The advantages of pin and sleeve connectors

Most in the industry are familiar with twist lock cable connectors, which are the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard. However, there’s a lesser-known advanced cable connector that’s worth considering — the pin and sleeve connector. The advantages of this type of cable connector are highlighted in a recent white paper from LAPP Group.

Ideal applications

Pin and sleeve connectors seal power connections and insulate power delivery from moisture, grime and chemicals. They’re designed to prevent disconnecting under load, and are often used for applications in abusive environments. Pin and sleeve devices range from metal-housed products to high impact-resistant plastic products with varying designs.

These male-female connections are well-suited for supplying power in a wide range of equipment, from welders, motor gen-sets and compressors, to conveyors, portable tools and lighting. They’re also good for matching high-current power sources with the right equipment, and can integrate with switched and fused interlock receptacles in wet or corrosive environments.

Key benefits

According to the white paper, pin and sleeve connectors have many benefits that give them the edge over standard twist lock cable connectors. For example, their rugged design provides heightened durability and a click-lock housing makes assembly fast and easy. Male plugs are surrounded by a shroud to protect the contact pins, which are exposed to the environment in most NEMA plugs. In addition, pin and sleeve connectors have more configuration options than twist lock, and they’re colour-coded for different amps.

Additional details

Pin and sleeve connectors are available from LAPP Group. The company’s EPIC CEE pin and sleeve connectors can handle single- and three-phase power requirements up to 600 volts and 125 amps. These units feature a spring-loaded gasketed locking cover, and are colour-coded to easily identify voltage. 

To learn more, contact LAPP Group or download the whitepaper.

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