Used in server rooms to avoid pesky cleaners unplugging live systems for their hoovers (vacuum cleaners).

I just enjoyed watching someone talk about outlets for 16 minutes

These are used as caravan/camper connectors in New Zealand. As an apprentice, I was taught to always make the earth longest in all plugs,so that it is the last to loose contact from abuse.

I know an electrician, who went to do some work at a farm. The farmer had a three phase motor, but there was no three phase connector in the shed. However, there were three domestic 3-pin sockets in the room, and, by an amazing coincidence, each one was wired to a separate phase, so he connected each of the three lives from the motor, to the live pins on 3 13 amp plugs, plugged all three plugs into the sockets, and off he went. Apparently, he'd been running it this way, for a number of year.

The amount of times i have wired them up then realised i forgot to put the cover over the cable first lol

These are used all over europe on campsites to connect caravans, campers and such to the mains

Sweden, blue and red ones commonly used... and green ones for 400Hz in aircraft related applications. About current ratings.. it makes more sens if you start from 1000A.. and halves the rating...ie.. 1000/500/250/125/63/32/16... ie the 63 A is a rounding instead of 62.5A... :)

I used to work for a tool rental company. These were the only connectors the customers couldn't break.

I love how you stared with a whole workbench full and started pulling more connectors out. Haha.

They are used all over Europe, the CEE16 and CEE32 (red connectors) are quite commonly used in houses as 3 phase plugs in countries where 3 phase home connections are common (mostly Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg)

I've always wanted to wire something stupid (like a toster) to one of these style sockets just because I think there cool.

13:35 Oh god... I'm getting PTSD from this bit. I've had this happen so many times. Last time the caterers were given a 32a and brought everything in on 13a plugs. They then told the guests we were to blame for not providing enough power when their fuses blew ON THEIR OWN GEAR. Can't believe I hadn't watched this already, great advice in this one Clive.

It's the standard here in Sweden, and also in Denmark where i'm from. I have the 5-pin version on all my 400v equipment, and i'm just a regular hobbyist.

These are used on the kitchen equipment at my McDonalds in Canada.

Hi Clive! I had the same "discussion" with a colleague at work the other day about the weird amp rating numbering (eg. 16A,32A,63A). After some research I found that we owe this to Charles Renard, a French engineer who came up with these preferred numbers when he was tasked to reduce the number of ropes used on balloons in the French army. Makes for an interesting read!

I use these all the times in datacentres, especially the 3-phase ones. I've done event sound and lighting work before too, and they're the standard. I love these connectors.

Slugs like hiding in plugs left in gardens. The slugs expire spectacularly when you plug them into a live socket.

In the US we generally just use strings of household extension cords plugged together end-to-end.

Red ones are commonly used in Poland, almost every house has at least one 16A or 32A 3P outlet, usually in a garage, storage room or basement as our houses are supplied from a 3 phase system. It lets you plug in a welder, large saw, concrete mixer, etc. Blue ones are sometimes found in RV's and trailers or in industrial 1 phase equipment. At work we have a power supply for testing stuff that is powered from 3 phase 125 A outlet. Older houses and equipment use 4 pin variant of red sockets and plugs with a combined neutral and PE.

In the Netherlands (and i suppose in the rest of the EU) they are quite common. Almost every device that needs 3 phase power has a red CEE plug, so you will find them in workshops on drills and sawing machines. The red plugs usually have 5 pins, or 4 when no neutral is needed (in case of symmetrical loads). The blue single phased types are often used on campsites and marinas. On marketplaces they use CEEform plugs a lot to distribute power to the stalls. This is usually done by distribution boxes which we often call a 'paddenstoel' (mushroom) because of its shape. These boxes split the incoming 3 phase power into separate single phase outlets which are protected by fuses and RCD breakers.

Germany: exporting all our machines built in germany in the whole world with the CEE16A.

I've always being fascinated by these connectors: when I was a child I saw them being commonly used to connect camper vans to campsites and boats to docks (16A for the first and 32A for the lattest), I guess because being more rugged they withstand pretty well being exposed to the environment (rain, dirt, saltwater...) some people leave their boats connected 24h/day for years so they must be doing a good job. Also I've started seeing them at my unuversity lately, both in server datacenters but also in the corridors. Probably most poeple don't touch them because they don't know it, or maybe it's becuase they look industrial-y and somewhat scary, but they could well be used to charge phones and laptop (which sometimes people desperately need). Also at concerts and discos I can sometime some dangling power cords with the red adapter (so triphase) if I wanted I could have ruined fun for a ton of people lol. The fact that this does not happen really means that workers are confident in people not being confident with infustrial grade components.

They are all over Germany. You can find them anywhere nowadays.

When you mentioned caterers and their lack of electrical knowledge I nearly pissed myself from laughing as I have "fond" memories of those poor lads and lasses. Most memorable was when they plugged in their heat-lamps to keep hot dishes warm during a buffet. Unknowingly, they plugged in, into one of our break-out cables we used for ambient up-lighting of the venue. During the event, we had to dim all of the lights on a few occasions, including the up-lights. This is when we noticed what they'd done and quickly pulled a regular power line for them to use. Second memorable event, although not as funny, was during a posh Christmas dinner. We asked the caterer how much kitchen equipment they'd brought in as we were doing power management as well that night. Oooh, only a small oven and a little deep fryer plus 2 fridges was they head chef's reply. Okay, then. We pulled a 32A 3phase line for them and a break out box for them to use. An hour or so into the event, all of the power went out. We went in to check what had happened but couldn't find any problem then. So, we flipped the breakers back on and within 5 seconds they'd trip again. We quickly set out to investigate what was going on and within a minute or so, my boss came walking in and told us that he'd found the issue. That small oven and little deep fryer turned out to be 3, 12 plate ovens, an industrial 2 pan deep fryer and 8 fridges. Needless to say, nobody was amused that evening. Though, in most cases, the caterers I've encountered were pretty easy going and asked before they'd plug anything in to avoid issues. It's also worth mentioning that in ones best interest is to keep caterers your friend as they do provide the stage crew with lots and lots of tasty things and snacks throughout the evening ;) As for those surface mounted enclosures, most modern campers and caravans use those (the male variant).

Who new having a favourite industrial connector was a thing? Love the channel.

"I like to twist them, and fold them over, and fill that hole there" -Clive

I work in a factory with a warehouse. We had a cable with a connector like this for connecting our electric forklift's charger to three-phase (I believe). I think there was a second one for one of our big three-phase machines, too. There's something very pleasant about handling tough rubber-clad cables like that, with good sturdy connectors. It feels very reliable.

Hi Clive, I am a Showman and as you they are used on fairgrounds. Thank you for a great channel, I'm learning a lot.

I work in retail, driving a van and delivering shopping. We use these connectors to power the van's refrigerator while we are loading up the van. Each van bay has its own connector and what's interesting is while they are connected the van is 'disabled' in that we cannot start the engine and drive away while the cable is connected!

France, Using them all the time for lights and sound on stages for concerts, festivals etc

The 240V 16A version are pretty much standard throughout Europe for mains connections to touring caravans and motor caravans (recreational vehicles). They are also used at moorings for canal boats in the UK, so may be widespread for seagoing craft too.

in the netherlands we use these kinds of connectors extensively in the event industry. mostly the 380v (red) ones but also the 230v (blue/black) ones. never really seen any of the other voltages.

Finland, the most common connector used for anything 3-Phase

We use them everywere for lights and sound on stages for concerts in Poland

We have these in Sweden, you can buy them in most trades stores but I think mostly they are only used in industry. I changed my garage three phase sockets to these kind and use them on my engine warmer since ... snow gets everywhere. Always glad to see a Big Clive video :)

I wish you mentioned the 3phase variants where with a screwdriver you can switch the phases over without the need os opening it and switching the cables around. This is handy when you want to change the direction of rotation of three phase motors.

Belgium : mandatory for semi permanent connections on building sites.

You'll find these ALL OVER Europe (at least), as they're codified and standardized in IEC 60309. You may also hear them referred to as "Commando" connectors, as the first major supplier of these, MK, sold them under the "Commando" brand name. Here in Canada and the US, there's a whole mess of differing NEMA plugs and sockets picked seemingly at random for a wide variety of uses.

Ceeform!! wow in all these years i've always called and heard them called commando plugs. You learn something new every day.

We use those connectors in our server rooms for power-to-rack.

You'll find these connectors at harbours throughout Europe. I've been sailing since I was 5 and I've never had one break or malfunction, they are great.

We use them In finland also. Sometimes even In server rooms because of the high current demand.

I commonly see them being used for lighting applications for instance cinematic lighting. I work in the broadcast repair industry and I see them quite often.

The 3 phase ones are standard in Hungary, the other variants are rarely used, but we do carry 'em. The thing I like about them is that they are usually guaranteed 6 hours of continous use at nominal current while the household plugs might melt after a few hours.

The PCE connectors are brilliant, so cheap yet great quality.

I’m sure there are content for a part 2 of this! For instance the “hour rating” on the plug - for a while I thought that the “6h” marking referred to “rated 16A continuously for 6h”, but I later learned that’s the description of the position of the earth pin in relation to the key.

My favorite type of these are the ones from Mennekes witch wont even require you to remove the insulation frome the wires to clamp them in the screwless connector

That's a pretty close design to some XLR, NL4 and NL8 cables in the audio industry. Love those little connectors. So small, yet so stout and sturdy. Used in the USA, but I think that style of connector is used worldwide. Closest to NL4 or NL8 for connecting amplifiers to speakers in professional audio settings like concerts, large speaking events, etc.

Argentina, mostly for industrial tools in workplaces and factories, some industrial ovens too. Blue ones are 220v and the red ones are 380v, I have one on my desk and only have 1 screw in the earth connection :D

Here in Germany the Mennekes StarTops are the best you can get. They are amazing

I work in mcdonalds UK, and we have these all over the place! From powering 1 egg cooker to powering 10 Frying vats, our fridges and freezers use these our grills, absolutely everything!

My fav are the ones by the mennekes brand. I have used the 63A and 125A ones a lot from them at work and there plugs and sockets are pretty neat in the way they look and also are put together. Very rigid and easy to install. They also come in IP68 rating.

CEE connectors are the standard in Western Europe. They are very affordable and reliable. Almost all of them are rated IP44 and use a clock position of 6H. In datacenters you will see mostly red 5 pin 32 A 3P+N+PE 230/400 Volt connectors and blue 3 pin 32 A and 16 A P+N+PE 230 Volt connectors. In film / motion picture lighting they use mostly blue 3 pin P+N+PE 230 Volt connectors in 63 A, 32 A an 16 A variants. Because lights are always single phase. In theatres you will find red 5 pin 125 A, 63 A and 32 A for distribution and blue 3 pin 16 A for equipment. Stage Rigging Hoists use red 4 pin 16 A connectors. In agriculture, industry and on building sites you will find mostly red 4 pin 32 A 3P+PE 400 Volt connectors. Because of all the electric motors around. Special application concrete vibrators are used for concrete compaction and are usually 42 Volt at 200 Hz. These use a green 32 A 3P connector without protective earth with 4H clock position. It comes with an external frequency converter that consist of a 42 Volt 3 phase generator creating 200 Hz directly driven from a 400 Volt 50 Hz motor. The power of these devices is usually 2.2 kW. Professional ovens in restaurant kitchens are connected using red 32 A 3P+N+PE connectors. In telecommunication installations you will find a lot of -48 VDC but I am not sure wat kind of connectors they are using.

I have my garage door connected to one of these, and then my 100A welder is plugged into a regular wall socket.

Very nice. There is a certain beauty in a simple product, properly thought out and made well.

I see those everywhere, I live in Argentina and we used to have the exact standards as europe, we changed the plug for the Australian variant in the 90's, but those Ceeform connectors are everywhere, now that I don't work in industries I see them used to connect things like power generators and construction sites.

Use them at McDonald’s for the muffin toasters, grills, vats and such.

Used a lot in server rooms \ Data Centres. Blue type connector typically.

These are really joy to wire. They even make three phase ones where you can turn two pins with out disassembling the plug to change the direction of the phases.

Occasionally use them in entertainment in Australia. Not a huge amount, but they are scattered about the place, especially where there are international touring acts.

We use them a lot here in Germany.

Poland: same usage as you described in video, really common connector here

Convention centres and hotel in the US like these -- So they can bill you for using the power drops & distro box rentals thru their in-house provider, usually PSAV.

I got introduced to many of these connectors & plugs a few months ago working a fabrication & welding machine trade show. Very fascinating to work with.

Netherlands and "rest" of mainland europe for camping.

PhotonicInduction uses them for his "I've popped it" system. Come to think of it, we haven't seen anything new from him in a long time. Hope he's okay.

I use them every where, 16 for outdoor lighting at events, 32a for electric vehicle charging units , 3 phase in my workshop, really useful ....but can be buggers in cold weather ....

In the early 1980's we used a lot of the Hubbell version of "Pin & Sleeve" connectors. Back then very uncommon and pricey but made for a very clean & solid system. California.

Live audio (concert sound) we use these all the time.

Most homes in NZ have these installed in the bedroom for mains operated vibratory devices....

As an American industrial electrician, I’ve never seen them in this particular form, but I don’t do a lot of travel work and I’m generally in only three different plants regularly.

My parents are living in a village in germany where they have several of these connectors for 3-phase powertools. Shortly after our house was electry wired, our main wire in the house broke. We have independ 3-phase plugs near our house, so our whole house was temporary powered ny one of these plugs ^^

In the USA I've used them in data centers, but only the 60a 3 Three Phase variant.

The hardware stores in Thailand do sell this kind of plug too.

Used to do lighting at a club and used these all the time. Did an event with caterers who decided to leave their high and low current calling coiled up under load. Thankfully they ended up with curly cables and not a fire.

Used on planet earth. Very common. Merry xmas Clive, have a good one, thank you for this year.

These are used for three phase in norway. Either 5 pin red ones, or 4 pin blue ones. The blue one has ground, but not neutral since places with 230v three phase use the IT electrical system.

Clive have a look on the side of a Tesco home shopping delivery van, they use them to give shore power to the chiller and freezer (16A 240v) when the van is in the yard and not running.

New Zealand uses these, we call them blue commando. They carry 16 amps and are usually used on caravans/campervans to provide mains power while they’re parked at a campsite. But also, electric car supply equipment (EVSE’s) sometimes use these too, so that you’re not drawing 10amps off a normal wall plug for 10 hours straight.

These are very usual in Sweden. The blue 1-phase one is perhaps a little uncommon, used for caravans and such, but the red 3-phase one is definitely 100% the one used everywhere. Sold and labeled by current rating and size going hand in hand. 3-phase is still very big here, every home has at least one 3-phase Ceeform plug. We just call them "gloves" or "Three phase gloves."

We definitely use them in New Zealand, especially in heavy industry

Interesting.. I'm not familiar with these in the US- perhaps they show up industrially, but I haven't seen them. I thought it was interesting that you mentioned that the yellow one (110V) is used in the UK for construction sites? Any more information on that? I'm surprised to hear that 110V is used in the UK at all.

A similar arrangement is used in Marine applications here in the USA. I've used them extensively in a printed circuit board factory for portable equipment. They are by far the best washdown rated (IP65) power connectors I've found. I REALLY like the angled surface mount socket for those applications.

Yep we use 'em in Hungary, the red ones are standard for 3 phase electricity, the blue ones are used too but not as much.

I used them in my car to connect a removable amplifier/subwoofer arrangement without worrying of swapping polarity by accident. Worked fine and reliable. Kind regards from Germany

Used quite a bit in Canada, we call them Pin and Sleeves

I LOVE these. Use them wherever I can.

We use them for power distribution on "remote vehicles" for radio stations when we are out on a remote site for live shows at stadiums, events, etc.. For powering large amounts of RF equipment on top or regular things like pre-amp, mics, SatComs, and so on. love that they can take a beating and I like that they look like huge XLR connectors

This is one of the many connectors we use in the film industry.

United States: I have no experience with these, but they can be found in the data center at my work on the main PDU's, and have also frequently seen them on commercial kitchen equipment. Hobart mixers and the such.

I worked for Lincoln Electric's (the welding & cutting product manufacturer) Automation Division for 14 years and we used them for our 220 & 480 volt connections. Since we built robotic welding systems and welders for robotic applications we had to test systems. We had these attached to SOO cable and would use them for temporary power supply to the systems. Then disconnect them when the system was shipped to the customer where they would permanently wire the systems at their facilities. We are in Cleveland, Ohio USA

When I worked at Lindab (a Swedish company) in Portsmouth, VA, we had these type of European connectors on everything. This allowed us to move our equipment around very quickly and easily. Very safe and robust compared to the typical Hubbel twist-lock crap you at most American factories for plugs and drops.

In the states we call them "Pin & Sleeve Connectors" but I have never seen that brand of them

The big ones are used at McDonald's, in Australia

Those connectors are great. Also, they can have a higher current rating than normal wall plugs, so we actually can using them for powering induction stoves (namely, 1-phase 230V/32A and 3-phase 400V/16A).

We use the 32 amp ones on server racks over here (Brazil), usually 2 for each 42U rack at the data centers.

I’m in Canada in radio engineering, I’ve never seen these before but I can assure you I’m getting the chief engineer to order a few of em!

We use the 110v ones for the portable equipment such as vacuum cleaners at my place of work (plastics industry)

I love seeing electrical connectors and wires from other parts of the world . Here in the states our flexible cables are sj, sjo,sjow and sjoow . It's looks almost the same .

We use them to hook up our refrigerated vans while parked at the yard , and as you say they do get hammered!