In the field of outdoor lighting and specifically in the street and urban lighting, the so-called NEMA and Zhaga sockets represent an essential element for lighting control and communication between the environment, drivers and LED modules. Both sockets, in both NEMA and Zhaga versions, offer the opportunity to make existing fixtures ready for future technologies. This standardization process allows modifying the control unit in a specific way with no modification request on the entire LED luminaire.

Universal Science’s NEMA sockets

Universal Science NEMA sockets are available in a seven-pin version and comply with ANSI standard C136.41, which provides reliable electromechanical connections. The NEMA socket has pre-set leads and can be fixed with screws after the installer has chosen the best orientation. By doing that, connecting LED luminaires to external circuits becomes simple, convenient and fast. The NEMA socket is combined with a short cap that acts as a protective device for the NEMA interface and complies with UL773 and ANSIC136.41 standards.

Equipped with a twist-lock connection, it can be twisted and locked to be compatible with street luminaires, large area luminaires and several lighting controllers. The short cap (without a control system) is the most typical on the market and can boast a predisposition that keeps the LED luminaire constantly on and, if necessary, can be replaced by the numerous controllers available on this standard. Finally, the NEMA socket is characterized by a high current capacity and a wide application voltage and is widely used in standard electrical networks worldwide.

Universal Science’s Zhaga sockets

Universal Science’s ZHAGA sockets meet the requirements of the Zhaga Book 18 standard interface (Z-LEX-R, Z-LEX-C) and have passed the relevant certification for the development and installation of street, commercial and residential lighting. Compact in size, allowing for more flexibility in luminaire design. It is a scalable solution that allows using Ø40mm and LEX-M Ø80mm photocells in a centralized system with the same connection interface.

The Zhaga socket can also provide flexible mounting, facing up, down and sideways. Finally, a remarkable advantage is the single integrated gasket that seals both the device and the module, reducing assembly times to a minimum so as costs. As for the Zhaga sockets, the cost is lower because they have small dimensions with only 4 connections and are powered by the auxiliary output of the driver on board the LED fixture. Furthermore, the Zhaga sockets allow the management of signals only in low voltage and low power, typically 24V 3W (with 10W peak), suitable for using low consumption sensors.