Powercon connectors

PowerCON Connectors from the Event Technology Specialist

PowerCON connectors are the backbone of reliable mains power in professional event technology — and at LTT you get them from a partner with over 25 years of hands-on experience. Whether you power a moving-head rig on a truss, feed an LED wall at a concert or supply an amplifier rack in a club, a locking PowerCON connection keeps everything running without accidental disconnections.

Here you will find genuine Neutrik connectors as well as compatible alternatives, in cable and chassis versions, for 20 A, 32 A and TRUE1 applications. As your specialist for stage, lighting and sound, we help you pick the optimal solution for your setup — from the single adapter cable to a full stage power distribution.

What Is a PowerCON Connector? Fundamentals and Function

A PowerCON connector is a lockable, 3-pole AC mains power connector developed by Neutrik specifically for professional event technology. It carries line (L), neutral (N) and protective earth (PE) in a compact housing and is used to connect mains power to lighting fixtures, amplifiers, LED walls and other pro AV equipment.

How it works

The cable connector is inserted into the chassis connector and then twisted to establish contact and lock in place — a twist-lock mechanism that works just like the SpeakON connector for speakers. This secure locking prevents accidental disconnection under vibration or cable pull, which is exactly why PowerCON has become the most widely used power system in the event industry. Both the cable and chassis connectors remain fully insulated even when disconnected, so live parts stay protected.

Clear distinction from adjacent connectors

Unlike a SpeakON connector, which carries loudspeaker signal, a PowerCON connector carries AC mains power up to 250 V. Compared to an IEC (kettle-lead) connector, PowerCON is smaller yet handles roughly double the current in the same space and adds a locking action that IEC lacks. Compared to a Schuko plug, PowerCON is far more robust and space-saving. Note that PowerCON is not intended as a fixed mains connector in the wall of a building structure — it is an equipment connector for professional gear.

PowerCON Variants at a Glance: 20A, 32A and TRUE1

PowerCON is available in several distinct types and variants, each built for a specific use case. Choosing the right one is the first step to beautiful, safe results on stage.

Standard PowerCON (20 A)

The original and most common variant is rated at 20 A and up to 250 V AC in a secure-locking, compact 3-pole housing. It is not designed to be connected or disconnected under load, so you always switch off the source before mating or unmating.

PowerCON 32 A

In December 2013 Neutrik introduced a larger 32 A version for higher current demands, such as feeding power-hungry distros or motor racks. This robust, single-phase connector is only offered as a Type A source connector and is not compatible with the 20 A range.

PowerCON TRUE1 and TRUE1 TOP

Announced in January 2011, the TRUE1 is a true connector system that can be connected and disconnected under load, thanks to its breaking capacity. When mated it achieves an IP65 rating and is certified UL50E, making it ideal for outdoor use with dust or water exposure. Its maximum current rating is 16 A at 250 V, and it is intentionally incompatible with the standard PowerCON. The TRUE1 TOP (True Outdoor Protection) adds extra UV and weather resistance for the harshest environments.

XX Series and breaking-capacity connectors

Later XX-Series and redesigned connectors with the "-1" suffix (for example NAC3FCA-1 or NAC3FCB-1) can also be connected under load when used with the matching sockets such as NAC3MPXXA. These are rated at 16 A at 250 V and 20 A at 127 V and can claim compliance with IEC EN 60320-1. This depth of choice is why picking the correct PowerCON variant matters so much.

Blue vs Grey: Power In and Power Out Explained (Comparison)

PowerCON uses a deliberate colour coding to prevent dangerous mistakes, and understanding the difference between blue and grey connectors is essential for safe wiring.

• Blue (Type A) = power in / source: power flows from a blue-ended cable into a device chassis socket. This is the input.
• Grey (Type B) = power out / drain: power flows out of a chassis socket into a grey-ended cable. This is the output, typically used to daisy-chain the next fixture.

The two variants are mechanically incompatible on purpose, so you can never accidentally connect two mains supplies together (mains-to-mains). Grey power-out connectors are what you use to loop power from one LED luminaire to the next along a truss.

Always trace your colour coding before energising a rig — matching blue to inputs and grey to outputs keeps your whole power run predictable and safe.

PowerCON vs SpeakON vs Schuko: The Differences (Comparison Table)

Buyers often ask how PowerCON compares to other connectors they already know. The comparison below shows the key differences in amperage, protection, load-connect capability and typical use so you can choose quickly.

A quick word on the Schuko plug: the Schuko has a "leading" protective contact that connects first, which allows it to be plugged and unplugged under load. Standard PowerCON does not have this leading design, so older PowerCON models must not be mated or unmated under load. PowerCON, however, is far more robust, locking and space-saving than a Schuko plug — which is why it dominates professional event power. If you need reliable disconnection under load outdoors, TRUE1 is the answer.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Connector by Cable Diameter, Amperage and Cable Type

The right PowerCON connector depends on three technical buying criteria: the current your load draws, the outer diameter of your cable and the cable cross-section that matches the amperage.

Match amperage to your load

Pick 20 A standard PowerCON for typical lighting fixtures and amplifiers, 32 A for high-power distributions, and TRUE1 (16 A) wherever outdoor protection or connect-under-load capability is required.

Match cable diameter to the connector

PowerCON cable connectors are available for different cable diameters, commonly around 6–12 mm and 10–16 mm outer diameters. Choose the clamp range that fits your cable jacket so the strain relief grips firmly. A mismatch either fails to clamp or damages the jacket.

Match cable cross-section to the amperage

For a 20 A run, a flexible rubber mains cable with an adequate conductor cross-section (typically 3 x 1.5 mm² for shorter lengths, 3 x 2.5 mm² for longer runs or higher current) keeps the assembly safe and compliant. For 32 A applications you step up to a larger cross-section accordingly. Always follow the connector manufacturer's rated values.

Genuine or compatible?

Original Neutrik connectors offer full certification (SEV, UL, CSA, VDE) and the widest ecosystem. Compatible connectors such as Seetronic can be a cost-effective alternative for the same twist-lock format — a sensible choice when budget matters and full brand certification is not mandatory for your project. As your specialist, we help you weigh price against certification for the optimal solution.

Applications in Stage, Lighting and Event Setups

PowerCON connectors are used wherever professional gear needs a locking, reliable mains connection. In practice, that covers nearly every corner of a modern show.

Where PowerCON is used

• Truss lighting rigs: power in to moving heads and LED bars, then daisy-chain from grey power-out to the next fixture along a Naxpro-Truss span — fewer cables, cleaner runs.
• Stage power distribution: feeding amplifier racks, dimmers and distros with a secure, non-slip connection.
• LED video walls: supplying power to panels forming a video wall at concerts, where a locking connector prevents a single knock from dropping part of the picture.
• Touring and outdoor: TRUE1 TOP for festival stages exposed to rain and dust.

Because PowerCON is discreet and unfamiliar to the public, it also appears in semi-public installations where you want power outlets that casual users cannot simply plug into. To build these setups you will also want matching truss and rigging — combine your PowerCON runs with quality truss systems and cable management to achieve beautiful, professional results on any stage.

Chassis Connectors, Joiners, Adapters and Assembly Tools (Accessories)

Beyond the plain cable connector, PowerCON is a full accessories ecosystem that lets you build and adapt any power run.

Chassis connectors

Power-in and power-out chassis (panel) connectors mount into the housing of your own gear, cases or custom distros. They come in blue Type A and grey Type B to match the colour coding.

Joiners and couplers

PowerCON joiners and couplers — including versions that combine one chassis socket of each type — let you extend cables or bridge two lengths without splicing.

Adapter cables

Adapter cables convert between PowerCON, IEC and TRUE1, so you can integrate older and newer equipment on the same rig. This is invaluable on mixed-brand stages.

Assembly hand tools

Neutrik offers dedicated hand tools (for example the HTAC for PowerCON TRUE1) to tighten the bushing correctly during assembly. Using the right tool ensures the strain relief and terminals are secured to spec.

Round out your order with matching mains cable, cable drums and cable protectors to keep every connection tidy and safe.

Brands and Manufacturers for PowerCON Connectors

At LTT you get hochwertige Markenprodukte from the leading names in event power. The original and reference brand is Neutrik, which designed and manufactures the PowerCON series to full safety standards (SEV, UL, CSA, VDE). For compatible, budget-friendly alternatives in the same twist-lock format, Seetronic is a popular choice. You will also find matching mains cable and connector solutions from established brands such as Sommer Cable, Adam Hall Connectors and Accu Cable in our range.

Whether you insist on genuine Neutrik for full certification or opt for a compatible connector to fit a tighter budget, we carry innovative solutions for professionals across the board. If you are unsure which brand suits your project, our team helps you find the optimal solution.

Safety and Correct Use of PowerCON Connectors

PowerCON connects mains voltage, so correct use is a matter of safety, not just convenience. These connectors are designed for trained personnel in professional event technology.

Load-connect rules

Standard 20 A and 32 A PowerCON connectors are not designed to be connected or disconnected under load — always switch off the source first. This is why older models are considered unsuitable for untrained users. If you need to make or break a connection while power is live, use TRUE1 or a breaking-capacity "-1" connector, which are specified for exactly that.

Voltage compatibility

PowerCON is used in 120 V and 230 V regions and even with 240 V North American plugs. Always confirm that your supply and load voltages match before connecting.

Certification

Genuine connectors carry recognised approvals; TRUE1 mated connections reach IP65 and UL50E for outdoor use. Respect the colour coding (blue = in, grey = out) to prevent short circuits, and never install PowerCON as a fixed mains connector inside a building wall.

LTT – Your Specialist for Event Technology

As your specialist for professional event technology, LTT gives you more than just connectors — you get 25 years of experience, expert advice and a reliable partner for every stage, club and touring rig. Order genuine Neutrik and compatible PowerCON connectors with confidence: you benefit from our 3-year LTT warranty, fast dispatch from Bocholt in Germany, free shipping from €69 and express delivery when a show cannot wait.

We ship worldwide and offer wholesale conditions for resellers through our international dealer network. To complete your power setup, explore our matching mains cables, cable connectors and adapter cables — and combine them with our truss and rigging systems to bring your next production impressively to life. Have a question about the right variant or cable cross-section? Talk to our team and we will find the optimal solution for you.

FAQ – Questions & Answers