🔌 Commando Sockets – The Ultimate Guide to Industrial Plugs and Sockets (IEC 60309)

⚡ Everything You Need to Know About Commando Sockets – Built for Industrial Power, Designed for Safety

At Electrical4less, we’re proud to stock high-quality Commando sockets from leading brands including Gewiss, Deligo, and Niglon. These rugged, industrial connectors are the backbone of reliable power distribution across construction sites, factories, event setups, and more.

This in-depth guide covers everything from colour codes and configurations to mounting types and safety standards, helping you confidently choose the right plug or socket for your job.

🏷️ What Is a Commando Socket?

The term “Commando socket” originated from the renowned MK Commando brand. Over time, it has evolved into a generic name for a category of industrial plugs and sockets built to the IEC 60309 standard—offering safe, heavy-duty connections for demanding environments.

📐 Standards & Compliance – IEC 60309 and BS 7671

All industrial plugs and sockets at Electrical4less conform to the IEC 60309 standard, which defines the physical, electrical, and safety features of connectors used in industrial applications.

In the UK, installations must also comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)—the benchmark for safe electrical practices across domestic, commercial, and industrial systems.

🎨 Colour Codes – Understanding Voltage and Frequency

At Electrical4less, we focus on the three most essential IEC 60309 colour options used across UK industries:

• Yellow (100–130V, 50–60 Hz):
  Commonly used on construction sites, these connectors support the UK’s standard 110V site power for portable tools and lighting. Highly durable, they’re essential for safety in temporary power systems.
• Blue (200–250V, 50–60 Hz):
  Designed for single-phase 230V applications, often found in marinas, event setups, caravans, and site offices. These are ideal for general-purpose power where full mains voltage is required.
• Red (380–480V, 50–60 Hz):
  Suitable for three-phase power systems, used in warehouses, manufacturing, and with heavy-duty plant equipment. These support standard 400V systems found in industrial settings.

Each is equipped with a keyed earth pin, ensuring you can’t plug devices into the wrong voltage outlet.

⚙️ Available Pin Configurations

Depending on the electrical phase and neutral requirements, our Commando plugs and sockets are available in the following formats:

• 2P+E – Single-phase and Earth
• 3P+E – Three-phase without Neutral
• 3P+N+E – Three-phase with Neutral and Earth

🧱 Types of Industrial Sockets and Plugs We Stock

Electrical4less offers a full selection of configurations to meet your specific installation needs:

• 🔌 In-Line Plugs and Sockets: Fitted directly onto cables, these provide portable, flexible power—ideal for tools, generators, and temporary setups.
• 🧱 Panel Mount Sockets: Flush-mounted into distribution boards, panels, or control cabinets. These offer clean, compact, and permanent power interfaces.
• 🧲 Interlocked Sockets: Combining the plug outlet with a built-in switch or circuit breaker, interlocked sockets prevent live disconnection or unsafe plugging in, enhancing safety during use.
• 📐 Angled Wall Sockets: Wall-mounted with a downward-facing or angled entry, these reduce strain on cables and simplify routing, especially in fixed installations.

All types are available from Niglon, Deligo, and Gewiss, ensuring quality and long-term performance.

🛡️ Environmental Protection (IP Ratings)

Designed to handle demanding conditions, Commando sockets come with reliable ingress protection:

• IP44:
  Splash-proof—suitable for indoor and some outdoor areas with light moisture exposure.
• IP67:
  Fully waterproof—resistant to dust and capable of withstanding temporary immersion, ideal for outdoor or washdown environments.

🛠️ Common Applications

You’ll find Commando sockets in:

• Construction sites – power tools, lighting, and temporary cabins
• Warehouses and workshops – fixed machinery and equipment
• Event and outdoor setups – staging, lighting rigs, and AV systems
• Industrial environments – motors, conveyors, and high-powered devices

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

💡 Why Choose Electrical4less?

When you shop with us, you’re not just getting a plug—you’re securing:

• ✅ Trusted products from Gewiss, Deligo, and Niglon
• ✅ A wide range of configurations and IP ratings
• ✅ Guaranteed compliance with IEC 60309 and BS 7671
• ✅ Competitive pricing and quick UK delivery

📦 Browse Our Range Today

Whether you’re managing an industrial install or setting up temporary site power, we’ve got the right Commando socket for your project.

Need help choosing the right format or rating? Get in touch with our technical support team, and we’ll guide you to the ideal solution.

📲 Stay Connected with Electrical4less

Want to see our products in action, get expert tips, or stay updated on new arrivals and special offers? Follow us on social media for all that and more!

• 📹 YouTube – Watch product demos, installation guides, and how-to videos
• 👍 Facebook – Join our community, ask questions, and catch exclusive deals
• 📸 Instagram – See behind-the-scenes content, featured setups, and customer installations

Tag us in your projects and share how you’re using Commando sockets from Electrical4less—we love seeing our gear in action!