If you are a owner of a factory, have commercial premises, or you are operating electrical equipment or even just own a caravan or mobile home, chances are you are going to need to use industrial plugs and sockets. They are very similar to traditional plugs and sockets for home usage in the sense that they transport electricity, but in contrast, they are designed with much more safety features in mind as they usually transport a much stronger electrical current and are used in more hazardous environments. Because of this, they need to be able to withstand much more wear and tear than your typical plug and socket.

Multiphase and industrial sockets and plugs are used where there is a need for a higher voltage or current than the standard one for homes. These plugs and sockets are designed for industrial and commercial settings, and with special features as to ensure they can withstand many different environmental and working hazards. Many of these plugs and sockets are used outside in mines or in chemical plants where the risk of damaging them and the people working with them is greater.

Because they are often used in extreme conditions, these plugs and sockets are made with protective covers and sleeves that are waterproof or water resistant. Often, industrial plugs and sockets are interlocked in order to make sure they are securely connected and can’t be disconnected by accident. Nearly every three-phase power plug will be ground connected, but not through a neutral connection as this is not typically required for three-phase loads. These types of plugs usually have earth prongs and three phases which makes them four-pronged, and if there is a neutral prong the plug will have the earth and neutral type and the three phases.

Good quality industrial plugs and sockets are designed to be very reliable and you can find a model made with stainless steel springs and solid brass screws and sleeves, which provide a very good, high level contact pressure, thus ensuring the durability of said pressure throughout the use of the connector. Their casings are designed without any sharp edges and the inner cable protection is of high standard. All of the new designs of these types of commercial plugs and sockets are very easy to connect and disconnect and provide a comfortable grip. Commercial types of plugs and sockets are tested for use under extreme temperatures from -25 degrees centigrade all the way up to 55 degrees centigrade.