Panel Interface Connectors from Mencom

Panel Interface Connectors: Stop Opening Live Panels — Use a PIC Instead
⚡ Arc Flash Risk

Panel Interface Connectors:
Never Open a Live Panel Again

Access USB, Ethernet, power, and D-Sub ports from outside the enclosure; no door, no arc flash exposure, no NFPA 70E hassle.

2,000+
Arc flash incidents per year (U.S.)
$5M
Average arc flash incident cost
0 PPE
Required when door stays closed

🔌 What Is a Panel Interface Connector?

A Panel Interface Connector (PIC), also called a programming port or programming interface, mounts on the outside of an electrical enclosure and connects to the interior components via a short cable. Technicians plug in laptops, test equipment, or power tools from outside the door. The panel never opens. Arc flash risk drops to zero.

✅
NFPA 70E Compliance: Keeping the panel closed during programming or diagnostics removes the energized-work exposure entirely so there's no arc flash boundary calculation needed.

🏠 Choose Your Housing Type

Standard Housing

Mencom Standard PICs →

  • Epoxy-coated die-cast aluminum body
  • Solid cover with stainless-steel locking lever
  • 6 sizes available
  • Rated UL Type 4, 4X, and 12
📦 Best for washdown, outdoor, or corrosive environments
Low Profile Housing

Mencom Low Profile PICs →

  • Clear cover (see ports at a glance)
  • Screwdriver-operated locking mechanism
  • 3 configurations: single, double (1 cover), or double (2 covers)
  • Ideal for space-constrained enclosures
📦 Best for indoor, tight-clearance panel layouts

🔧 Port & Connection Options

Mix and match from four port categories when specifying your PIC:

⚡
Power Ports
  • 120V duplex outlet
  • 120V simplex outlet
  • 120V GFCI outlet
  • International (EU, China, UK, etc.)
📡
Communication Ports
  • RJ45 Ethernet
  • RJ11 phone
  • USB
  • Mini DIN 6-pin or 8-pin
🖥️
D-Sub Connectors
  • DB9 (9-pin)
  • DB15 (15-pin)
  • DB25 (25-pin)
  • Most have female exterior / male interior
🔒
Resettable Fuses
  • 3A
  • 5A
  • 10A
  • 15A

🔁 Accessories: Adapters & Cables

🔌 Port Adapters →

When you only need one or two connection points. Fits a standard 1″ panel cutout and behaves like a full PIC.

  • Available in USB, RJ45, or RJ11
  • Aluminum or plastic housing
  • Includes protective cap

🔗 Connector Cables →

Internal jumper cables that tie your PIC to the panel's internal devices.

  • DB9 (9-pin), DB15 (15-pin), or DB25 (25-pin) double ended
  • USB double ended
  • RJ45 double ended
  • PVC jacket
  • Lengths: 1 m – 12 m

📋 Specifier's Quick Reference

Need Choose Key Spec
Harsh / washdown environments Standard aluminum housing UL Type 4X
Tight enclosure / visibility Low profile, clear cover Single or double size
Single port only Port adapter 1″ cutout
PLC programming via laptop PIC w/ DB9 or USB port Match PLC comm type
Network switch / HMI access PIC w/ RJ45 port Cat5e/Cat6 pass-through
Powering a laptop / tester PIC w/ 120V outlet or GFCI Simplex or duplex

🚨 Troubleshooting & Common Issues (click to expand)

⚠️ Device not recognized when connected through the PIC
Most likely cause: The internal cable (DB25) is seated but the PIC's locking lever isn't fully engaged; pin contact is intermittent.

Fix: Open the panel (de-energize first), firmly reseat the internal DB25 connector, and close the locking lever until it clicks. Test again before re-energizing.
⚠️ Outlet on PIC has no power
Check first: If a GFCI outlet is installed, press the RESET button on the outlet face. GFCI outlets trip on power surges and must be manually reset.

Also check: Resettable fuse rating; a fuse rated at 3A will trip from a laptop charger plus a meter. Upgrade to a 5A or 10A fuse if the load exceeds the spec.
⚠️ PIC cover won't lock / latch feels loose
Standard housing: The stainless-steel locking lever engages a machined slot, debris or paint overspray can block full travel. Clean the slot and lever with a dry cloth, then test.

Low profile housing: Requires a flathead screwdriver to engage the locking screw. If the screw turns freely without resistance, the thread in the housing may be stripped. Contact us for a replacement.
⚠️ Wrong PIC ordered; port doesn't match equipment
Mencom PICs are built to order (lead time: 7–10 business days). Before ordering, confirm: (1) the communication protocol your PLC/drive uses, (2) whether you need USB-A, USB-B, or USB-C, and (3) whether power outlets need to be 120V domestic or international.

Popular configurations ship faster, call or email for a quote on custom builds.

📦 How to Order

🛒 Standard Configurations
Order online: most popular port combinations have a shorter lead time.
📞 Custom Configurations
Call or email for a quote. Any port combination, any size housing.
⏱️ Lead Time
7–10 business days typical for most made-to-order units.

Shop Mencom Panel Interface Connectors

Find the right housing, ports, and accessories for your PIC all from one source.

Need help choosing the right PIC? Call or email our team! We're customer service specialists, not a call center.