Contents:
The most popular electrical connectors are considered to be CEE, Socapex, and Powerlock.
| Name | Phases | Amperes | KiloWatts |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEE 16A | 1-3 | 16 | Up to 3.7 (single-phase) 11 (three-phase) |
| CEE 32A | 1-3 | 32 | Up to 7.4 (single-phase) 22 (three-phase) |
| CEE 63A | 1-3 | 63 | Up to 14.5 (single-phase) 43 (three-phase) |
| CEE 125A | 1-3 | 125 | Up to 28.8 (single-phase), 86 (three-phase) |
| Socapex | 1 | 16 (per pin) | Depends on configuration |
| Powerlock | 1-3 | Up to 400 | Up to 96 (single-phase) 277 (three-phase) |
Number of Phases: CEE connectors can be single-phase or three-phase. Socapex connectors are usually single-phase but have many contacts. Powerlock connectors can be either single-phase or three-phase.
Kilowatt Rating: Power (in kilowatts) is calculated based on the standard voltages of 230V (single-phase) and 400V (three-phase). Actual values may vary depending on operating conditions.
Standard: CEE connectors comply with the IEC 60309 standard. Socapex connectors do not have a specific international standard but are widely used in the stage industry. Powerlock connectors comply with the BS EN/IEC 61984 standard.
Useful Formulas
To calculate power in kilowatts (kW) based on the current (in amperes, A) and voltage (in volts, V), the following formulas are used:
SINGLE-PHASE CONNECTION
P(kW) = V(Volts) × I(Amperes) / 1000
Example:
P(kW) = 230 × 16 / 1000
P(kW) = 3.68
THREE-PHASE CONNECTION
P(kW) = 3 × V(Volts) × I(Amperes) / 1000
3 = 1.732
Example:
P(kW) = 1.732 × 380 × 32 / 1000
P(kW) = 21.06
If you know the power in kilowatts (kW) and want to calculate the current in amperes (A), you can use the following formulas for single-phase and three-phase systems:
SINGLE-PHASE CONNECTION
I(Amperes) = P(kW) × 1000 / V(Volts)
Example:
I(Amperes) = 3.68 × 1000 / 230
I(Amperes) = 16
THREE-PHASE CONNECTION
I(Amperes) = P(kW) × 1000 / 3 × V(Volts)
3 = 1.732
Example:
I(Amperes) = 21.06 × 1000 / 1.732 × 380
I(Amperes) = 32