classification | Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22 (Ex II 2 GD) |
| Ingress & Mechanical Impact Ratings | IP66 / IK10 |
| Short-Circuit Protection ($I_{CC}$) | 20 kA |
| Operating Temperature Range | Max $T_{amb} = +40^\circ\text{C}$ for T6 / $+55^\circ\text{C}$ for T5 |
| Global Certificates & Compliance | LCIE 02 ATEX 6068 / IECEx, CE Compliant |
Applications
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Upstream and Midstream Oil & Gas Facilities: Supplies high-reliability electrical coupling for mobile exploration rigs, temporary drilling mud agitators, and instrumentation carts on oil platforms.
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Refineries and Petrochemical Processing: Safely routes power loops for auxiliary machinery, industrial maintenance blowers, portable welding units, and testing equipment inside hazardous units.
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Marine Shipyards and Port Infrastructure: Utilized across wet docks, shipping vessel decks, and cargo hubs where moisture, salt fog, and flammable storage fumes are present.
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Chemical Dosing and Mixing Skids: Installed near bulk transfer stations, volatile pharmaceutical processing vessels, and storage tanks to power temporary transfer pumps safely.
