industrial power plugs and sockets

Industrial and multiphase power plugs and sockets

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Pin and sleeve connectors

Industrial and multiphase plugs and sockets provide a connection to the electrical mains rated at higher voltages and currents than household plugs and sockets. They are generally used when more than two current carrying conductors (polyphase system), high currents and/or protection from environmental hazards (particularly water) are required.

In many countries sockets are available that completely enclose a normal plug and have seals around the cable to exclude water. These reduce the need for special plugs and sockets but are often only suitable for fixed sockets due to their bulk, shape, and cable entry arrangements. Sockets on domestic extension leads are usually either not covered at all or covered with small covers that don't enclose an inserted plug.

Some connectors exist that are neither industrial nor multiphase but have higher voltage or current ratings than the normal plugs and sockets (e.g., the 16 A Italian socket and the 20 A American sockets). These are listed in the AC power plugs and sockets article grouped with the normal plugs and sockets of which they are variants.

Almost all three-phase power plugs have an earth (ground) connection, but may not have a neutral, because large equipment (circular saws, welding sets, pumps, air conditioners) tend to be delta connected. Such plugs have only four prongs (earth, and the three phases). An example of a socket with neutral is the L21-30 (30 A) and the L21-20 (20 A) both of which have five pins (earth, neutral, and X, Y, Z phases).

While some forms of power plugs and sockets are set by international standards, countries may have their own different standards and regulations. For example, the colour-coding of wires may not be the same as for small mains plugs.

Contents [hide] 1 Europe 1.1 Europe-wide IEC 60309 system 1.1.1 Entertainment Industry 1.1.2 UK: Lewden plugs 1.1.3 Sweden, Germany & Netherlands: Perilex plugs 2 North America 2.1 Pin and Sleeve 2.2 NEMA connectors 2.2.1 NEMA 10-20, 10-30 and 10-50 2.2.2 NEMA 14 2.2.3 Twist-locking connectors 2.3 Stage Pin Connectors 3 Australia 4 Duplexing and triplexing 4.1 Issues with dimmers 5 See also 6 References