Low cost locking AC Power connectors

[jdurand]

For setting up items that plug into specific places that you will want to unplug from time to time (makes it a "portable" device under many electrical codes), the first thing looked at is twist-lok plugs.

After your wallet has screamed and run under the dresser to hide, take a look at powerCON connectors from Neutrik. These are heavily used in the theatrical world (where I sometimes live). They're based on the very popular speakON connectors, but these are rated for AC Mains connection while the speakON are only rated for speakers.

There are tons of Asian copies now, many have 5* ratings from buyers so they can't be all bad. For $2-3 per set these are MUCH kinder on your wallet.

The most common size is rated for 20A at up to 250VAC single phase. They also have a 30A 3 phase one.



Note that there is a POWER IN version and a POWER OUT. This is so the dufus (идиот, идиотка) connecting up all the lights in the small club doesn't wire one power main to the other or something.

These are push in, twist and lock clicks. You can get rain tight ones if needed, may have to pay $5 a set for those.

anyway, hope this helps someone.

If you're doing non-power mains connections, then use the speakON verson. These won't plug into the powerCON so above dufas can't plug the speakers into a power main.

DO NOT PLUG OR UNPLUG WITH DEVICE DRAWING CURRENT. In other words, make sure your thing is turned off before plugging or unplugging the power cord.

[DIYSwede]

-Thanks for this tip - I've had them around for years at work, but never particularly realized their utility outside the set and stage business.
Other bonuses than those you listed:
1) Small footprint, easy to place at awkward places/ small cabinet flats.
2) "Twist-Lok" (bayonet) and outwards pull resistance achieved by design, with the chrome lock merely for not twisting out the bayonet.

Only downside I can see is that the intake (female) connector has a central pin, which could be perceived as a "male" connector for some.

[Toolmaker51]

Neutrik? powerCON? speakON? New to me, and am I excited.
So are my welders, disintegrator, 2 drill presses and family of bandsaws. That terminal case of sticker shock just phased away. Memory of the quote still hertz me. Well over $1500 USD! Ohm my gawd, watt was he thinking? My resistance surprised him. Thought I was FoMoCo or some other deep pocket entity.

https://www.google.com/search?client...rik+connectors

[jdurand]

You know, when you use those speakON connectors for the huge speakers at some concerts, you need to make sure they're rated

[FEM2008]

You know, when you use those speakON connectors for the huge speakers at some concerts, you need to make sure they're rated

When it comes to AC/DC, I think they use these!

(Welcome to my world - Hubble 400A HBLF3MR)

But seriously, thanks for the tip. I've used their XLRs before. I'll have to try your recommendation for the cheaper alternative.

[jdurand]

To give credit where credit is due, here's where I learned about the speakON and powerCON connectors. Had been using Neutrik for a while for DMX-512