Q & A of the Day – Is the conductor in this six-pole plug for earthing?

Published: 21 October 2009 Category: Q&A

Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning a six-pole plug and its connection arrangements, is answered by Cooper Lighting and Safety:

Question: I have a luminaire that has a grey and black (three each) six-pole plug attached. Both halves are marked LEN.

The earth-marked connection in the grey half contains a wire that has a 240V AC or 16V DC control voltage for the fitting.

I am under the impression that no current carrying conductor can be in this terminal. Is it PURELY for earth or nothing? Can anyone tell me if this is the case?

Answer: From your description, this sounds to be a six-pole Weiland or Metway plug. It is usual for the black section to be the normal switched mains, and for the grey to be wired with an un-switched live and a control pair. My understanding is that each pin has an identical current carrying capacity and the markings on the grey plug are generic.

For a more complete answer you should contact the plug manufacture, whoever that is.

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