Selection of multi-pin connector for power lead cables

[AligatorAmy]

Hi,
I have 6 cables. Each cable has 3 wires: zero, phase, earth.
Each cable supplies 320W 230VAC heater (I have 6 heaters).

I am looking for 1 multi pin connector for all these cables for quick plug in/out.
Link to example connectors:

https://www.aliexpress.com/cheap/cheap-multi-pin-connectors.html

I wonder how many pins my connector must have. I have 18 wires in 6 cables (6xZero, 6xPhase, 6xEarth).
Does it mean that I need at least 18 pin connector or can I have the earth wires connected together?

Also I have calculated that each heater draws approx. 1.4A (320W, 230VAC). Therefore, when I multiply 1.4A by 6 heaters my amperage is 8.4A. Sellers state the amperage for the multi pin connector. I understand that this is maximum load that the connector can take?
In my case should I then look for minimum 10A connector?

Please help.
Regards

 

[ScottyUK]

Are the heaters controlled independently, or do they switch on and off together? If they are all switched together, use a terminal box to gather the connections and bring a single 3-pole supply in using, for example, an IEC320-type plug and socket.

 

[AligatorAmy]

@ScottyUK
Thank you for your answer.
The heaters are controlled separately through the PLC. Each heater requires separate wires.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Amy, you now have three separate threads going all about connectors for the same project. It makes sense to keep them all bundled up into one thread...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com