Small 5-pin Mains Plug and Inline Socket?

Question

The wiring centre for my heating system is in the airing cupboard in an inaccessible place. Three 2-port zone valves are wired into it. I need to change the actuator on one of the valves. It would be much easier if each one had a 5-pin plug and inline socket, so that I wouldn't need to get to the wiring centre.

The only ones I've found so far is this sort of thing:

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which would be a bit of an overkill!

Anyone know of anything smaller which is suitable for mains and with at least 5 pins?

alan_m · Accepted Answer

Data sheet available from that link

alan_m · Answer

range available from CPC  They are copying the type of connector made by cannon so that is  something else to Google.

Harry Bloomfield · Answer

Roger Mills brought next idea :

I had constant problems a few years ago, with the valve actuator failing, sometimes needing a replace to be fitted fast, so I kept one ready to fit.

To make the swap over less messy and fool proof, I wired it to a 5 way

5amp connector strip, with a short bit of 2.5mm solid copper out the other side. The 5 connections in the power centre, I wired to a matching 5 way connector strip. Basically two strips together, linked by the 2.5mm. Just loosen five screws. ease the faulty out, drop in the new one, with its own strip.

No quite a plug and socket, but almost. You could mount your joint in a separate box, in a more convenient location.

The Natural Philosopher · Answer

IIRC old valveholder plugs and sockets can take mains....

They are still used on relays - google 'octal plugs' etc

And there are 5 way industrial mains sockets and pluhs (3 phase + N +E) But most sane people use a connector block in the control unit.

And if its in a silly place, put it in a less silly place.

The Natural Philosopher · Answer

yep 5 way junction box is all it takes, of any sort.

Or if you are really cavalier, cut the wires off the old valve and splice them to teh new with a free hanging choiclate block wrapped in a bit of duct tape.

Brian Gaff · Answer

Why not two different mains plugs as often seen on those hi fi  multiconnection plugs?  Brian

Dave Plowman (News) · Answer

Bulgin Buccaneer range. CPC, etc. They are mains rated - but whether they comply to regs for domestic use is a different matter.

Peter Parry · Answer

No fiddling soldering connections, no expensive crimping tools.

Andrew Gabriel · Answer

I used the standard Bulgin 8 pole mains connector for exactly this.  I made up a socket by mounting the panel mounting socket on a standard UK accessory blanking plate.

Roger Mills · Answer

That's an interesting alternative - thanks. Are they ok with stranded  wire? They would presumably need to in some sort of enclosure to provide  bot protection and cable strain relief?

Peter Parry · Answer

Yes, fine.   Yes I usually mount them on a board using something like  to cover everything.  Cables are supported by a P Clip.

Small 5-pin Mains Plug and Inline Socket?

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