Neutrik NAC3M-TRUE1-S powerCON TRUE1 Male Cable Connector

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

20A / 250V AC (UL/CSA)
16A / 250V AC (EU)
2-Pole, 3-Wire (2 + PE)
IP65 / IP67
Live-Breaking (CBC)
6–12 mm Cable
14 AWG / 1.0–2.5 mm²
UV Resistant

In short: The Neutrik NAC3M-TRUE1-S is a male powerCON® TRUE1 locking cable connector, the power-in end of a cord, for single-phase power. It is rated 20A / 250V AC in North America and 16A / 250V AC in Europe, with 2 poles plus protective earth. It is a true mains connector with breaking capacity, so it can be connected or disconnected under load. It is sealed to IP65/IP67 when mated or capped, built from UV-resistant materials, and fits cable from 6 to 12 mm (0.23–0.47") outside diameter.

Why powerCON® TRUE1

Why choose the NAC3M-TRUE1-S over a standard plug?

Standard plugs and IEC appliance cords can pull loose, can't take rain and aren't made to be unplugged under load. powerCON® TRUE1 replaces appliance couplers wherever you need a rugged, locking connection that guarantees safe power, on set, on stage or outdoors.

Twist-lock connection

An easy, reliable twist-lock system keeps power from being pulled out by a snagged cable or a passing cart.

Breaking capacity (CBC)

TRUE1 is a true mains connector with breaking capacity, so it can be connected or disconnected under load or live.

Sealed to IP65 / IP67

Rated IP65 and IP67 when mated or with a closed cap, so it handles rain, dust and wet locations on exterior shoots and festival stages.

UV-resistant, high-impact build

F1-rated materials withstand UV exposure, and the high-impact housing is made for harsh, demanding environments.

Neutrik strain relief

The unique Neutrik locking bushing and strain relief grip cable from 6 to 12 mm (0.23–0.47") and resist opening by hand.

Certified worldwide

ENEC and VDE certified to IEC 60320-1, UL and CSA certified to UL 60320-1 and CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1, and UL certified to UL 498.

On set & on show

Where is a powerCON TRUE1 male connector used?

The NAC3M-TRUE1-S is the power-in end of a cable, the end that plugs into a power source. In film, video, live events and installs, you'll use it for:

TRUE1 extension cables and jumpers, paired with an NAC3F-TRUE1-S female connector on the other end
Feeding power from TRUE1 outlets on distro boxes, dimmers and power strips
Daisy-chain links between LED fixtures and moving lights with TRUE1 power-through
Custom-length cords on 14/3 SJOOW cable, built to the exact length your rig needs
Exterior shoots and outdoor events where rain and sun would ruin a standard plug
Cable repairs and rental-house rebuilds when a damaged TRUE1 end needs replacing

Installation overview

How do you wire a Neutrik NAC3M-TRUE1-S?

Always work de-energized and follow Neutrik's assembly instructions for strip lengths and part order.

Check the cable. Confirm the outside diameter is 6–12 mm (0.23–0.47") and the conductors are 1.0–2.5 mm² (14 AWG). Use a cable type the -S version is certified for, such as SJOOW 14/3.
Slide on the bushing and strain relief. Put the back parts on the cable before you strip it.
Strip to length. Remove the jacket and strip each conductor to the lengths shown in Neutrik's instructions.
Terminate L, N and PE. Secure each conductor in its marked terminal, line, neutral and protective earth.
Assemble and lock the bushing. Assemble the housing and tighten the bushing onto the strain relief. It is designed so it can't be loosened by hand, and opening the cable entry later requires a special tool.

Terminal identification (2 + PE)
Terminal	Function	North America*	Europe (IEC)*
L	Line (hot)	Black	Brown
N	Neutral	White	Blue
PE	Protective earth	Green	Green/yellow

*Common color conventions. Follow the markings on the connector, your local code and your shop's standard. The male connector is always the power-in end; never build a cable that puts power on exposed male pins. Termination should be done by a qualified person.

Full specifications

NAC3M-TRUE1-S specifications

Electrical
Product family	powerCON® TRUE1
Device type	Male cable connector (power in)
Number of contacts	2 + PE (2-pole, 3-wire)
Rating, North America	20A / 250V AC per UL 60320-1, CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1 and UL 498
Rating, Europe	16A / 250V AC per EN IEC 60320-1
Breaking capacity	Yes (CBC), connect or disconnect under load
Contact resistance	≤ 2 mΩ
Dielectric strength	4 kVdc / 2.8 kVac
Insulation resistance	> 0.1 GΩ (after damp and heat test, IEC 68-2-30)

Mechanical & materials
Cable O.D.	6–12 mm (0.23–0.47")
Wire size	1.0–2.5 mm² / 14 AWG
Lifetime	> 5,000 mating cycles
Contacts	Copper alloy
Contact plating	2 µm silver (Ag)
Shell, insert & locking element	Polyamide (PA 66)
Strain relief	Polyketone

Environmental & certifications
Protection class	IP65 / IP67 (mated or with closed cap)
Flammability	UL 94 V-0
UV resistance	F1-rated material
Temperature range	−30°C to +80°C per IEC 61984; −5°C to +40°C per IEC 60320-1
Certifications	ENEC & VDE (IEC 60320-1 / EN IEC 60320-1) · UL & CSA (UL 60320-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1) · UL 498

Mates & versions

What does the NAC3M-TRUE1-S plug into?

The NAC3M-TRUE1-S mates with powerCON® TRUE1 female devices: a female chassis outlet on a distro box or fixture power-through, or a female TRUE1 cable connector to build an extension. It does not mate with original blue/gray powerCON® 20A connectors.

powerCON TRUE1 parts that work together
Part #	Device	Use
NAC3M-TRUE1-S	Male cable connector, small chuck	Power-in end of a cord, 6–12 mm cable
NAC3M-TRUE1-L	Male cable connector, large chuck	Same connector for larger cable types
NAC3F-TRUE1-S	Female cable connector	Other end of an extension cable
NAC3FPX-TOP	Female chassis outlet	Power output on distro and fixture power-through
NAC3MPX-TOP	Male chassis inlet	Power input on fixtures; takes a female cable connector

Questions

NAC3M-TRUE1-S frequently asked questions

What is the Neutrik NAC3M-TRUE1-S?

The NAC3M-TRUE1-S is a male locking cable connector from the Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 family and is the power-in end of a cord. It is a single-phase 2 + PE connector rated 20A at 250V AC in North America and 16A at 250V AC in Europe, sealed to IP65 and IP67 when mated or capped, for cable from 6 to 12 mm in diameter.

What does the NAC3M-TRUE1-S plug into?

It mates with powerCON TRUE1 female devices, such as a female chassis outlet like the NAC3FPX-TOP on a distro box or fixture, or a female cable connector like the NAC3F-TRUE1-S to build an extension. It does not mate with original blue or gray powerCON 20A connectors.

What is the difference between the NAC3M-TRUE1-S and NAC3F-TRUE1-S?

The NAC3M-TRUE1-S is the male, power-in end of a cable, and the NAC3F-TRUE1-S is the female, power-out end. A cable with an NAC3M-TRUE1-S on one end and an NAC3F-TRUE1-S on the other makes a standard powerCON TRUE1 extension or link cable.

What is the difference between the -S and -L versions?

Both versions are fully certified to EN IEC 60320-1, UL 60320-1 and CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1, but for different cables. The S version is certified for H05VV-F 3G1.5mm², H05VV-F 3G2.5mm², H07RN-F 3G1.5mm² and SJOOW 14/3 AWG. The L version is certified for H07RN-F 3G2.5mm², SOOW 16/3, SJOOW 16/3 and SJOOW 14/3.

Can you plug or unplug powerCON TRUE1 under load?

Yes. powerCON TRUE1 is a true mains connector with breaking capacity, called CBC, so it can be connected or disconnected under load or live.

Is the NAC3M-TRUE1-S waterproof?

It is rated IP65 and IP67 when mated or with a closed cap, and its F1-rated materials resist UV exposure. Cap the connector when it is unmated outdoors to keep the rating.

What wire size and cable does the NAC3M-TRUE1-S accept?

It accepts conductors from 1.0 to 2.5 mm², which is 14 AWG, on cable with an outside diameter of 6 to 12 mm (0.23 to 0.47 inch). SJOOW 14/3 is one of the cables the S version is certified for.

Why is the bushing loose in one direction?

This meets the standard's requirement to prevent disassembly by hand. Opening the cable entry requires a special tool.

When is IEC 60799 relevant?

IEC 60799 applies to cord sets and interconnection cord sets, so it covers cables to the mains and cables acting as power interconnections.

Power advice from people who actually run cable

Barn Door Lighting Outfitters has supplied film lighting, grip and power distribution since 1995. We're still a small, family-owned shop in Beaufort, South Carolina. Not sure which powerCON TRUE1 part, cable or adapter you need? Call 888-276-3667 or email info@barndoorlighting.com and a real person will help you spec it.