When the makers of a power system for the marine industry wanted to include a 50 amp version of their popular 30 am SmartPlug system, they needed to find a new thermoplastic material solution that would provide the necessary flame retardancy and impact resistance required for this new design.
Working together with RTP company, a custom compounder, they were able to engineer a material solution that met the electrical connector requirements and regulatory approvals.
In the marine environment where motion and moisture are a constant factor, loose connections or corrosion can easily lead to overheating — the number one cause of shore power failure and fires. “In almost every case, the reason a boat is destroyed is the poor design of the shore power inlet on the boat,” said Matt Smith, Vice President of Manufacturing for SmartPlug Systems.
“RTP Company was helpful and knowledgeable and worked to understand our problem,” said Smith. “They said they would develop a solution, and they did.” RTP Company produced an RTP 2000 Series custom PC/PBT (polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate) alloy that incorporated glass fiber reinforcement along with a flame retardant to meet the UL94 V-0 flame rating and a UV stabilizer to achieve a UL746C f1 outdoor suitability rating.
“Not only did RTP Company get us both the strength and flame retardancy we needed for our larger, heavier SmartPlug, but they also did a great job of custom matching our existing vibrant orange color, even with all the modifiers,”
said Smith. “It’s just a superior product, from a superior company.”
With the 50 amp product meeting approvals and heading to market, the SmartPlug team is planning to switch their 30 amp connector to the RTP Company material to gain a higher margin of performance.
For more information on RTP Company’s flame retardant or custom engineered thermoplastics compounds, call (507) 454-6900, or visit their website at www.rtpcompany.com.
