CEE: European standard for high-current electrical connectors — 3-pin blue plugs for 230V or 5-pin red for 400V.
Technical Details
CEE connectors for film productions are primarily available as 16A (11kW), 32A (22kW), and 63A (44kW) three-phase variants. The red 5-pin connectors (3 phases + neutral + ground) operate with 400V three-phase power, while blue 3-pin variants (phase + neutral + ground) carry 230V alternating current. The connector features mechanical coding for polarity protection. CEE 63A connections use cables with a 16mm² cross-section, CEE 32A uses 6mm², and CEE 16A operates with 2.5mm² conductor cross-section.
History & Development
The CEE standard originated in 1963 through the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization of the same name as a standardization for industrial connectors. Since the 1970s, CEE established itself in the film industry as an alternative to unsafe screw connections and temporary solutions. With the introduction of HMI lights in the 1980s, CEE became the standard for high-power film lighting. Modern LED panels and moving lights predominantly use CEE 16A/32A connections today.
Practical Application in Film
On "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), DoP Roger Deakins utilized CEE-cabled 18kW HMI arrays for the exterior scenes in Budapest. Gaffers use CEE distribution boxes (distros) with multiple outputs for power distribution on set. A typical 63A distro feeds eight 32A outputs for individual lights. CEE connections enable quick setups without the need for electricians, as grips and lighting technicians can handle the connectors safely. Disadvantages include the higher weight of the connectors and cables, as well as the necessity for corresponding generator capacities.
Comparison & Alternatives
CEE differs from Schuko connectors through higher current capacity and outdoor suitability, and from TRUE1 connections through European standardization instead of American standards. Modern powerCON connectors from Neutrik are replacing CEE for LED panels up to 2.5kW with a more compact design. In studio productions, CEE competes with permanently installed busbar systems. CEE 16A is suitable for LED panels and small HMIs, CEE 32A for 6kW-12kW lights, and CEE 63A for large HMI daylight setups and generator connections.