What Is an Arc Welding Plug and Socket? Types and Selection
An arc welding plug and socket is a single-pole high-current connector that detachably joins a welding machine's output to the welding cable, or two welding cables.
An arc welding plug and socket is a single-pole connection element made for high current that detachably connects the output of a welding machine to the welding cable, or two welding cables to each other. It is used to connect electrode holder and earth cables to the machine, to extend cables and to plug and unplug cables quickly in workshops and on site. It is only for the welding current circuit; the machine's mains supply uses CEE standard plugs and sockets.
Types
| Type | Fitted to | Mates with |
|---|---|---|
| Plug (male) | The end of the welding cable | Machine socket or extension socket |
| Machine socket (female, panel type) | The front panel of the welding machine | Plug |
| Extension socket (female, cable type) | The end of the cable to be extended | Plug |
A plug and a machine socket connect the cable to the machine; a plug and an extension socket join two cables.
Selection criteria
- Rated current: The connector's rated current must not be lower than the highest welding current used on the machine. The catalog has 200 A and 400 A classes.
- Cable cross-section: The cable entry of the plug and extension socket must suit the cross-section of the welding cable. The Bemis 200 A types are defined by the 16/95 mm² cross-section group and the 400 A types by the 50/150 mm² group; compare your cable's cross-section with this group.
- Mating: Choose the plug and socket from the same series and current class; different sizes or brands may not fit properly.
- Environment: A rubber body resists impact and abrasion. IP55 means dust-protected and resistant to water jets from any direction (IEC 60529).
- Contact material: The Bemis models have MS 58 brass contacts.
Common mistakes
- Not seating the connection fully: If the plug is not fully inserted and locked, contact resistance rises and the contact heats up and burns.
- Preparing the cable end carelessly: If some strands stay outside or the clamping screw is not fully tightened, the connection heats up.
- Choosing too low a current class: A 200 A connector on a machine used at 400 A overheats.
- Using a welding connector on the mains: Single-pole welding plugs and sockets are not for mains lines.
Standards
- IEC 60974-12: Covers coupling devices for welding cables in arc welding equipment.
- IEC 60529: Defines IP protection ratings.
Arc welding plugs and sockets in the Welibaba catalog
The Arc Welding Plugs and Sockets category has 6 active products, all Bemis rubber-bodied IP55 models.
| Current | Cross-section group | Plug | Extension socket | Machine socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 A | 16/95 mm² | BK4-7501-2010 | BK4-7501-2310 | BK4-7501-2410 |
| 400 A | 50/150 mm² | BK4-9501-2010 | BK4-9501-2310 | BK4-9501-2410 |
Schneider Electric's 200 A and 400 A welding plugs and sockets are in the Single-Pole High-Current Plugs and Sockets category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a machine socket and an extension socket?
A machine socket is fixed to the welding machine's panel and connects the cable to the machine. An extension socket is fitted to the end of a cable and mates with the plug on another cable to extend the line.
Should I choose 200 A or 400 A?
Look at the highest welding current you use on the machine and at the cable cross-section. If the current exceeds 200 A or your cable is in the 400 A cross-section group, choose the 400 A type.
Can a welding plug replace a CEE plug?
No. A welding plug is single-pole and only for the welding current circuit. The machine's mains connection uses CEE standard plugs and sockets.
Must the plug and socket be the same brand?
The safest choice is the same series and current class; dimensions of different brands may not match exactly, and a loose connection heats up.