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Socapex Connectors

Description

Available in variety of sizes, the most common being 19-way used for lighting applications. The connectors push together and are secured with a locking ring. Cable mounting and chassis mounting types are available in both male and female. The 19-way version can carry 6 individual circuits at mains voltage with no common neutral or earth connections. Unlike P552 connectors all circuits are independent, so can be on different equipment or phases. The 37-Way version is sometimes used for analogue low voltage lighting control connections.

Typical Applications

Stage lighting, dimmer racks, lighting bars (19-way version: 6 live, 6 neutral, 6 earth + 1 unused, 37-way version: 12 live, 12 neutral, 12 earth +1 unused).

Stage lighting control connections (37-Way: 30 control circuits).

Hoists and controllers (consult documentation for pin-outs, NOT the same as lighting pin-out detailed below).

Other stage equipment.

Any other application requiring a multi-pole mains connector (used on aircraft).

Pin Assignments

19-Way Lighting (6 Circuits):

For stage lighting (mains voltage) the standard pin assignments are:

Circuit Number Live Neutral Earth
1 Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 13
2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 14
3 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 15
4 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 16
5 Pin 9 Pin 10 Pin 17
6 Pin 11 Pin 12 Pin 18

Pin 19 is unused, or connected to the cable screen in a few rare cases.

19-Way Socapex Contact Numbering, Shown from Solder Side

It is generally thought to be a good idea to common the earth conductors (pins 13 to 18) inside each connector, however this is not permitted in the US.

Care should be taken to ensure the connector cover is earthed if metal. This is difficult without commoning the earth conductors, since earthing the cover to any one earth conductor is only effective if that circuit is used. Often 19-way cables used in theatres are terminated in 'spiders' and some plugs on the 'spider' may be left unconnected. If 'spiders' are used it is best to ensure all plugs are connected even if not used.

Also be aware that if circuits are connected to different phases of the mains supply 415V will exist between some conductors.

37-Way Lighting (12 Circuits):

For stage lighting (mains voltage) the standard pin assignments are:

Circuit Number Live Neutral Earth
1 Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3
2 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6
3 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9
4 Pin 10 Pin 11 Pin 12
5 Pin 13 Pin 14 Pin 15
6 Pin 16 Pin 17 Pin 18
7 Pin 19 Pin 20 Pin 21
8 Pin 22 Pin 23 Pin 24
9 Pin 25 Pin 26 Pin 27
10 Pin 28 Pin 29 Pin 30
11 Pin 31 Pin 32 Pin 33
12 Pin 34 Pin 35 Pin 36

Pin 37 is unused. The notes above on earthing also apply here.

37-Way Lighting Control (30 Circuits):

For stage lighting control signals (low voltage) the standard pin assignments are:

Pin Number Function Pin Number Function
1 Channel 1 20 Channel 20
2 Channel 2 21 Channel 21
3 Channel 3 22 Channel 22
4 Channel 4 23 Channel 23
5 Channel 5 24 Channel 24
6 Channel 6 25 Channel 25
7 Channel 7 26 Channel 26
8 Channel 8 27 Channel 27
9 Channel 9 28 Channel 28
10 Channel 10 29 Channel 29
11 Channel 11 30 Channel 30
12 Channel 12 31 Tie lines used on some old control desks
13 Channel 13 32
14 Channel 14 33
15 Channel 15 34
16 Channel 16 35 Ground
17 Channel 17 36
18 Channel 18 37
19 Channel 19

Connector Assembly Instructions

All connectors normally use solder terminals due to space restrictions. Ensure all cables are properly clamped, particularly important for heavy multicore cables that hang directly from the connector. See notes above regarding earthing.

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