Editing Electrical connector (section)

===Keying===
{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | direction = vertical
 | width = 150
 | header = Examples of keyed connectors
 | image1 = XLR pinouts.svg
 | caption1 = [[XLR connector]], showing the notch for alignment
 | image2 = SVideoConnector.jpg
 | caption2 = A 4-pin [[Mini-DIN]] [[S-Video]] cable, with notches and a rectangular alignment pin
}}
Many connectors are '''keyed''' with some mechanical component (sometimes called a ''keyway''), which prevents mating in an incorrect orientation.<ref name="nykcs-circular" /> This can be used to prevent mechanical damage to connectors, from being jammed in at the wrong angle or into the wrong connector, or to prevent incompatible or dangerous electrical connections, such as plugging an audio cable into a power outlet.<ref name="ieee" /> Keying also prevents otherwise symmetrical connectors from being connected in the wrong orientation or ''polarity''. Keying is particularly important for situations where there are many similar connectors, such as in signal electronics.<ref name="zvei" />{{rp|26}} For instance, [[XLR connector]]s have a notch to ensure proper orientation, while [[Mini-DIN]] plugs have a plastic projection that fits into a corresponding hole in the socket (they also have a notched metal skirt to provide secondary keying).<ref name="lsf">{{cite book |last1=Evans |first1=Bill |title=Live sound fundamentals |year=2011 |url=https://archive.org/details/livesoundfundame00evan |url-access=limited |publisher=Course Technology |isbn=978-1-4354-5494-1 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/livesoundfundame00evan/page/n36 24], 29}}</ref>