Slip rings
Mercotac Model 230 slip ring
Two-conductor brushless rotating connector with liquid-metal contacts, rated 30 A and 250 V, up to 1,800 rpm, with under 1 mΩ contact resistance, 200 MHz maximum frequency and -29 to +60 °C operation.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Pricing and availability
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Need Mercotac parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
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- 1Products
- 2Performance
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What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Circuits (max) | 2 |
|---|---|
| Current per circuit (max) | 30 A |
| Voltage (max) | 250 V |
| Speed (max) | 1,800 rpm |
| Ingress protection | IP51 with optional boot kit |
| Temperature | -29–60 °C |
| Contact resistance | <1 mΩ |
| Frequency MHz max | 200 |
| Torque | 200 gf-cm max |
| Bearing | chrome steel; stainless (230-SS) |
Summarised in our own words from Mercotac, Inc.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
Mercury-wetted (liquid metal) contacts: Mercotac states the connectors contain a small amount of elemental mercury and cannot be said to conform to RoHS; EU users must check exemptions and national rules.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Mercotac, Inc.. Mercotac and Model 230 are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Mercotac Model 230 replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Mercotac part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
Slip rings using heat-resistant materials for extreme temperatures from -55°C to +250°C, such as hot rollers and heating plant.
| Published maximum | Model 230 | High & Low Temperature Slip Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Circuits | 2 | 48 meets or exceeds |
| Current per circuit | 30 A | 50 A meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 1,800 rpm | — |
| Voltage | 250 V | 500 V meets or exceeds |
| Bore | — | 88 mm |
A small analogue power-and-signal slip ring with FASTON quick-connect terminals for fast wiring in dusty, high-cycle machinery. Optional IP65 sealing.
| Published maximum | Model 230 | HR Series Faston Type Slip Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Circuits | 2 | 8 meets or exceeds |
| Current per circuit | 30 A | — |
| Speed | 1,800 rpm | — |
| Voltage | 250 V | — |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Typical applications
What a slip ring is
This group covers slip rings that do not fit a single standard format, including modular and split designs, contactless capacitive or optical data rings, temperature-rated units, quick-connect terminal designs, very high circuit counts and application-specific assemblies for wind turbines or packaging. All solve the same problem: transferring power, signals or data between stationary and rotating parts of a machine. What differs is the construction, which may be a split housing, a modular stack, a non-contact data path or a special material set.
When engineers choose a slip ring
Engineers look at these designs when a standard capsule, through-bore or pancake unit does not fit the job. Split rings suit retrofits onto existing shafts. Contactless data rings suit high data rates or long life without wear. Modular units allow circuit counts to change between machine variants. The trade-offs are cost, availability and, for custom designs, longer lead times and qualification. Match the construction to the real constraint, whether that is installation, data, temperature or circuit count.
How to specify the Mercotac Model 230
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Model 230 variant or an equivalent:
- What makes the application non-standard: installation, data, temperature, circuit count or format
- Circuits, current and voltage (A, V)
- Data protocols and rates
- Speed (rpm) and expected life (revolutions)
- Bore, envelope and mounting (mm)
- Temperature range (°C) and IP code
- Terminations, such as flying leads, connectors or quick-connect tabs
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a special design when a standard type with minor changes would do
- Not stating the actual constraint, so the supplier offers the wrong format
- Assuming contactless data channels also carry power
- Underestimating lead time for custom or modular builds
Mercotac Model 230: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace Mercotac Model 230 or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the Mercotac Model 230?
Two-conductor brushless rotating connector with liquid-metal contacts, rated 30 A and 250 V, up to 1,800 rpm, with under 1 mΩ contact resistance, 200 MHz maximum frequency and -29 to +60 °C operation. Published series figures include circuits 2, current per circuit 30 A, voltage 250 V, speed 1,800 rpm. It is made by Mercotac, Inc.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Mercotac Model 230?
The Mercotac Model 230 is made by Mercotac (Mercotac, Inc.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Mercotac, Inc.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the circuits of the Mercotac Model 230?
The published series maximum circuits is 2. Individual models and sizes in the Model 230 range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the Mercotac Model 230?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Motion Control Products High & Low Temperature Slip Ring and Motion Control Products HR Series Faston Type Slip Ring are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is a split slip ring?
A split slip ring has a rotor and housing made in two halves, so it can be fitted around an existing shaft without removing the shaft or its bearings. It suits retrofits and large machines where disassembly would be costly. Expect tighter installation tolerances and possibly a lower speed rating than a one-piece unit.
What is a contactless slip ring?
A contactless slip ring transfers data, and sometimes power, across rotation without sliding contacts, using capacitive, inductive or optical coupling. There is no wear on the data path, so life is long and very high data rates are possible. Contactless power is usually limited, so many designs combine a contactless data channel with conventional power rings.
Further reading: How to select a slip ring · How to specify a slip ring · Slip rings
Other slip rings series
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the Mercotac Model 230: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
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Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.
