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Useful information about CEE plugs, CEE adapters
Special plug types are required for industrial applications: The CEE plugs. These are three-phase connectors, available in various versions. In our guide we summarize the most important information about CEE plugs, CEE adapters and CEE couplings for you.
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Various connector types at a glance
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CEE plug and CEE adapter
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The most important purchase criteria for CEE plugs and CEE adapters
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Our practical tip: Safety goes ahead!
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FAQ - frequently asked questions about CEE plugs and CEE adapters
Various connector types at a glance
In the household, devices are primarily operated with 230 Volt. Whether power tools, water kettles or vacuum cleaners – the electrical appliances used in everyday life are equipped with different plugs. Earthing contact plugs, for example, also known as plug type F or CEE 7/4, have protective contact surfaces. When plugging in, the protective contact surfaces are first connected to the springs of the protective contact socket before finally the contact pins are supplied with voltage. In addition to earthing contact plugs, Euro plugs (flat plug) and contour plugs are also used. However, there are special applications that require CEE connectors.
CEE plug and CEE adapter
CEE plugs and adapters according to the international standard IEC 60309 are manufactured for industrial applications. For these plugs, sockets and couplings, a voltage of 690 V and a maximum current load of 125 ampere must not be exceeded. The permissible operating temperature is set to a range between -25 and +40 degrees Celsius.
By the way: The abbreviation CEE is due to the Commission on the Rules for the Approval of the Electrical Equipment, which specifies different designations for plug types. Although the mentioned earthing contact plugs are also known under the CEE 7/4 standard, the "CEE plugs" are today referred to as three-phase connectors.
CEE plug-in power supply units are not only used in industry and trade. The blue CEE-plug 16A is well known on every camping site and outdoor fans, who are traveling with mobile home or caravan, best. The matching blue sockets are also mounted on boats and at ports. As a rule, they are classified with degree of protection IP44. IP44 indicates that the CEE sockets and plugs are protected against penetration of solid foreign bodies from 1 mm or higher and against all-sided splash water.
Caution: Depending on the application, higher protection classes are required. In addition to IP44, there are, among other things, IP54 (protection against water spray and dust deposits), IP66 (protection against strong water jets and penetrating dust) or IP67 (waterproof at depths of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes as well as protection against ingress of dust). From 125 Ampere, IP67 is mandatory.
With these plugs, you will often encounter the labeling "L+N+PE, 6h": "L" stands for "cable", "N" for "neutral", "PE" for "protective conductor" and "h" determines the position of the protective conductor. They are 3-pole and designed for continuous currents of 16 ampere. CEE adapter cables or CEE extensions are often heavy rubber cables called H07RN-F. A 15 m H07RN-F cable on a cable reel is ideal for use in caravans or camper vans: It can cope with high mechanical loads and can remain permanently in the outdoor area.
In our online shop you will find more variants besides the caravan plugs. Also often used is the 5-pin red plug "3L+N+PE, 6h", which is intended for the use of 400-volt voltages in three-phase alternating current. These are mainly available in a 16 amp or 32 amp version, but are also available in models designed for 63 or 125 amps.
The most important purchase criteria for CEE plugs and CEE adapters
When purchasing CEE plugs and CEE wall sockets, CEE angle couplings, CEE adapter cables and other CEE plug devices, you should first think about the intended application and check which CEE plug or adapter is the right one for you. You can view important technical details on the respective product page and at the same time learn more about possible connections. When purchasing CEE plugs and CEE adapters, maximum safety and high quality are paramount – whether you are looking for "simple" caravan plugs or models and CEE couplings for industrial applications.
Color plays an important role in CEE as it provides information on the rated voltage. The frequency is no longer the focus of the CEE material, as the frequency range is usually standardized to 50 to 60 Hertz:
| Purple | Voltage from 20 to 25 V. |
| White | 40 to 50 V. |
| Yellow | 100 to 130 V. |
| Blue | 200 to 250 V. |
| Red | 380 to 480 V. |
| Black | 500 to 600 V. |
| Green | 20 to 500 V; frequency range from 60 to 500 Hz |
| Grey | All other voltages and frequency ranges |
Where CEE plugs are often required, it is worth purchasing a distributor (with toggle switch or slide switch if necessary). Although you have to expect a higher price for such power distributors, you have several CEE plug devices available for this, depending on the model also for different CEE plugs.
For mounting sockets for 3-pin or 5-pin CEE systems you need not only screwdrivers and wire-end sleeves, but also additional mounting materials and accessories.
Our practical tip: Safety goes ahead!
When purchasing cables (extension cables, high-current cables), couplings, CEE phase users and more, pay attention to the best possible processing and at least protection class IP44. Caution: Only have electrical engineering work carried out by specialists!
FAQ – frequently asked questions about CEE plugs and CEE adapters
Is a special cable required for the power supply for mobile travel vehicles?
Yes. Since the cable is used in outdoor areas, a normal cable would pose too high a risk in moisture, moisture and dirt.
What must be taken into account for CEE plugs for camping?
Cable reels with H07RN-F cables and matching CEE adapters or CEE couplings with at least IP44 degree of protection are particularly recommended. So you are on the safe side when traveling with the mobile home.