How To Identify Commando Plugs & Sockets
This page will help you identify exactly what plug or socket you need. Whether Single or Three Phase? 3, 4 or 5 pin? What Amperage and Voltage? Here we try to help answer questions in our easy-to-follow Plug & Socket Identification page. Covering all types:
Plugs and Sockets Explained
1. Plug or Socket
Connections are made with the plug, also known as an inlet which is placed into a matching socket, or outlet. A right connection allows the correct and stable transfer or electricity from one to another.
2. Colour of Plug / Socket
Plugs and sockets are colour coded according to volts.
Yellow - 110 Volts (100 - 130 Volts | 50 + 60Hz)
Earth position normally 4h
Blue 230 Volts | Single Phase (200 - 250 Volts | 50 + 60Hz)
Earth position normally 6h & 9h
Red 400 Volts | Three Phase (380 - 440 Volts | 50 + 60Hz)
Earth position normally 6h & 9h
3. Pin / Hole Quantity
The amount of pins indicates the voltage and amount of phases. 3 pin Blue connector is for a single phase, with one live pin, one neutral and an earth.
The 4 pin red connector contains three live pins for the 3 phases and one earth pin. Sometimes their is a pilot to ensure pins are guided correctly to one another. It is not included within the pin count.
4. Earth Pin Position (O' Clock)
The Earth position is the largest pin and its position is indicated by the hands of a clock. As illustrated here if the earth is directly at the bottom, it is in the 6 O'Clock position (6h).
5. Diameter of Plug / Socket
To ensure the correct fit between plug and socket, a simple measurement can be taken on the outer diameter of the plug and the out diameter of the inner socket section.
Use the following table to match plugs and sockets accordingly.
3 Pin | Plug | Socket |
16A | 43mm | 35mm |
32A | 57mm | 46mm |
63A | 69mm | 59mm |
125A | 80mm | 70mm |
4 Pin | ||
16A | 49mm | 40mm |
32A | 57mm | 46mm |
63A | 69mm | 59mm |
125A | 80mm | 70mm |
5 Pin | ||
16A | 56mm | 45mm |
32A | 63mm | 52mm |
63A | 69mm | 59mm |
125A | 80mm | 70mm |
We also carry a smal range of 2 & 3 Pin 24v plugs and sockets used in Low Voltage applications.