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For example, here is a picture of two schuko female plugs I got (I marked the types with numbers), the materials at the connections are different too:

enter image description here

So which one is better and why if that matters? Is there any specific trait that I should look for in the future if I want to get high quality plugs and start assembling power cables with them?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ The contacts of 2 are Nickel-plated. That works against corrosion, but that should be only an issue in the wet – for which these sockets are not made for. The wire socket with the square nut 1 has is more reliable. \$\endgroup\$
    – Janka
    Jan 13, 2018 at 13:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ You should use a ferrule on the ground wire for both plugs. \$\endgroup\$
    – JRE
    Jan 13, 2018 at 14:07
  • \$\begingroup\$ I would use a ferule on all of them, I assume there is no problem with any type of these types supporting ferrules? \$\endgroup\$
    – appwizcpl
    Jan 13, 2018 at 14:16
  • \$\begingroup\$ It also depends on the cable used. Obviously, using too large a cable with too small an entry hole/clamp is an issue, but too large a unit with a small cable is an issue too since it leaves a lot of room round the cable entry with poor clamping characteristics. \$\endgroup\$
    – Trevor_G
    Jan 13, 2018 at 17:05

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Having bought some Chinese sh@# recently here is what I am looking for:-

  1. Effective strain relief to prevent pulling of wires on terminals.

  2. Good quality materials for all electrical connections, brass preferred for corrosion resistance and conductivity, poor quality plated steel comes nowhere near this requirement.

  3. Good quality connections between conductors and wire. I have seen some very bad clamp designs. I much prefer the hole and screw idea again with the caveat that the materials are good and the screws are not going to strip or the conductors break as soon as you put any torque on them.

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