I tend to like assurances that the right connector is in the right place. And, I think users -- when faced with multiple connectors -- like some reassurance that they've mated them correctly.
But, if I can deduce the role of the actual connection from the data observed, is there a downside to NOT keying the connector(s)? (aside from the fact that it requires LOOKING at the signals before you can make that assertion -- if you haven't looked, do you really *care* about Schrödinger's cat
Do you mean orientation, or location?
ie if you have 3 USB-A ports they do care about orientation, but (perhaps) it doesn't matter which one you plug into.
The main thing I can think of is user confusion. If the user is expecting a
1:1 mapping of cables to sockets, they may be uncertain when presented with 3 identical sockets and need to check documentation/techsupport about what's allowed. Whereas if your connectors are square / triangle / circle shaped they instinctively know the round peg goes in the round hole. If you give them three round connectors and three round holes, they may freeze because they're worried about plugging into the wrong hole may blow something up.For things like US mains receptacles and USB-C sockets, they're familiar enough with the idea that any orientation works and plugging into the wrong socket isn't going to blow anything up, but if you have a proprietary solution then they may not have that assurance.
Theo
But, (like your mains example below) the user would know that the connections were "universal"; that which cable mates with the "top" connector vs. "bottom" doesn't matter.
OTOH, if one cable obviously terminates in a MOTOR and the other terminates in a SWITCH -- both, for a MECANISM, they seem different enough that you would expect each to have a designated "specific" connection point.
That's exactly the issue. Some folks won't even notice. Others would "freeze", looking for further clues -- cursing the labels that must have fallen off, etc.
Cause damage or cause it to simply not work properly.
E.g., a 4 pin connector where 1&2 are connected /on one connector pair/ to a particular termination; 2&3 on another; 3&4 on a third, etc. would be "safe" to misconnect -- but would likely leave you with something that isn't working properly.
[OTOH, if each mate was "compatibly wired" so the three can actually accept each cable, then there would be no electrical/logical problem.] [[OToOH, if there were 4 conductors on all connectors -- both sides -- you can again find yourself worrying that THESE four will be compatible with THOSE four...]]Anyone who "notices" will be angry at the "sheer incompetence" of failing to provide that information to the user. A call to Support will give them an opportunity to express their displeasure (on YOUR dime!)
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