Virtaliitin

Virtaliitin is a Finnish term used to describe a connector that carries electrical power, linking cables and equipment to allow the flow of current. It is a generic concept rather than a single product, and can refer to plug-and-socket pairs, cable assemblies, panel mounts, or terminal connections that supply, distribute, or interconnect electrical power between devices. Virtaliitins are used across many sectors, including consumer electronics, household appliances, automotive applications, industrial machinery, and networking equipment, and they may handle alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

Common types and standards fall under the broader category of power connectors. In household and office equipment, standard appliance couplers such as those defined by IEC 60320 (for example C13/C14, C5/C6, C7/C8) are frequently encountered. For higher current or rugged environments, industrial connectors like IEC 60309 (often referred to as CEE-form) are used. DC power connections, such as barrel or coaxial power connectors, are widely employed to deliver DC power from adapters to devices. In some regions, traditional power plugs and outlets defined by national standards (for example NEMA in North America) also fall under the scope of virtaliitin.

Key design considerations include current and voltage ratings, pin configuration and polarity, locking or latching mechanisms, environmental protection (IP ratings), and the expected mating cycles. The term virtaliitin is often used interchangeably with “power connector” in Finnish, and different standards and product families exist to ensure safety, compatibility, and reliable power transfer.