16.12.2021

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 in polyphase systems, with high currents, or when protection from environmental hazards is required. Industrial outlets may have weatherproof covers, waterproofing sleeves, or may be interlocked with a switch to prevent accidental disconnection of an energized plug. Some types of connectors are approved for hazardous areas such as coal mines or petrochemical plants, where flammable gas may be present. 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.


It is the electricity that is powering the world in which we are living today. A good number of resources of this planet are put to use just to generate electricity. Thus, it should be our constant endeavour not misuse it and utilize it efficiently.

To ensure this we must use highly efficient and reliable electrical devices and equipment. Similarly, good quality plugs and sockets that helps in the power transmission must also be used.

The Industrial Plugs and sockets connect various electrical appliances used in an industry. The socket, wire, and plug complete a connection and it is through them we can harness the benefits of electricity. Therefore, there is a need to take an extra care of the plugs and sockets that we put to use.


Construction and Color Coding

Generally, the plug is the movable Industrial Connector attached to an electrically operated device’s mains cable, and the socket is fixed on equipment or a building structure and connected to an energized electrical circuit. The plug has protruding pins or, in US terminology, blades (referred to as male) that fit into matching slots or holes (called female) in the sockets. A plug is defined in IEC 60050 as an accessory having pins designed to engage with the contacts of a socket-outlet, also incorporating means for the electrical connection and mechanical retention of flexible cables or cords, a plug does not contain components that modify the electrical output from the electrical input (except where a switch or fuse is provided as a means of disconnecting the output from input). In this article, the term “plug” is used in the sense defined by IEC 60050. Sockets are designed to prevent exposure of bare energized contacts.


To reduce the risk of users accidentally touching energized conductors and thereby experiencing electric shock, plug and socket systems often incorporate safety features in addition to the recessed slots or holes of the energized socket. These may include plugs with insulated sleeves, recessed sockets, sockets with blocking shutters, and sockets designed to accept only compatible plugs inserted in the correct orientation.

Voltage rating and other characteristics are represented by a color code (in three-phase plugs the stated voltage is the phase-phase voltage, not the phase-neutral voltage). Plugs have the earth pin of a larger diameter than the others, and are located in different places depending on the voltage rating, making it impossible to mate, for instance, a blue plug with a yellow socket. Since the different current ratings have different overall sizes, it is also not possible to mate different pin configurations or current ratings. For example, a 16 A 3P+E 400 V plug will not mate with a 16 A 3P+N+E 400 V socket and a 16 A P+N+E 230 V plug will not mate with a 32 A P+N+E 230 V socket.


Industrial Socket

A socket is a way through which the plug connects the appliance, which generally consists, plastic covering that coats the wiring and socket loops provided in the plug settings such that nickel is coated in the wires to avoid corrosion as well as easier conductivity.

An artificially hollow electrical device in which plugs of several applications fits in, to receive the adequate energy, is called an Industrial Socket. These days many different types of sockets are available as per the application and requirement. Some of the main types are raw socket, stream socket, datagram socket, etc. Also, the industrial sockets are available in the various combinations of pins.


Industrial Plug

A plug consists of easier words pins, holder translator and connector. A socket holds in detail, a thread to ensure contact, an open contact sleeve to protect it from dust and other dirt, a special design to hold the socket current, a one-piece contact pin in conductivity and nickel-plated for non-corrosion conductivity. An important electrical device that is used to connect various electronics with the

source of electricity is called an Industrial Plug. A plug gets fit into the socket to receive the necessary power that it requires to run the electrical equipment. It acts as a medium between the electrical device and the socket to transmit electricity. Its main function is to connect and disconnect the application whenever required.


A Mechanical Interlock is an interlock that is physically connected to another device to prevent unintended actions.

Full voltage reversing motor starter

A simple example of a mechanical interlock is a full voltage reversing motor starter.

The dashed line in between the forward and reverse contact indicates that there is a mechanical interlock. This prevents the motor’s forward and reverses contactor coils from energizing at the same time. Energizing both contactor coils at the same time would cause damage to the motor.


Camlock fitting, also known as cam and groove coupling, is a form of quick hose coupling providing quick connection and disconnection for pumps, tanks, and equipment. With the features of simplicity, reliability, and versatility, Camlock fitting is trendy among many industrial sectors. They are widely applied industrial couplings available today as they realized the easy and reliable means of connecting and disconnecting hoses without using any tools. In this article, we are going to discuss what is Camlock fittings and the working principle of Camlock, and it aims to provide you more insight about Camlock fitting, understanding application, and how to use Camlock fittings.


Consisting of a modular housing and insulated body, terminal blocks are used to secure two or more wires together in electrical systems in need of safe connections. Also known as screw terminals, terminal connectors, or connection terminals, Terminal Blocks offer engineers semi-permanent wire connections that provide organized and simplified inspection or repair capabilities in the field.

Although a widely used component in numerous applications, it is still important to have a basic understanding of common terminal block types and specifications before making a final selection. This article will cover topics including key electrical and mechanical considerations, safety ratings, and more in greater detail to aid engineers in the selection process.

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