What Is a Socapex Cable Used For?

Câbles Socapex are heavy-duty multicore power cables commonly used in professional stage lighting and event electrical cabling. A Socapex assembly typically consists of a thick, flexible jacket containing six separate light circuits (each with its own hot, neutral, and ground conductor) and a 19-pin Socapex (also called “Soca”) connector on each end. This unique connector has 6 live pins, 6 neutral pins, 6 ground pins, and one alignment pin allowing six independent lighting circuits to run through a single cable. Developed in the 1960s and now an industry standard, Socapex cables (often called multicables or “mults”) streamline complex power setups by bundling multiple dimmer outputs into one robust multicore assembly.

• High-Capacity Power Distribution: Each 19-pin Socapex connector handles six circuits at mains voltage, making it ideal for stage lighting power distribution across theaters, concert halls, and large venues.

• Standardized Entertainment Use: Socapex multicore cables are explicitly covered by industry standards. For example, the ESTA/ANSI E1.80 standard specifies 6-circuit, 19-pin Socapex SL419-compatible multicable systems for stage, studio, and event applications.

• Industrial Connector Solution: Socapex is an industrial connector solution designed for touring and live-event use. Its compact, high-strength design handles heavy loads and harsh conditions, and the connector’s locking mechanism ensures secure, reliable mating under real-world rigging and weather.

Key Applications in Event Production

Socapex multicore cables are a staple of event electrical infrastructure. Their ability to carry multiple circuits in one run makes them indispensable in large productions. Common applications include:

• Stage Lighting (Concerts & Theater): Connecting dimmer racks to lighting trusses or bars, powering multiple fixtures with one câble.

• Live Concerts and Festivals: Heavy-duty touring rigs rely on Socapex multicables for quick setup of dozens of lights across large stages or arenas.

• Film, TV, and Studio Lighting: Socapex cables supply power to studio lighting grids and location shoots, where multiple lights need consolidated feed.

• Corporate Events & Trade Shows: Large conference halls and expos use Socapex lines in their power distro for lighting arrays and AV setups.

• Broadcast and Photography: Studios and production sets employ Socapex to deliver high-current power to lights, cameras, or dimming consoles.

Technicians often pair Socapex multicables with breakout boxes or panel mounts. One end of the cable (with a female inline connector) plugs into the lighting bar or fixture, while the male panel-mount end is wired into a dimmer pack or power distro box. This standardized use (male panel with coupling ring to female inline cable) ensures compatibility and faster changeovers on busy show sites.

Advantages of Socapex in Professional Settings

Socapex connectors are built for the toughest touring demands and simplify large-scale lighting setups. By carrying six lighting circuits at once, a single Socapex multicore replaces up to six individual extension cables. This provides clear benefits in busy pro environments:

• Fewer Connections & Organized Cabling: A single multicable means fewer individual connectors on stage. Compared to running six separate cables, Socapex multicables keep setups neat and reduce tangling. Circuits are typically labeled 1–6 at the ends, so crew members always know which channel they’re handling.

• High Current Capacity: Each Socapex carries up to 25 A per circuit (6 circuits total) and is UL-rated. This high amperage rating accommodates multiple high-wattage lamps on one cable run, ideal for modern LED and arc lighting.

• Durability & Weather Resistance: Socapex connectors (especially UL-certified types like Amphenol or Phase 3 Showsafe) are engineered for touring. They are compact, robust, and IP-rated, with sturdy metal shells and gold-plated contacts. These features help them withstand rough handling, vibration, and exposure at outdoor festivals or wet venues.

• Safety & Reliability: Socapex uses a keyed design that prevents mismating. All six grounds are bussed for safety, and the connectors lock firmly under high loads. Consolidating circuits into one assembly also lowers the chance of loose connections or tripped contacts.

• Industry Compatibility: Socapex is a de facto standard in show power. Ordering in bulk Socapex cable supply means you get identical, interchangeable cables. This standardization (often called “Soca” in the field) avoids pinout confusion and supports quick swaps during touring.

Bulk Supply and Industrial Cabling Solutions

For wholesalers and large event companies, sourcing Socapex cables in volume is key. Bulk Socapex cable supply ensures consistent quality and pricing for all your projects. When specifying event electrical cabling, consider the following:

• Custom Lengths & Breakouts: Many rental houses order custom-length multicables (25′, 50′, 100′, etc.) and tailor-made breakouts (1 Socapex in → 6 x stage-pin or twist-lock out) to their inventory needs.

• Reduced Installation Time: Buying Socapex multicables by the bundle means fewer individual connectors to install and test, saving hours on load-ins at venues.

• Spare Stock & Redundancy: With multiple identical cables on hand, technicians can swap out a faulty section on the fly without rewiring an entire system.

• Industrial Connector Solutions: Socapex cables are part of robust connector ecosystems that include distro boxes and panel assemblies. Look for UL-approved Socapex-compatible products to complete your power distribution.

If you manage a large facility or production outfit, coordinating high volumes of Socapex multicore cables can simplify logistics. Reliable supply chains and ready stock reduce downtime in multi-event scenarios and tours.

Sourcing Socapex Solutions at Sxpowercase.com

For professional buyers, sxpowercase.com offers a full lineup of Socapex-compatible power products. Their catalog includes heavy-duty distribution cases, multicore Socapex cables, inline connectors, breakouts, and protective cases – all tailored for demanding event use. By partnering with sxpowercase.com, B2B customers benefit from:

• Comprehensive Product Range: From 19-pin Socapex multicables to rugged power distro units, sxpowercase.com covers every link in the event power chain.

• Bulk Ordering: Large quantity orders of Socapex cables and accessories are easy to place, with options for custom lengths and configurations.

• Quality & Support: Products are designed for the entertainment industry and backed by responsive customer service, ensuring your power distro works flawlessly when it counts.

Whether you need a dozen standard 100′ Socapex multicables or a bespoke touring power rig, sxpowercase.com streamlines sourcing so you can focus on production, not procurement. Contact their team to get a quote or browse their online catalog for industrial-grade lighting cabling solutions.

Conclusion & Call to Action

En résumé, Socapex multicore cables are the go-to solution for stage lighting power distribution in large venues, tours, and professional productions. By combining multiple circuits into a single rugged cable, Socapex simplifies setups and increases reliability for electricians and lighting crews. If your business needs bulk Socapex cable supply or event electrical cabling solutions, get in touch today. Browse the Socapex product range ou request a bulk quote to ensure your next event runs smoothly under the powerful performance of Socapex multicore cabling.

For trusted Socapex multicore and power distribution products, visit sxpowercase.com and explore their industrial connector solutions. Contact their sales team now to discuss bulk orders or customized cabling packages for your next project