General
IEC-amperage	63
Number of poles	5
Voltage acc. EN 60309-2	400 V (50+60 Hz) red
Clock hour position	6
Identification colour	Red
RAL-number	3000
Degree of protection (IP)	IP44
Connection system	Screwed terminal
Angle of plug	Straight
Cable entry	Swivel
Material	Plastic
Contact material	CuZn
Surface finish contacts	Nickel-plated
Military model

The Bals coupling TE type 3112 is an industrial connector in CEE form standard, designed for use in stationary installations with high electrical loads. The device features a current rating of 63 A and a pole count of 5 (3P+N+PE), making it suitable for three-phase AC applications with neutral and protective conductors. The voltage is 400 V at a frequency of 50/60 Hz, with the red (RAL 3000) color code indicating assignment to a specific voltage class according to EN 60309-2. The 6 o'clock position defines the orientation of the plug connection in the standard plug system. The protection class IP44 ensures protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and against splashing water from any direction, enabling use in indoor environments and slightly damp conditions.

Applications

The coupling is designed for industrial applications requiring a safe and reliable power supply. Typical use cases include machine installations, machine tools, mobile equipment, or temporary power supplies in production environments. Its robust construction and high current load capacity make it suitable for installations operated continuously or under load. The cable gland allows secure fixation of cables with a diameter of 16 mm to 36 mm, providing broad adaptability to various cable types.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The connection technology uses screw terminals, implemented as frame terminals with Kontex contact. This design ensures a stable and durable connection, even under vibration or mechanical stress. The maximum conductor cross-section is 16.0 mm², enabling use with medium to large conductors. The contacts are made of brass (CuZn) and are nickel-plated, ensuring high corrosion resistance and low contact resistance. The contact carrier is made of high-temperature-resistant material to compensate for thermal stresses during operation.

Technology Explained Simply

The housing is made of polyamide, a robust plastic that withstands mechanical stress and thermal influences. The cable gland is designed as MULTI-GRIP and features integrated strain relief to prevent mechanical stress on the cable. The housing parts are connected without screws via a latch slider, ensuring secure locking. Opening the housing is only possible with a screwdriver, preventing accidental disconnection. The device’s color scheme is standardized: the collar is red (RAL 3000), the operating slider is black (RAL 9005), while the hinged cover, housing cap, and cable gland are dark gray (RAL 7012).

Compatibility and Accessories

The coupling is designed for use with compatible plugs, particularly the TE plug with MULTI-GRIP gland, 63 A, 5p, 400 V, 6h, IP44, also available in the range. This combination enables a secure and standard-compliant connection in the CEE system. The plug orientation is straight, allowing direct and simple installation in vertical or horizontal setups.

Mounting and Installation

Mounting is done via the integrated cable gland, covering cable diameters from 16 mm to 36 mm. The screwless locking of housing parts simplifies installation, while strain relief at the cable connection minimizes mechanical stress. The device dimensions are 252 mm (height), 97 mm (width), and 109 mm (depth), which must be considered during installation planning.

Operational Advantages

The coupling offers high mechanical and electrical reliability. The nickel-plated contacts ensure stable contact resistance, while the polyamide housing is resistant to mechanical and thermal stress. The IP44 protection class allows use in damp environments without impairing electrical function. The integrated strain relief protects the cable from mechanical damage, extending the connection’s service life. The standardized color coding and 6 o'clock position simplify identification and prevent incorrect connections during operation.