CEE / P17 (IEC 60309)
Definition
IEC 60309 connectors, known as CEE or P17 in France and commando in the United Kingdom, are the industrial plugs and sockets of AV power distribution. Their colour indicates the voltage range: yellow for 100 to 130 V, blue for 200 to 250 V and red for 380 to 480 V. The common versions are blue with 3 pins for single-phase 230 V (L, N, earth) and red with 5 pins for three-phase 400 V (L1, L2, L3, N, earth). The rated current, 16, 32, 63 or 125 A, sets the physical size, and the clock position of the earth contact, 6 h on these two common versions, keeps connectors for different voltages or frequencies from mating. Versions are made to IP44 (splash-proof) and IP67 (watertight).
In the field
A red three-phase connector is never adapted to a blue single-phase socket with a home-made lead, because a wiring error can put 400 V across equipment designed for 230 V or leave the neutral disconnected. Colour, current rating and pin count are matched, and only manufactured, rated adaptors or distribution units with their own protection are used. In the United Kingdom, yellow 110 V connectors are common on construction sites and in some venues, supplied from centre-tapped transformers at 55 V to earth.
Sources
- IEC 60309-2, prises industrielles : codes couleur par tension, position horaire du contact de terre, calibres
- IEC 60309 (Wikipedia, pointeur secondaire) : jaune 100–130 V, bleu 200–250 V, rouge 380–480 V ; terre en 6 h pour le bleu 230 V et le rouge 400 V ; noms CEE et commando · en.wikipedia.org
- Elecbee, CEE Plug Guide: IEC 60309 Colors, 16A vs 32A, and IP Ratings : versions IP44 et IP67 · elecbee.com
- Legrand, Prise mobile P17 IP44 16 A 200 à 250 V 2P+T : appellation P17 des prises IEC 60309 en France · legrand.fr
- BS 7375, distribution de l'électricité sur les chantiers : 110 V à point milieu relié à la terre (55 V par rapport à la terre)