In this guide: The short answer · The connector families · Comparison table · Which part mates with which · Mixing families and brands · IP ratings outdoors · How many fixtures on one link · Published link limits · Feeding the chain · Popular picks · FAQ

This guide is about choosing parts and reading the paperwork. The design, installation and testing of electrical systems, including making up or rewiring mains leads, is work for a competent person. Neutrik’s own TRUE1 instructions say “to be installed by qualified person only”. Nothing here is a wiring instruction.

The short answer

• Blue/grey powerCON (20 A in Neutrik’s rating) locks, but Neutrik describes it as a connector “without breaking capacity, i.e. it must not be connected or disconnected under load or live”. Blue is power in, grey is power out, and they are keyed so they cannot be swapped.
• powerCON TRUE1 and TRUE1 TOP are rated 16 A 250 V AC in Europe (20 A under the UL rating) and have breaking capacity, so Neutrik says they “can be connected or disconnected under load or live”. They are sealed for outdoor use when mated or capped.
• powerCON XX is the current blue/grey generation. Neutrik only allows hot plugging when the XX cable connectors are mated with the XX chassis parts NAC3MPXXA and NAC3MPXXB.
• powerCON 32 A is a separate, higher-current family, also without breaking capacity.
• How many fixtures on one link is set by each fixture’s manufacturer, not by the connector name. Use the number in that fixture’s manual, and where the manual and the spec sheet disagree, ask the manufacturer before relying on the higher one.

The connector families

powerCON (blue and grey, 20 A)

The original locking mains connector found on a huge number of moving heads, pars and powered speakers. Neutrik rates the NAC3FCA cable connector at 20 A 250 V AC, IP20, and is explicit that it has no breaking capacity: do not plug or unplug it with power on. Power-in (blue) and power-out (grey) versions have different keying “to avoid the possibility of intermating”. Neutrik now lists the NAC3FCA as discontinued, with the NAC3FXXA-W-S and NAC3FXXA-W-L as its replacements.

Typical parts: the blue NAC3FXXA-W-S and grey NAC3FXXB-W-S cable connectors, the blue NAC3MPXXA and grey NAC3MPXXB chassis connectors, and the NAC3MM-1 inline coupler.

powerCON XX

The XX generation brings blue/grey powerCON into line with IEC/EN 60320-1. Neutrik rates the NAC3FXXA-W-S at 16 A 250 V AC under EN 60320-1 and says it has “Circuit Breaking Capability when mated with powerCON XX Series receptacles”. The catch is in Neutrik’s launch note: the FXX cable connectors still fit earlier blue and grey sockets, but “hot plugging (CBC) is only allowed with the most recent chassis versions type NAC3MPXXA and NAC3MPXXB”. On an older fixture or PDU, treat an XX lead exactly like old powerCON.

powerCON TRUE1 and TRUE1 TOP

Sealed, and the connector to choose where people will plug and unplug on a live system or where the kit lives outdoors. Neutrik certifies TRUE1 as an appliance coupler with breaking capacity to IEC 60320-1 and UL 60320-1, rated 16 A 250 V AC in Europe and 20 A 250 V AC under UL.

Neutrik’s line has moved through three generations: the original TRUE1 (for example the NAC3FX-W), TRUE1 TOP (for example the NAC3MX-W-TOP), and the current TRUE1 cable connectors such as the NAC3F-TRUE1-L and NAC3M-TRUE1-S. Neutrik says the original TRUE1 and TRUE1 TOP connectors “are fully compatible”, and its manual for the current NAC3F-TRUE1 lists both the -TOP and the -TRUE1 chassis parts as mating partners.

powerCON 32 A

For loads beyond 20 A. Neutrik rates the NAC3FC-HC cable connector and NAC3MP-HC inlet at 32 A 250 V AC. Neutrik calls it “a non-standardized 3 pole connection system without breaking capacity”, IP20 when mated, taking 2.5 to 6 mm² wire. Do not connect or disconnect it live.

Seetronic PowerTwist and PowerTwist TR1

Seetronic makes its own locking mains connectors. Its indoor (non-waterproof) range includes the blue SAC3FCA, rated 20 A 250 V AC. Its X Series includes IP65 and IP67 parts (for example the IP67 SAC3FX-67): Seetronic rates IP65 parts such as the SAC3FX-BKB at 16 A/250 V AC (TÜV) and 20 A/300 V AC (UL). For each part, Seetronic’s product pages list only Seetronic mating partners. We found no statement on seetronic.com about intermating with Neutrik powerCON or TRUE1, so we do not claim it.

Some fixture makers do make that claim for their own products. LEDJ’s manual for the Spectra Par 15Q8 PRO describes its connectors as “PowerCON TRUE1 compatible Seetronic input/output”. That is LEDJ’s statement about its own fixture, not a statement from Seetronic or Neutrik about their connectors in general. Keep to one connector brand per chain, or use leads made for the sockets actually fitted. Our Seetronic TR1 parts include the SAC3FX-08(05) cable connector, and LEDJ makes a PowerTwist to PowerTwist TR1 adaptor lead.

Comparison table

Ratings below are the manufacturer’s European (IEC/EN) figures unless stated.

Which part mates with which (“what’s the male version?”)

The question we are asked most about TRUE1 chassis connectors. Neutrik’s naming is by function, power in or power out, and its NAC3F-TRUE1 manual sets out the pairs:

So if you have an NAC3FPX outlet in front of you, the lead that plugs into it ends in an NAC3M plug connector, and a link lead between two fixtures has an NAC3F at one end and an NAC3M at the other. The -S and -L suffixes are cable sizes: Neutrik lists 6 to 12 mm outer diameter for -S and 10 to 16 mm for -L.

For blue/grey powerCON the colour does the same job: a blue cable connector mates with a blue inlet, grey with grey, and the keying stops the wrong pairing.

Mixing families and brands

• TRUE1 with TRUE1 TOP: compatible, per Neutrik, across the original, TOP and current cable connectors.
• Blue/grey with TRUE1: Neutrik’s mating lists keep them separate. To cross between them, use an adaptor lead such as the Elumen8 powerCON B-type to TRUE1 lead. Remember the blue/grey end of any adaptor still has no breaking capacity.
• powerCON 32 A: Neutrik lists it as its own family, with its own 32 A cable connector (NAC3FC-HC) and inlet (NAC3MP-HC). Pair 32 A parts only with 32 A parts.
• Neutrik with Seetronic: neither Neutrik nor Seetronic states that the two intermate, so we do not treat them as interchangeable. Keep to one connector brand per chain, or use leads made for the sockets actually fitted.

More on how these sit alongside XLR, speakON and the rest is in our pro audio connectors guide.

IP ratings outdoors: mated or capped

A TRUE1 TOP or TRUE1 rating only applies in the condition the maker states. Neutrik rates the NAC3FPX-TOP outlet “IP65 … in combination with SCNAC-FPX (mated or with closed cap)”. The current NAC3FPX-TRUE1 and NAC3MPX-TRUE1 chassis parts are rated IP65, IP66 and IP67 “mated or with closed cap”, and the current cable connectors IP65 and IP67 “mated or with closed cap”.

An open, unused socket at the end of a chain is the weak point. Caps to match: the SCNAC-03 for TRUE1 TOP NAC3FPX chassis outlets, and the locking SCF-TRUE1-01 and SCM-TRUE1-01 covers for cable connectors, which Neutrik rates IP65/IP67. Neutrik’s manual also says to make sure connectors are “either plugged in or protected against moisture with a suitable protective cap in potentially humid environments”. For what the IP numbers mean on fixtures, see our outdoor lighting and IP ratings guide.

How many fixtures can you link?

Power linking means feeding one fixture from the mains and daisy-chaining the next from its power-out socket. Every fixture on the chain draws through the first fixture’s internal wiring and outlet, and through every link lead.

That is why the limit belongs to the fixture, not the connector. The connector rating is a ceiling, but the fixture maker sets the actual figure for its own product, voltage by voltage. ADJ’s manual for the Encore LP12IP puts it plainly: “CHECK SILK SCREEN FOR MAX AMPS”, and it warns that other fixtures’ consumption “may exceed the max power output on this fixture”.

The chain also has to suit the circuit and the lead feeding it, and the protective device on that circuit. That is part of the system design, which is for a competent person.

Published link limits for fixtures we sell

Figures below are quoted from the manufacturers’ own documents, October 2026. Where a maker’s user manual and spec sheet give different numbers, we show both. Check the document that shipped with your unit, as revisions change.

Two things stand out. First, the Rogue spec sheets give lower counts than the user manuals, and the R1X spec sheet also lists a higher power draw (299 W at 230 V) than the manual’s table (153 W at 230 V). When documents from the same maker disagree, plan on the lower count until the manufacturer confirms otherwise. Second, the Rogue R1X and R2X use blue/grey powerCON, so the link leads between them must not be plugged or unplugged live.

Not every fixture links at all. The Equinox Fusion 120 Zoom MKII manual shows an IEC power input socket and no power output, so each one needs its own feed. If a fixture’s manual gives no link figure, ask the manufacturer before chaining. More on these ranges is in our Chauvet Rogue guide and Equinox Fusion guide.

Feeding the chain: leads, T-pieces and PDUs

Short chains with fewer leads to fault-find are easier to manage on a show. Splitting the rig into several short runs means feeding each run from its own outlet. Common ways to do that, all product selection rather than design:

• Mains to first fixture. Leads such as the Elumen8 13A to TRUE1 TOP lead, 16A to powerCON lead or 13A to PowerTwist TR1 lead.
• Fixture to fixture. Link leads in the same family as the fixture sockets, for example an Elumen8 TRUE1 TOP lead or powerCON link lead.
• Breaking out a feed. Elumen8 Truelink T-pieces and a TRUE1 to 13A 4-gang lead cover small stage positions.
• Rack PDUs with powerCON or TRUE1 outlets. Penn Elcom lists the PDU16-PC with 8 powerCON outlets sharing a 16A supply and 16A C-Form in/out, and the PDU32-CTR1 with a 32A C-Form input and two banks of four TRUE1 outlets, each bank on its own 16A thermal breaker. The PDU16-UK-TR1 has a TRUE1 inlet with a TRUE1 through-link outlet, plus eight UK 13A sockets sharing 16A. The Transcension powerCON Distributor is another option.

Choosing between rack PDUs, distro boxes and supply sizes is covered in our 16A and 32A PDU guide, event distro boxes guide and event power distribution guide.

Popular picks from the shop

Frequently asked questions

Can you plug in powerCON live?

Not blue/grey powerCON. Neutrik says it “must not be connected or disconnected under load or live”. powerCON XX may be hot plugged only when mated with the NAC3MPXXA or NAC3MPXXB chassis. powerCON TRUE1 and TRUE1 TOP have breaking capacity and can be connected or disconnected under load.

Are powerCON TRUE1 and TRUE1 TOP compatible?

Yes. Neutrik says the original TRUE1 and TRUE1 TOP connectors are fully compatible. Its manual for the current NAC3F-TRUE1 cable connectors lists both the -TOP and -TRUE1 chassis parts as mating partners.

What is the male version of a TRUE1 chassis connector?

It depends on which chassis you have. An NAC3FPX outlet (power out) takes an NAC3M-TRUE1 plug connector. An NAC3MPX inlet (power in) takes an NAC3F-TRUE1 connector. An NAC3PX has both.

Is Seetronic PowerTwist TR1 the same as Neutrik TRUE1?

Neither Seetronic’s nor Neutrik’s product pages state that the two intermate, so we do not claim they are the same. LEDJ describes the Spectra Par 15Q8 PRO’s own sockets as “PowerCON TRUE1 compatible”, but that is a fixture maker’s statement about one product. Keep to one connector brand per chain, or use leads made for the sockets actually fitted.

How many lights can I daisy chain on one 13A or 16A supply?

Use the figure in each fixture’s manual for your voltage, never more. Do not mix models on a chain unless the maker allows it. The supply circuit, its protection and the feed lead all need to suit the load, and sizing those is a job for a competent person.

Is powerCON rated 16A or 20A?

Neutrik rates blue/grey NAC3FCA powerCON at 20 A 250 V AC. TRUE1, TRUE1 TOP and powerCON XX are rated 16 A 250 V AC under the European EN 60320-1 standard; Neutrik’s UL rating for TRUE1 is 20 A 250 V AC. powerCON 32 A is rated 32 A.