Connector in a plasma arc torch system

A lead connector for connecting a plasma torch lead of a plasma arc torch to a power supply of a plasma cutting system, the lead connector comprising:

• a base portion;
• a central conduit disposed in the base portion, the central conduit configured to carry a gas and a torch current to the plasma arc torch;
• and
• a plurality of pins disposed radially about a center of the central conduit, the plurality of pins divided into a set of distinct circumferential zones about the central conduit, the set of distinct circumferential zones including:
• a first zone comprising one or more pilot carrying pins configured to carry a pilot current to the plasma arc torch;
• and
• a second zone comprising at least one control signal pin radially disposed about the center of the central conduit and adjacent to the first zone of pilot carrying pins, the at least one control signal pin comprising a consumable sensing pin configured to generate a detection signal for sensing installation of a consumable in the torch;
• wherein an angular spacing between each of the one or more pilot carrying pins and a closest of the at least one control signal pin is about 66 degrees or greater such that a current creepage is reduced between the one or more pilot carrying pins and the closest of the at least one control signal pin.