TECHNICAL FEATURES

400 AMP ROTARY GROUND SERIES

  • Rated for continuous 400 amps DC at 100% duty cycle
  • Consistent and stable current delivery without fluctuation
  • Maintenance-free without routine grease, cleaning, or brush replacement
  • Sensitive environment, non-mercury (RoHS) versions available
  • Brushless design eliminates wear and ensures longevity

ROTOCON ERG-400 400 amp rotary grounds are rated for continuous 400A DC operation, providing a stable and consistent current in rotating applications without fluctuation, regardless of position, speed, orientation, or total revolutions. As a superior alternative to traditional metal-on-metal rotary grounds, such as the Tweco (ESAB) RG-140 (9250-1114), Sumner ST-107, and Lenco L02080, ROTOCON ERG-400 rotary grounds offer improved performance, durability, and reliability.

Commonly used in rotary welding, electroplating, electropolishing, cutting, and other high-current industrial applications, ROTOCON ERG-400 rotary grounds feature four different mounting configurations for easy integration. Unlike conventional brushed and metal-on-metal contacts, ROTOCON rotary grounds are brushless and maintenance-free, eliminating the need for brush contact adjustments or routine grease application. Built for industrial environments, they are constructed from high-durability materials to ensure long-lasting, trouble-free operation in demanding applications.

Advantages

Why Choose ROTOCON 400 Amp Rotary Grounds?

CONSISTENT CURRENT PROVIDES BETTER RESULTS

ROTOCON brushless 400 amp rotary grounds provide a low-resistance connection between stationary and rotating elements of an application. Their superior design ensures current delivery does not fluctuate over time or under rotation, something which metal-on-metal contacts cannot achieve. This ensures better process consistency during high current applications.

  • No metal-on-metal contact
  • < 0.03 milliohm resistance, stationary or rotating
  • Dependable current delivery while stationary, indexing, and rotating
  • Reduced defect rate from stable current without fluctuation
  • 110 grade copper ensures optimal electrical contact for maximum performance

MAINTENANCE FREE ROTARY GROUNDS

ROTOCON brushless 400 amp rotary grounds do not require maintenance of any kind. They deliver unparalleled longevity and reliability, regardless of orientation or duty cycle. They provide a fast return on investment from the savings gained from reduced process downtime and replacement of conventional rotary grounds.

  • Do not require grease, adjustment, cleaning, or brush replacement
  • Frequently surpass 500 million total revolutions
  • Maximizes ROI from reduced downtime, scrap, and replacement rotary ground savings

400A Rotary Grounds Designed for Manufacturing and Harsh Environments

ROTOCON brushless 400 amp rotary grounds are designed to be used in heavy duty manufacturing applications. They are made from durable materials that withstand the welding, plating, and cutting environments they are used within. ROTOCON high current rotary grounds are the ideal choice for semi or fully automated processes that demand long term consistency and reliability.

  • Made from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel and high-conductivity 110 copper
  • Fully sealed to protect against dust and liquid intrusion*
  • Designed to support cable and conductor loads**

 

*for exact ingress protection ratings, see product specific pages

**for exact conductor load ratings, see product specific pages

NON-MERCURY ROTARY GROUNDS FOR SENSITIVE APPLICATIONS

Meridian Laboratory offers non-mercury, brushless 400 amp rotary ground connectors catered to sensitive applications. They provide the same stable and consistent current delivery, without the need for maintenance or adjustments. ROTOCON non-mercury rotary grounds regularly surpass hundreds of millions of total revolutions.

  • Non-mercury liquid contact models available for sensitive applications
  • Consistent, repeatable performance, matching mercury-based rotary grounds
  • Maintenance-free operation for long-lasting reliability

400A Rotary Grounds for Any Application

ROTOCON 400 amp brushless rotary grounds offer a wide range of mounting and termination options to best fit your application’s needs. In addition, Meridian Laboratory can provide custom solutions to seamlessly integrate to your workpiece with ease. When properly installed, all ROTOCON rotary grounds offer low and stable resistance, providing steady current delivery without maintenance.

  • Multiple standard mounting options
  • Customizable solutions by Meridian Laboratory available

General Specifications

ERG-400 Rotary Ground Specifications

AMPERAGE

p

400

AMPS CONTINUOUS DC

Amperage refers to the continuously rated current specification of the product at direct current (DC) to low/common frequency levels (<120 Hz).For elevated current, temperature, or frequency applications - please contact Meridian Laboratory for more information.

Contact Resistance Icon

CONTACT RESISTANCE

p

<0.03mΩ

 

Contact resistance refers to the electrical resistance between the stationary and rotating portions, internal to the ROTOCON rotating electrical connector. This is measured without additional cabling or connectors, and is internal to the units themselves. This is measured stationary or rotating, regardless of rotational direction, speed, or orientation.

DUTY CYCLE

p

100%

CONTINUOUS

Duty cycle refers to the duration of time at which the ROTOCON slip ring can operate within a maximum specified condition. Not all ROTOCON slip ring and rotary grounds are tested or guaranteed while in an absolute maximum condition of all specifications (rotational speed, amperage, etc.) simultaneously. For more information or application specific questions, please contact Meridian Laboratory.

Configurations

ERG-400 Standard Models






      You are requesting a custom model, please fill out the information below, and we will be in contact within 24 hours.

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      MOUNTING

      400 Amp Rotary Ground Mounting Options

      ERG-400-01

      ERG-400-11

      ERG-400-21

      ERG-400-41

      FAQs

      Common Rotary Ground Questions

      Does conductive grease need to be applied when installing a ROTOCON rotary ground?

      No. The application of grease of any kind, including conductive grease, between the conductive shaft or mating surfaces and the ROTOCON rotary ground is not advised. Meridian Laboratory recommends cleaning and degreasing both the mating surfaces and rotary ground prior to installation. If surface oxide is present on either component, light abrasion with 320 grit sandpaper or Scotch-Brite© Heavy Duty Green pads (or equivalent product) is recommended to ensure a robust electrical contact.

      Can a ROTOCON be used in corrosive environments?

      Yes, ROTOCON rotary electrical connectors and rotary grounds are built with durable, industrial-grade materials, making them suitable for many challenging environments. Depending on the level of exposure to corrosive substances, a standard model may be sufficient for your application. Meridian Laboratory also offers upgrades to enhance ingress protection (IP rating) and chemical resistance. For extreme cases, Meridian Laboratory has the ability to deliver custom ROTOCONs to meet the challenging environmental requirements of your application. Contact us to discuss your project and find the best solution for your needs.

      Can a ROTOCON operate in any direction and orientation?

      Yes, ROTOCON rotary electrical connectors can be mounted and used in any orientation and rotate in any direction. Certain uses may prolong longevity in a particular orientation, but they are designed to be used in every orientation.

      What is the expected lifespan of a ROTOCON rotary ground?

      ROTOCON rotary grounds are built to provide reliable, uninterrupted electrical contact over an extended operational lifespan, frequently surpassing 500 million revolutions without requiring cleaning, conductive grease, or brush maintenance. Our designs emphasize long-term performance and dependability, using carefully selected materials and components to ensure a robust, maintenance-free solution.

      Can a ROTOCON rotary ground be used as a mechanical bearing / turntable?

      While it is expected that a certain amount of cable weight is present on the ROTOCON rotary grounds, they are not intended to be a load-bearing device used to support the objects being grounded and rotated. For exact ratings and more information, please see the model specific datasheets or contact us with any questions relative to your application.

      What is the maximum voltage a ROTOCON can carry?

      Nearly all ROTOCON rotary electrical connectors and rotary grounds are rated to a minimum of 600V AC/DC, unless otherwise stated on their respective model specific datasheets. The maximum voltage rating is largely dependent on the product series of ROTOCON brushless slip rings,but generally speaking, standard models are offered with voltage ratings up to 3,500V AC/DC and custom models available up to hundreds of thousands of volts.

      Purpose-built ROTOCON rotary grounds and slip rings have been built, certified, and used for lightning arc grounding devices and other medium to extra high voltage applications up to 800kV. For application specific requirements above our nominally rated ROTOCON rotary ground and slip rings, please contact us for more direct support.

      Maximum voltage varies depending on the ROTOCON series and model. See individual datasheets for specific ratings.

      Customization

      ERG-400 Rotary Ground Customization Options

      • Medium to High Frequency
      • Ultra-High Current (Momentary)
      • Medium to High Voltage

       

      For higher frequency, voltage, or current applications, Meridian Laboratory has custom brushless rotary ground options to meet your needs and deliver long-lasting and maintenance-free performance.

      • Custom Mounting Flanges & Thread Types
      • Integrated Drive Gear Mechanisms

       

      Meridian Laboratory works with customers to integrate and deliver custom rotary grounds complete for new or existing equipment designs. This ensures seamless integration and efficiency from prototype to production volumes.

      • Ultra Corrosive Environments
      • RoHS Sensitive Applications
      • Protective / Non-Conductive Covers & Guards

       

      For sensitive or harsh environments, Meridian Laboratory offers additional customization options to provide durable rotary grounds that provide maximum longevity and performance.

      • Rotating Media / Fluid Unions
      • Magnetic Ground Clamps
      • Grounding Contact Wheels for Linear Applications

       

      Meridian Laboratory can integrate unique accessories into ROTOCON brushless rotary grounds to provide the maximum value.

      For applications and industries which require RoHS compliant materials, Meridian Laboratory offers brushless rotary grounds which meet the requirements of the RoHS initiatives. For more information, please click here.

      APPLICATIONS & USES

      Common Uses for ERG-400 Rotary Grounds

      Rotary Welding & Cutting

      Tanks, pipes and other welding applications require a rotary ground to transfer current while the materials are rotated and welded, enabling the production of stacked tubes and other welded end products. Welding tables, welding positioners and robotic welding all require the ability to transfer a consistent current while the work piece or welder is rotated or manipulated.

      Rotational Plating & Polishing

      As parts are immersed in an electroplating or polishing bath, they are often rotated to ensure even coverage across all surfaces, resulting in a higher-quality finish. Rotary grounds are necessary to provide a steady, consistent electrical current to the workpiece or fixturing as they rotate.

      Rotary Sputtering & Deposition

      Rotating electrical grounds can be used in sputtering applications to provide a ground circuit to a rotating workpiece, ensuring an even application of deposited materials onto the substrate. Having a stable ground resistance allows the parameters to be more tightly controlled and monitored, providing a better end product.

      Resources

      Helpful Information

      Get the details you need, explore our complete resource library on every slip ring series.