There are many different temporary power supply options on the market, and it can take some time to work out what you need and what’s going to suit you or your business’s needs well. Consider cam lock electrical panels before turning to fossil fuels and other costly and possibly unsuitable methods. You can learn more about these below.

In this article we will take a closer look at:

1. What is a Cam Lock Electrical Panel?
2. What do the Colors On a Cam Lock Electrical Panel Mean?
3. Cam Lock Electrical Panel Applications
4. Summary

Camlocks, also known by an old trade name of Cam-Lok and cam-lock, are interchangeable electrical connectors used in a cam lock electrical panel in various industries for power distribution and production on a temporary basis.

They are predominantly found in North America, and all cam lock connectors have a single phase, pole, or conductor. You can also link multiple panel mount electrical cam lock connections to make a complete electrical circuit.

Cam lock electrical connector panels can also be used where you need a three-phase connection or amperage of more than 50 or 120 volts. You can rely on a cam lock electrical panel for generator or load banks use, lighting and sound equipment, and more.

The variety of color options becomes immediately apparent while you’re thumbing through the pages of a catalog with cam lock panels and other products. Color coding is necessary to display the functions of each terminal. Otherwise, you may not know which each one is for, leading to unsafe power assemblies.

Color coding may change for each country, but the National Electric Code (NEC) in the US only has specific colors for ground and neutral. These colors can’t be used for any other purpose.

120/208-volt wye and 240-volt delta

• Green – Equipment grounding safety conductor
• White – Neutral grounded conductor
• Black – Ø 1
• Red – Ø 2
• Blue – Ø 3

277/480-volt wye or 480-volt delta

• Green – Equipment grounding safety conductor
• White – Neutral grounded conductor, if it’s used
• Brown – Ø 1
• Orange – Ø 2
• Yellow – Ø 3

As panel cam locks are used for temporary power distribution and production, there are many purposes for these distribution panels. Businesses and individuals might use them as a heavy-duty generator connection for reliable power or even for testing, special events, and emergencies.

Electrical panel locks have also proved helpful in traveling shows that require lighting and sound equipment where you don’t have access to reliable supplies at your chosen location. The most common form of camlock connectors for these electrical panels are 16 series, which are rated at 400 amps with 105°C or 221°F terminations. Mini cams are also popular, which are 15 series rated at 150 amps, along with the 17 series with ratings up to 760 amps.

For these applications, suppliers and manufacturers also provide businesses and individuals with Posi-Loks, which are cam locks with keyed, shrouded connectors and panels featuring sequencing interlocks for commercial or industrial use.

Purchasing a cam lock electrical panel for a portable power supply is possibly one of the best decisions you can make for your business. With sound, reliable power sources for all manner of applications, your business may enjoy far more flexibility.

All that’s left to do now is buy UL-listed cam lock connectors, find a panel door, purchase a handle lock, and you can be well on your way to having more versatility with your power supply.