Why Choose the ABB OTP36T3MX 36A ATEX Enclosed Switch-Disconnector?
The ABB OTP36T3MX is a robust 36 A-class, three-pole ATEX plastic enclosed switch-disconnector designed for safe electrical isolation in industrial installations where combustible dust may create a potentially explosive atmosphere. Part of the ABB OTP enclosed switch range, it combines reliable mechanical switching with a protective enclosure suitable for demanding industrial environments.
This ATEX-designated switch features a three-pole switching mechanism, an IP65-rated polycarbonate enclosure and a lockable black operating handle. Its enclosed construction helps protect the switching components against dust and water ingress, while the manual ON/OFF operating mechanism provides a clear means of disconnecting electrical equipment for maintenance and servicing.
The OTP36T3MX is supplied with metric threaded cable-entry knockouts for flexible wiring arrangements. Its ATEX classification of II 3D makes it suitable for appropriately assessed Zone 22 combustible-dust environments, subject to the equipment's certification, installation requirements and hazardous-area assessment. With a compact enclosure measuring 200 × 145 × 90 mm, it provides a practical isolation solution for industrial machinery, material handling equipment and dust-processing installations.
Key Advantages
- 36 A-class three-pole enclosed switch-disconnector for industrial electrical isolation.
- ATEX II 3D classification for suitable combustible-dust hazardous-area applications.
- IP65 enclosure protection against dust ingress and water jets.
- Durable polycarbonate plastic enclosure designed for industrial installations.
- Lockable black operating handle helps prevent unauthorised switching during maintenance.
- Three-pole isolation suitable for three-phase electrical equipment.
- Metric cable-entry knockouts support practical cable routing and installation.
- Compact 200 × 145 × 90 mm enclosure dimensions.
- Suitable for electrical isolation in industrial environments containing combustible dust.
- Mechanical ON/OFF operation provides clear switching status.
- Integrated enclosure simplifies installation compared with separately assembled switching components.
- Part of ABB's established range of industrial enclosed switch-disconnectors.
Key Features
- ABB OTP plastic enclosed switch-disconnector series.
- OTP36T3MX ATEX enclosed switch model.
- 36 A switch size designation.
- Three-pole (3P) switching configuration.
- ATEX II 3D equipment classification.
- Suitable for appropriately assessed Zone 22 combustible-dust environments.
- IP65 ingress protection rating.
- Polycarbonate (PC) enclosure construction.
- Grey enclosure with black operating handle.
- Lockable manual ON/OFF operation.
- Metric threaded cable-entry knockouts.
- 2 × M32 + M16 cable-entry arrangement per side.
- Integrated auxiliary contacts according to the ATEX enclosed switch configuration.
- Neutral terminal included.
- 200 mm enclosure height.
- 145 mm enclosure width.
- 90 mm enclosure depth.
- Designed for fixed installation near industrial machinery and electrical equipment.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: ABB
- Series: OTP Plastic Enclosed Switches
- Model: OTP36T3MX
- ABB catalogue reference: 1SCA022839R8610
- ABB order code: OTP36T3MX
- Product type: ATEX plastic enclosed switch-disconnector
- Product group: Plastic Enclosed Switches (OTP)
- Switch size: 36 A
- Number of poles: 3
- Pole configuration: 3P
- Rated operational current AC-23A at 400 V AC: 38 A
- Rated operational current AC-23A at 500 V AC: 32 A
- Rated operational current AC-23A at 690 V AC: 20 A
- ATEX equipment classification: II 3D
- Hazardous-area application: Zone 22 combustible-dust environments, subject to certification and installation conditions
- Maximum surface temperature: 60 °C, as specified in the ATEX enclosed switch catalogue
- Enclosure protection rating: IP65
- Enclosure material: Polycarbonate plastic
- Enclosure colour: Grey
- Handle colour: Black
- Handle operation: Manual rotary ON/OFF
- Handle locking: Lockable
- Cable entries: Metric threaded knockouts
- Cable-entry arrangement: 2 × M32 + M16 per side
- Maximum terminal conductor size: 35 mm²
- Auxiliary contacts: Included
- Neutral terminal: Included
- Enclosure height: 200 mm
- Enclosure width: 145 mm
- Enclosure depth: 90 mm
- Dimensions (H × W × D): 200 × 145 × 90 mm
- Catalogue weight: 0.90 kg
- Mounting arrangement: Fixed enclosed installation
- Applicable switch-disconnector standard: IEC/EN 60947-3
ATEX Electrical Isolation for Combustible-Dust Environments
Industrial facilities handling powders, grains, fibres and other combustible materials may require electrical equipment specifically selected for hazardous-area conditions. The ABB OTP36T3MX provides an enclosed three-pole switching solution with an ATEX II 3D classification, intended for suitable locations where combustible dust atmospheres are not expected during normal operation but may occur infrequently and for short periods.
The switch's IP65 polycarbonate enclosure provides protection against dust ingress and water jets when correctly installed with suitable cable-entry components. Its grey enclosure and black lockable handle provide a practical arrangement for industrial isolation points where operators need to disconnect machinery before maintenance or inspection.
The three-pole switching mechanism allows the phase conductors of a compatible three-phase circuit to be disconnected together. The OTP36T3MX is particularly relevant to machinery and equipment installed in dust-handling or processing areas, provided the electrical load, utilisation category and hazardous-area certification requirements are satisfied.
For motor-load applications, the manufacturer's operational ratings must be considered carefully. Although the device carries a 36 A size designation, its AC-23A switching current varies with voltage, including 38 A at 400 V AC, 32 A at 500 V AC and 20 A at 690 V AC. This distinction is important when selecting an isolator for inductive loads.
The metric threaded cable-entry knockouts allow the installer to select suitable cable-entry arrangements. All glands, plugs, seals and installation methods must preserve the enclosure's required ingress protection and the applicable ATEX protection concept. The final installation must be assessed against the hazardous-area classification and the manufacturer's instructions.
Typical Applications
- Electrical isolation in appropriately classified ATEX Zone 22 areas.
- Industrial machinery operating in combustible-dust environments.
- Grain handling and agricultural processing facilities.
- Flour mills and food powder processing equipment.
- Industrial dust extraction and filtration installations.
- Powder handling and bulk material processing systems.
- Conveyor systems in dust-producing industrial environments.
- Packaging and manufacturing equipment.
- Woodworking and timber-processing machinery.
- Industrial motor and equipment isolation.
- Local maintenance isolation points.
- Electrical installations requiring IP65 enclosed switchgear.
- OEM machinery designed for suitable hazardous-area applications.