K-LOK 400A Single-Pole Cam-Type Connectors

Can I disconnect a K-Lok connector while the circuit is live?

No. K-Lok single-pole connectors are not rated for load-break disconnection. Pulling a K-Lok connector while current is flowing can create an electrical arc that damages the contact surfaces, degrades the insulating housing, and poses a serious risk of burns, electrical shock, or fire. At 400A, the energy in an arc event is substantial and can cause immediate injury. Always de-energize the circuit at the breaker or distribution panel, verify it is dead using a voltage tester, and only then disconnect. This applies to all K-Lok configurations: inline, panel mount, and threaded stud.

Will K-Lok 400A connectors mate with Cam-Lok, Marinco, or Leviton connectors already in my fleet?

Yes. K-Lok 400A connectors are intermateable with Series 16-style cam-type single-pole connectors from major manufacturers. This means you can introduce K-Lok into an existing power distribution system without replacing everything at once. If you are running a mixed fleet or specifying K-Lok alongside another brand for a new build, contact KUPO for the cross-compatibility statement document, which lists confirmed mating configurations and any connector pairings to avoid.

Which configuration do I need: Inline, Threaded Stud Panel Mount, or Double Set-Screw Panel Receptacle?

Inline Connectors (KL-400LM / KL-400LF) terminate directly onto cable. Use these for feeder runs, cable extensions, and any connection between two cable ends. Threaded Stud Panel Mount Receptacles (KL-400SM / KL-400SF) bolt permanently into a distribution box or equipment panel via a threaded M12 stud, with the conductor terminated to the rear. Choose these when you are building a fixed panel with a secure, threaded mounting point. Double Set-Screw Panel Receptacles (KL-400SSM / KL-400SSF) also mount permanently into a panel, but use double set-screw termination instead of a threaded stud. These are the right choice when your enclosure design does not accommodate a threaded stud, or when you need faster field re-termination on the panel side.

What safety certifications does K-Lok 400A carry, and can I reference them in a spec package?

K-Lok 400A connectors are cRUus Listed (both UL and cUL) under File Number E332947, tested to UL 1691 (Standard for Safety for Cam-Type, Locking-Type Separable Connectors). They carry a UL Enclosure Types 3R environment rating, meaning they are rated for outdoor use with protection against falling rain and external ice formation. They are also RoHS compliant. You can reference the UL file number directly in bid documents and spec packages. For a compliance pack with certificate copies, contact KUPO.

How do I pick the correct phase identification color for my region?

All 9 K-Lok 400A colors are available across every configuration, so you can match any regional phase convention precisely. In North America at 120/208V (NEMA/NEC): Black (L1), Red (L2), Blue (L3), White (Neutral), Green (Ground). At 277/480V: Brown (L1), Orange (L2), Yellow (L3), Grey (Neutral), Green (Ground). Under IEC 60446 (Europe, UK, Australia): Brown (L1), Black (L2), Grey (L3), Blue (Neutral), Green-Yellow (Ground). The full international color table is on this page. If you are specifying for a project that spans multiple regions or voltage systems, contact KUPO so we can help you build a single color-coded BOM (Bill of Materials) that covers all your circuits.

What conductor sizes will K-Lok 400A accept, and what if my cable is on the smaller end?

The standard cable access range is #6 AWG through 4/0 AWG (0.33" to 1.00" conductor diameter). For #6 AWG or #4 AWG conductors, a longer set screw is required to ensure a secure grip on the smaller diameter. Specify this when ordering. Additionally, the standard cable-access hole in the brass contact is 16.90 mm, but two smaller diameters are available on request: 14.60 mm (medium) and 10.40 mm (small). This is a meaningful advantage if you run mixed cable builds and want a tight, consistent contact without adapter workarounds.

Do I need special tools to assemble K-Lok connectors in the field?

No. K-Lok 400A connectors are designed for tool-simple assembly. Inline connectors require only a wire stripper, a standard screwdriver for the set screws, and the copper shim and strain-relief wire used in the termination process. Panel mount receptacles require the same plus a wrench for the M12 mounting nut. No hydraulic crimpers, proprietary dies, or brand-specific tooling are needed. This keeps your crews moving fast during load-in and makes field re-termination practical without specialized equipment. Step-by-step installation guidance with photographs is available in the Installation section above, and a downloadable PDF guide is available in the Downloads section.

What makes the K-Lok retaining screw design different from other cam-type connectors?

The KL-400-BS retaining screw is made from POM (polyoxymethylene), a non-conductive engineering polymer. It passes through the full brass contact and locks it firmly into the Santoprene body. Because it is non-conductive, it eliminates accidental current paths through the retaining hardware, a risk that exists with metallic retaining components. POM also resists moisture absorption and chemical degradation, which matters in outdoor and industrial environments. The retaining screw should be inspected at each re-termination and replaced if you see any sign of deformation, cracking, or thread wear. It is orderable as a standalone spare part (KL-400-BS).

Where can I use K-Lok 400A connectors? Are they rated for outdoor or wet environments?

K-Lok 400A connectors carry a UL Enclosure Types 3R rating, which means they are suitable for outdoor use with protection against falling rain and external ice formation. The Santoprene body compound is rated to 105 degrees Celsius and resists UV degradation, oil, and common industrial chemicals. The ribbed grip geometry is specifically designed for secure handling in wet or gloved-hand conditions. These connectors are widely used in outdoor concert and festival power distribution, construction site temporary power, film and television location shoots, and industrial environments where equipment is exposed to weather.