Connectors are portable receptacles for temporary power distribution. A connector is a device intended to establish a electrical connection with an inserted plug. It is designed for fixed installation in a structure or piece of equipment. Connectors have contacts and are sometimes referred to as “female” devices.

Every connector has at least two wires:  hot and neutral.  If the connector has more wires than poles (for example, a 2-pole, 3-wire connector), then the connector has a grounding contact.