Couplers
Industrial couplers are in-line sockets fitted to the end of a flexible cable, so you can join an industrial plug and lead to make extension leads or connect site equipment. All the couplers here are from GARO, made to BS EN 60309, in 16A, 32A and 63A ratings.
Choose 3 pole for 110V and 230V single phase, or 4 and 5 pole for 400V three phase, in standard and watertight versions. Order at trade prices; stock items ordered before 5pm on a weekday are delivered the following working day across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
How to choose the right industrial coupler
A coupler must match the plug it connects to in current rating, voltage, number of poles and earth position. BS EN 60309 connectors are keyed and colour coded so that incompatible plugs and couplers will not mate, but you still need to select the right one for the supply and the equipment.
Colour, voltage and poles
- Yellow, 3 pole (2P+E): 110V site tools and equipment, usually fed from a site transformer
- Blue, 3 pole (2P+E): 230V single phase supplies
- Red, 4 pole (3P+E): 400V three phase without neutral
- Red, 5 pole (3P+N+E): 400V three phase with neutral
Current rating and IP protection
Choose 16A, 32A or 63A to suit the load and the cable size, and make sure the circuit protection is coordinated with the coupler and cable. Standard couplers suit sheltered locations, while watertight versions give a higher degree of protection for outdoor and wet environments when correctly mated. Keep caps closed when unplugged to keep out dirt and moisture.
Making up extension leads
Use flexible cable sized for the load and length, and fit it with a matching industrial plug. Strip and terminate conductors to the manufacturer's instructions, tighten cord grips securely and check the connections. Leads used on site should be inspected and tested regularly with suitable electrical testing equipment. Check current wiring regulations and site rules for 110V reduced low voltage requirements.
Meteor Electrical stocks over 5,000 lines from 100+ trade brands. Free delivery applies on orders over £30 / €35 ex VAT, with England, Scotland and Wales deliveries in 3 to 5 working days.
FAQ's
- What is the difference between a coupler and an industrial socket?
- Can a 16A plug fit a 32A coupler?
- What does watertight mean on an industrial coupler?
- What size cable should I use with a 32A coupler?
- Why are 110V couplers yellow?
- How many pins does a three phase coupler have?