Twist lock plugs are an important consideration when looking for any type of major commercial machine. Whether it’s a commercial floor cleaning machine or something else, it’s easy to overlook this simple safety feature.
Most machines have a basic plug.
It will plug directly into the wall. It doesn’t seem like a big deal. After all, how potentially dangerous could this be?
Well, imagine this scenario: your maintenance personnel are working on cleaning the floors. They plug it into the outlet and begin working. They start going around the corner, and the cord is pulling on the outlet. The plug itself might bend a little bit. It gets pulled out of the outlet slightly. This can cause a potential short or power surge.
Not only could that risk the integrity of the machine, it can also cause a serious electrical shock and potential injury to the personnel.
Twist lock plugs help to protect the machine and personnel.
These plugs are most commonly used when a series of extension cords are necessary. They will connect similar to how you might plug in a regular vacuum cleaner at home into an extension cord, but then they twist lock in place. This prevents them from pulling apart and, even if the machine is around the corner and even if the operator loses control the machine and it starts moving (usually if the safety features haven’t been overridden and disconnected), it will only go so far.
These twist lock plugs can also prevent other issues, including electrocution.
If a regular plug an extension cord is used, and if the floor is being washed, that means water will be on the surface of the floor. Imagine the connection being separated, even just a quarter of an inch, and the open metal part of the plug being exposed to water. Now, imagine that operator standing in the water as well. It can be a dangerous situation quickly.
When looking for a new floor cleaning machine, make sure it provides twist lock plugs to help prevent damage and potential injury.