3 Phase 4 pin/5pin?

[B R C]

Just going to sort out all my three phase plugs/sockets from the assortment I have at the moment. I think all machines I have at the moment are 4 pin. Is there anything that I might need 5 pin for? Plan is just go 32amp 4 pin everywhere, need to get rid of all the old black round fittings!

 

[Exfarmer]

If you need to run a welder you will want 5 pin and it also gives the option of running single phase equipment off the same socket..
5 pin plugs especially. 32 amp can be a b******r to pull apart, but so did some of those old round metal ones

 

[B R C]

My 320 amp mig runs on 4 pin

 

[TheTallGuy]

Some welders and a lot of modern kit with electronic controls will require the neutral - especially for noise suppression. If you are fully rewiring the three phase then I would suggest doing it properly and going 5 pin throughout as it'll be cheaper than going back & changing it later. If you are just changing the sockets then what you do will depend on what wiring you have in place. If you don't go down the 5 pin route, at least put one in somewhere 'just in case'. My preference is for interlocked sockets so that power cannot be turned on without the plug fully in place - I've seen so many burnt plugs & sockets where the plug has worked half way out & overheated!

 

[solo]

Nixon 3 phase hot pressure washer needs 5 core otherwise it is only a cold pressure washer here. All my fittings are the red 32amp 5 pin with separate rotary switches above each one. Rewired all the farm buildings after I found a roof leaking on old cloth bound cable in a disused cow shed The plugs work ok but the old alloy black fittings have a more durable feel to them.

 

[Zebbedee]

Stay with 5 pin plugs imo the 5th pin is for a neutral which as said some appliances need. You don’t need to use all 5 pins in every plug but at least it gives you the option if you need to

 

[B R C]

Thanks for replies, I do have a 5 pin requirement, I forgot sawmill, it must have some 240v electrickery in control box. It does seem sensible to go 5 pin everywhere, its a pain when you take a machine somewhere and plugs don’t match, trying to make life easier!

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

that power cannot be turned on without the plug fully in place - I've seen so many burnt plugs & sockets where the plug has worked half way out & overheated!

Totally agree. 5-pin interlocked sockets all round. The best, most compatible and safest way. 16A and 32A interlocked sockets aren’t really that dear either.

 

[Lofty]

Stay with 5 pin plugs imo the 5th pin is for a neutral which as said some appliances need. You don’t need to use all 5 pins in every plug but at least it gives you the option if you need to

As above. 5 pins made up of 3 phases, neutral and earth. With the neutral, you could wire a single phase machine using just one phase, neutral and earth.