Inside socapex cables: what they are and where to use them

Socapex cables, or “Soca” for short, are a familiar sight across theatres, TV studios, film sets and touring rigs. They’re built around the well-known 19-pin Socapex connector, which lets you run up to six separate circuits through a single cable. That means less clutter, faster rigging, and a much tidier setup compared to dragging half a dozen individual leads across a stage.

They’re designed to be tough, reliable, and versatile in demanding environments. But while they’re already a workhorse in their own right, there are a few ways you can use them to get even more out of your setup. Here are our top suggestions!

Who uses Socapex cables and why

Socapex cables are widely used across the entertainment and events industries, where multiple lighting circuits need to be delivered quickly and reliably. In theatres and stage productions, they keep rigs tidy and cut setup time by running six channels through a single cable. Film and television crews use them both in studios and on location, where durable connectors can withstand the constant rigging and re-rigging of lights.

Touring concerts, festivals, and live events also use Socapex cables for safe, efficient power distribution that reduces cable clutter and trip hazards in busy environments. Beyond performance spaces, they’re equally useful for exhibitions, conferences, and temporary installations, where adaptable, heavy-duty cabling is essential for keeping lighting systems organised and secure.

At Rubber Box, we’ve worked with all of these sectors, which is why we know exactly what crews need from their Socapex setups – and we supply cables and distro boxes that meet those requirements.

Confirm the pinout and conductor size before you connect

Before you even plug in a Socapex cable, double-check that the pinout matches your system. Different manufacturers can wire their connectors differently, and if the circuits don’t line up, you can cause serious equipment damage in seconds. It’s also important to choose the right conductor size – long runs and heavy loads need thicker cores to avoid voltage drop or overheating.

Label, map, and standardise your setup

When the pressure’s on and you need to trace a fault or isolate a feed, clear labelling saves the day. Weatherproof or engraved tags on your Socapex breakouts and distro sockets make it easy to know what powers what, with no guesswork. Alongside that, keep a basic site plan showing which cable runs feed which zones. If a new team member joins mid-project, they’ll be able to get up to speed straight away – and if you need to switch things around, you won’t risk pulling the wrong cable.

Carry out regular visual and thermal checks

Socapex assemblies are tough, but they’re not indestructible. Make it part of your routine to give cables and connectors a quick once-over before each use. Look for damaged jackets, cracked housings, loose terminations, or signs of moisture. If you’ve got access to a thermal imaging camera, it’s even better – you’ll be able to spot hot spots caused by loose or stressed connections before they turn into dangerous failures.

At Rubber Box, we’re proud to supply the full range of Socapex products to the entertainment and events sectors. From our Socapex Stage Distro Boxes to our heavy-duty Socapex cables available in a variety of lengths, we’ve got the right solution for your setup. Whether you need off-the-shelf options or a bespoke build, we can help you get the system you need quickly and safely. Take a look at our products online today, request a quote, or call us directly on 01282 677 910, and we’ll be happy to help!