ILME at LED Controls

LED Controls is a trusted provider of ILME's heavy duty multipole connectors, inserts, hoods, housings, crimp contacts, tools and industrial power connectors. We have quick and easy access to ILME's range of equipment, meaning quick and easy connections for all your automation projects.

LED Controls, ILME industrial connectors overview
ILME heavy duty rectangular connectors and housings

Why buy ILME from LED Controls

  • Authorised UK supplier with genuine stock and competitive pricing
  • Complete ecosystem covering inserts, hoods, housings, crimp contacts and tools
  • Standard sizes from 21.21 up to 104.62 with matching accessories
  • Help with selection, datasheets on request and responsive after sales support
  • Next day delivery available on many lines

Build reliable quick connect systems with proven sealing, robust latching and modular options for power, signal and data.

ILME product categories

ILME female inserts

Female inserts

Female inserts for receptacles in multiple sizes and pole counts with screw and crimp terminations.

ILME male inserts

Male inserts

Matching male inserts with the same sizes, pole counts and current ratings for complete connector pairs.

ILME metal hoods top or side entry

Hoods

Metal hoods in top entry and side entry versions with metric thread options across standard sizes.

ILME bulkhead housings

Bulkhead housings

Panel mount housings with lever mechanisms to secure inserts and meet the target IP rating.

ILME surface housings

Surface housings

Surface mounted enclosures with one or two levers and threaded entries for cable glands.

ILME crimp contacts female and male

Crimp contacts

Female and male crimp contacts in silver or gold plating for a wide range of conductor sizes.

ILME insertion and removal tools

Tools

Dedicated insertion and extraction tools to speed assembly and protect contacts during servicing.

ILME male crimp connectors advanced opening

Male crimp connectors with advanced opening

Advanced opening geometry on selected male crimps for easier wire insertion and consistent terminations.

ILME big hoods with multiple pegs

Big hoods

Oversized hoods with extra pegs for larger frame sizes and high pole count builds.

ILME industrial power connectors IP67 and IP44

Industrial power connectors

230 V and 415 V plugs, sockets and couplers in 3 pole and 5 pole variants with IP67 or IP44 protection.

ILME housings with gaskets or extra pegs

Housings with gaskets or pegs

Hoods and housings supplied with gaskets and alternative peg layouts to meet sealing and mounting needs.

ILME manufacturing and assembly

A brief history of ILME (industrial connectors)

ILME has evolved from a specialist in robust industrial connectors to a complete ecosystem covering inserts, hoods, housings, contacts and tooling for demanding applications.

  • 1940s — Company founded in Milan, Italy, with a focus on durable electrical connection systems.
  • 1960s — Launch of rectangular multipole connector families for machinery and plant wiring.
  • 1980s — Consolidation of size standards (e.g. 21.21 to 104.62) and expanded accessory ecosystem.
  • 1990s — Widespread adoption of crimp technology, coding accessories and improved lever-latch housings.
  • 2000s — Higher IP sealing (IP65/66/67) across aluminium and thermoplastic housings for harsher environments.
  • 2010s — Introduction of faster terminations (e.g. spring-type options) and modular insert layouts for power, signal and data.
  • 2020s — Push-in terminations, digital selection tools and continued investment in global distribution and application support.

LED Controls stocks commonly specified ILME components in the UK and can source the wider catalogue quickly on request.

See ILME in action

Learn more about ILME's tradition of innovation in this video.

Explore ILME range

ILME Frequently Asked Questions

Connector size determines the physical footprint and available insert layouts. Choose a size that supports your required poles and current, then match the hood or housing from the same size family.

Use top entry for straight cable runs or limited lateral space. Use side entry for low profile routing or when cables approach sideways. Both must match the thread size required for your glands.

Unmated inserts are typically IP20. Sealing is achieved by the hood or housing when mated. Use IP65 or IP66 for general industrial environments and IP67 or above for washdown or immersion. Always confirm the specific model rating.

Screw is familiar and serviceable. Crimp offers vibration resistance and high density. Spring and push-in options speed installation and can reduce tool use. Select based on environment and build method.

Big hoods are larger bodies with extra pegs that accommodate high pole count inserts and larger cable entries. They are common on sizes like 104.27 where space and sealing are critical.

These contacts have a profile that eases wire insertion and helps achieve consistent crimps. They are useful when building large volumes or in tight layouts.

Many housings include gaskets to achieve the stated IP rating. Peg configurations must match between hood and housing. Always pair items from the same size and peg layout.

Use sealed housings with IP67 or higher and smooth geometry. Stainless hardware and hygienic variants can help. Verify material compatibility with site chemicals and procedures.

Yes. Share the MPN and application details and we will provide the datasheet and selection guidance. We can also suggest compatible accessories.

Many items are available for next working day delivery subject to stock. Lead times are confirmed at checkout or on enquiry.

Latest News

View All News
ABB OT and OT PLUS Disconnectors: The LED Controls Guide

ABB OT and OT PLUS Disconnectors: The LED Controls Guide

January 15, 2026 Read full
Danfoss FC51 to be Replaced by iC2 Micro Drive in 2026

Danfoss FC51 to be Replaced by iC2 Micro Drive in 2026

January 13, 2026 Read full
Meet the Pizzato BN Series – Smart IO-Link Control Units Now at LED Controls

Meet the Pizzato BN Series – Smart IO-Link Control Units Now at LED Controls

January 08, 2026 Read full
LED Controls: Your Complete Control Panel Solution

LED Controls: Your Complete Control Panel Solution

January 06, 2026 Read full