BEMİS GLOBAL
Industrial plugs and sockets glossary
Short definitions of the terms used in Bemis product data: standards, contact arrangements, protection ratings and enclosure types.
- IEC 60309 (CEE)
International standard for plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial use, often called CEE. The housing colour indicates the voltage range (for example blue 200–250 V, red 380–480 V, yellow 100–130 V) and the earth-contact position prevents connections between different systems.
- Clock position (h)
Position of the earth contact relative to the keyway, read like the hour hand when looking at the socket face, for example 6h or 4h. Plugs and sockets only fit together when their clock positions match, so equipment cannot be connected to the wrong voltage or frequency.
- Contact arrangement (2P+E, 3P+E, 3P+N+E)
Number and function of the contacts: 2P+E (3-pin) is phase, neutral and earth for single-phase loads; 3P+E (4-pin) is three phases and earth; 3P+N+E (5-pin) adds the neutral for mixed three-phase distribution. Bemis product data also states the total pin count, for example 5P.
- Rated current
The continuous current a plug, socket or connector is designed to carry. IEC 60309 uses the steps 16 A, 32 A, 63 A and 125 A; Bemis also manufactures 160 A and higher-current types. Plugs and sockets of different rated currents do not fit together.
- IP code (IEC 60529)
Two-digit protection rating: the first digit (0–6) is protection against solid objects and dust, the second (0–8) against water. IP44 resists splashing water, IP65 water jets, IP67 temporary immersion and IP68 continuous immersion under conditions stated by the manufacturer. A plug-and-socket connection only reaches the lower rating of the two parts.
Distribution Boxes · Single-phase plugs & sockets · Cable reels · Junction boxes · Powerbox · Ex-proof enclosures · Push-button enclosures · ABS enclosures · Site distribution boards
- Plug, socket-outlet, connector and inlet
A plug (male) and a connector (female) are fitted to flexible cables. A socket-outlet (female) is fixed on a wall or panel; an appliance or wall inlet (male) is fixed on equipment and receives a connector. Each male part mates with the female parts of the same current, contact arrangement and clock position.
- Pilot contact
An additional, shorter contact that closes last when the plug is inserted and opens first when it is withdrawn. It is wired into a control or interlock circuit so that the load is switched off before the main contacts separate.
- Phase-reversing plug
A three-phase plug or inlet in which two phase connections can be swapped with a screwdriver. It corrects the phase sequence, for example the direction of rotation of a motor, without rewiring the cable.
- Switched interlocked socket
A socket-outlet combined with a switch and a mechanical interlock: the plug can only be inserted or removed when the switch is off, and the switch can only be turned on with the plug inserted. It prevents connecting or disconnecting under load.
- Socket with cam switch
A wall socket-outlet with a built-in rotary cam switch that switches the supply to the socket on and off, so the load can be isolated without removing the plug.
- Connectable cable cross-section
The range of conductor sizes, in mm², that the terminals of a plug, connector or socket accept, for example 1.5–4 mm² for 16 A or 16–50 mm² for 125 A. Choose the cable for the load current and installation conditions first, then check that it falls within this range.
- MS 58 brass contacts
MS 58 is a free-machining brass (CuZn39Pb3, EN designation CW614N) widely used for plug and socket contacts because it machines precisely and conducts well.
- Polyamide 6 housing
Polyamide 6 (PA6) is an engineering thermoplastic used for industrial plug and socket housings because of its mechanical strength and impact resistance. Rubber housings are an alternative for portable single-phase products in rough use.
- ATEX / Ex-proof
ATEX is the EU framework for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres (Directive 2014/34/EU). Areas are classified into zones 0, 1 and 2 for gas and 20, 21 and 22 for dust; Ex-proof junction boxes and push-button enclosures must carry a marking that matches the zone.
- Combination unit and V code
A combination unit is an enclosure that brings socket-outlets and protective devices such as circuit breakers and RCDs together to distribute power on sites, in workshops and at plants. In Bemis names the V number (for example V12) indicates the enclosure’s capacity for modular devices, not the protection that is installed.
- Cable reel load (wound / unwound)
Cable left on the drum cannot shed heat, so a cable reel carries less current when wound than when fully unwound. For high loads unwind the cable completely and follow the ratings marked on the reel.
Guides
- Choosing a CEE industrial plug or socket →
- IP44, IP67 and IP68: choosing an IP rating →
- CEE (IEC 60309) or Schuko? Choosing between industrial and domestic-type sockets →
- Cable cross-section for CEE plugs and sockets: terminal ranges by rating →
- How to choose a cable reel: capacity, cable, protection and housing →
- Choosing a distribution box →
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