Socapex / Multicore (19-pin)
Definition
Socapex, a name taken from the Amphenol Socapex 419 series, designates a 19-pin circular connector that carries six independent power circuits in one multicore cable, and it is widely used in touring lighting distribution. The usual pin-out assigns pins 1 to 12 to the six live and neutral pairs and pins 13 to 18 to the six earths, and leaves pin 19 unused. The connector is commonly rated 20 A per circuit; circuits are typically protected at 16 A in 230 V countries and at 20 A in North America, and the cable cross-section sets the actual limit. A breakout (fan-out) splits the multicore into six 16 A outlets at the truss, or the multicore plugs directly into a dimmer or distro.
In the field
A multicore carrying six circuits near 16 A heats up, and a coiled cable dissipates heat poorly, so the whole run is derated: the cable is uncoiled, and its capacity, rather than the connector rating, sets the limit. Several pin-out variants exist, so breakouts are checked against the pin-out of the distro, because a mismatch can cross circuits.
Related lessons
Sources
- Socapex (Wikipedia, pointeur secondaire) : 19 broches, six circuits indépendants ; broches 13 à 18 terres, 19 inutilisée · en.wikipedia.org
- Amphenol Socapex, Entertainment : connecteurs Soca pour la lumière et la puissance de spectacle · amphenol-socapex.com
- Entertaining Safety, Multi-Cable Systems and 19-Pin Socapex Connectors : six circuits indépendants de 20 A (usage nord-américain, conducteurs 12 AWG), sans neutre ni terre communs · entertainingsafety.com
- Phase 3 Connectors, Socapex 19 Pin Circuit Drawings & Wiring Diagram : brochage par circuit ; six circuits indépendants sans neutre ni terre communs · p3connectors.com
- IEC 60364-5-52 : déclassement des câbles selon le groupement et la pose · electrical-installation.org