Home » Knowledge base » Connectors

Connectors

Various types of connectors are used in lighting systems to connect lighting elements such as fixtures, lamps, and cables. These connectors ensure a safe and efficient electrical connection. Choosing the right connector depends on the application, the required voltage, the number of connections, and the specific requirements of the lighting system.

Common connectors in lighting:

1. Wieland GST (e.g. GST18i3)

  • Type : Plug-in connectors (plug-and-play)
  • Application : Widely used in commercial and industrial lighting systems, for example, for quickly connecting fixtures and dimmers. The GST series offers 2- or 3-pole versions (such as the GST18i3) for three-phase lighting .
  • Advantage : Quick to install without tools and reliable for heavy loads.

2. Wago connectors

  • Type : Clamp connectors
  • Application : Often used in lighting systems to connect multiple cables. They are suitable for both flexible and solid wires .
  • Advantage : Easy to use, robust and ideal for both small and large installations.

3. Luster clamps (Luster connectors)

  • Type : Wire connections
  • Application : Often used in residential and light commercial installations to connect multiple wires. This type of connector is common in older electrical systems .
  • Advantage : Cheap and easy to use, but requires tools (screwdriver) to make the connection.

4. Faston connectors

  • Type : Plug-in connectors
  • Application : These connectors are often used to connect lamps or fixtures to the power supply. They are often used with automatic switches or fixtures that are connected with quick-connect connectors .
  • Advantage : Easy to connect and ideal for low voltage applications.

5. IEC connectors

  • Type : Power connections
  • Application : Widely used to supply power to lighting equipment , such as professional lighting or lighting elements in production environments .
  • Advantage : Standard connectors that are widely used worldwide.

6. RJ-45 connectors (Ethernet)

  • Type : Network connectors
  • Application : Sometimes used for digital lighting in smart lighting systems, where lighting can be controlled and configured via networks .
  • Benefit : Essential for networked systems such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface).

7. XLR connectors

  • Type : Audiovisual connectors
  • Application : Widely used for connecting lighting in theatres and studios (especially for professional lighting ), where lighting systems can be controlled via an audio or lighting console .
  • Advantage : Very robust and reliable, especially at live events .

8. Edison screw connectors (E26/E27, E14)

  • Type : Screw connectors
  • Application : These connectors are used for incandescent , LED, and fluorescent lamps in household lighting. E27 and E14 are the most common types.
  • Advantage : Common and easy to use for household lighting .

9. Light strip connectors (e.g. 2-pin and 4-pin connectors)

  • Type : Plug connectors for LED strips
  • Application : Specially designed for connecting LED strips and flexible lighting (LED tape). These connectors are widely used in decorative lighting and office lighting .
  • Advantage : Easy to use and ideal for quick installations of LED strips .

10. Camlock connectors

  • Type : Industrial lighting connector
  • Application : Widely used for industrial lighting and temporary lighting at event venues. Camlock connectors are used to connect lighting at venues without much installation effort.
  • Advantage : Very suitable for applications where safety and speed are required.

11. DC connectors (e.g. 2.1mm, 5.5mm)

  • Type : Plug connections for LED lighting
  • Application : Widely used for LED strips and other 12V or 24V lighting systems such as in garden lighting, caravans and motorhomes.
  • Advantage : Compact and ideal for low voltage applications.

Overview of important features:

  • Number of poles : Connectors can have 2, 3 or more poles depending on the application (e.g. 2-pole for simple lighting or 3-pole for complex applications).
  • Connection type : Plug connectors , screw connectors , wago clamps , etc., depending on the speed of installation and the connection type.
  • Application : From household lighting to industrial lighting , and from LED lighting to theatre and studio lighting .
  • Safety and reliability : For applications such as emergency lighting, industrial lighting and commercial systems, connection security is crucial.

Summary:

There are many different connectors specifically designed for various lighting systems, from standard residential lighting to industrial installations . Choosing the right connector depends on factors such as the type of lighting, the wattage, the voltage requirements, and the speed of installation. Using the right connectors ensures reliable , safe , and efficient lighting applications.