Stage pin connector

The housing was milled from a solid block of fiberglass or bakelite which may have been impregnated with asbestos for fire resistance, with a screw-on cover.

Later connectors (including those currently manufactured) use molded plastic or machined phenolic resin laminate housings .

Two-pin connectors may still be found on some equipment and are often saved by electricians for wiring ungrounded fixtures (particularly practicals), though this may not be advisable from a safety standpoint.

This asymmetrical configuration effectively polarizes the connector ensuring that the line and neutral conductors are not exchanged in a properly wired installation.

However, older cable made using natural rubber is susceptible to dry-rotting, particularly with the heat generated by lighting equipment.

This can cause the insulation to fail and expose or short circuit the conductors leading to shock or fire hazard if old cable is not inspected regularly and replaced as needed.

In some situations it may be desirable to connect an Edison-equipped device to a stage-pin source, such as when using a household fixture as an on-stage practical.

Or it may be desirable to connect a stage pin-equipped device to an Edison source, for testing purposes or applications such as using theatrical equipment for architectural or retail displays.

Some facilities feature 60 or 100 ampere circuits which have larger versions of the stage pin connector to match the higher current rating.

Having a distinct connector designated for dimmable power also helps prevent confusion of dimmed and non-dimmed circuits which could lead to equipment damage.

This was one advantage of the Edison outlet in that it was impossible to contact live parts unless something conductive was inserted into the slots.

For equipment mechanically attached to grounded building structures such as a lighting instrument mounted to a batten or grid this will cause a line-ground short circuit.

Connectors used to power lighting fixtures must be rated at 20 amperes or higher, depending on local electrical codes.

Temporary high-power distribution wiring often employs camlock connectors to connect dimming equipment, power distribution units, controllers for motorized chain hoists, and other high-power equipment to a company switch, generator, or other tie-in point.