IEC 60309

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IEC 60309

16 A 250 V 3P+E+N 9h socket and plug. The round plug shroud has an alignment key that mates with a matching slot in the socket. The female socket has two additional divots which are not required by the standard, but provide access to screws to disassemble the socket. When mated, the spring-loaded cover on the socket hooks over the lug visible on top of the plug to lock the two together.
General specifications
Width	250
Pins	3–5(+1)
Electrical
Max. voltage	1,000 V
Max. current	800 A
Pinout
200–250 VAC (blue) 16/20 A 2P+E 6h socket for single-phase AC power. Drawn approximately to scale. Clockwise from bottom: PE, L, N.
200–240 / 346–415 VAC (red) 125/100 A 3P+N+E 6h socket for three-phase AC power. Drawn approximately to scale. Clockwise from bottom: PE, L1, L2, L3, N.
PE	Protective Earth	ground
N	Neutral
L1	Line 1	(AC) Phase 1
L2	Line 2	(AC) Phase 2
L3	Line 3	(AC) Phase 3
PP	Pilot Pin	(optional) last-make, first-break to control arcing

IEC 60309 (formerly IEC 309 and CEE 17, also published by CENELEC as EN 60309) is a series of international standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for "plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes". They are also referred to as "pin & sleeve" connectors in North America^[1] or as "CeeForm" connectors in the entertainment industry.^[2] The maximum voltage allowed by the standard is 1000 V DC or AC; the maximum current, 800 A; and the maximum frequency, 500 Hz. The ambient temperature range is −25 °C to 40 °C.^[3]

There is a range of plugs and sockets of different sizes with differing numbers of pins, depending on the current supplied and number of phases accommodated. Connectors generally are specified by the voltage and current ratings, general configuration (number of pins), and rotational alignment ("keying"). The fittings are popular in open-air conditions, as the connectors have a minimum IP44 weather-proofing rating. They are also sometimes used in situations where their special capabilities (such as high current rating or three-phase facilities) are not needed, to discourage potential users from connecting domestic appliances to the sockets, as 'normal' domestic plugs will not fit.

The cable connectors and sockets are keyed and colour-coded, according to the voltage range and frequency used; common colours for 50–60 Hz AC power are yellow for 100–130 volts, blue for 200–250 volts, and red for 380–480 volts. The blue fittings are often used for providing weather-proofed exterior sockets for outdoor apparatus. In camping situations, the large 32 A blue fittings provide power to static caravans, whilst the smaller blue 16 A version powers touring caravans and tents. The yellow fittings are used to provide transformer isolated 110 V supplies for UK construction sites to reduce the risk of electric shock, and this use spills over into uses of power tools outside of the construction site environment. The red three-phase versions are used for three-phase portable equipment.