Power Outlets and Plugs - NEMA Connector Guide
NEMA Power Connector Guide
Interactive visualization of NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) power connectors. View plug and receptacle configurations, wiring diagrams, and electrical specifications for North American power outlets.
Features: 37 NEMA straight-blade configurations plus locking types, face view diagrams, wiring schematics, AWG wire gauge recommendations, and safety guidelines.
Common Applications:
- Standard household outlet
- Most common in US/Canada
AWG Wire Gauge Reference
| Amperage | Standard (up to 50ft) | Extended (50-100ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 15A | 14 AWG | 12 AWG |
| 20A | 12 AWG | 10 AWG |
| 30A | 10 AWG | 8 AWG |
| 40A | 8 AWG | 6 AWG |
| 50A | 6 AWG | 4 AWG |
| 60A | 4 AWG | 2 AWG |
Understanding NEMA Connector Naming
NEMA connector designations follow a standard pattern that indicates voltage configuration and amperage rating.
| Series | Voltage | Wires | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 125V | 2 | Ungrounded (legacy) |
| 2 | 250V | 2 | Ungrounded 240V (legacy) |
| 5 | 125V | 3 | Grounded - standard household |
| 6 | 250V | 3 | Grounded 240V single-phase |
| 7 | 277V | 3 | Commercial single-phase |
| 10 | 125/250V | 3 | Split-phase without ground (legacy) |
| 11 | 250V | 3 | 3-phase delta without ground |
| 14 | 125/250V | 4 | Split-phase with ground (modern) |
| 15 | 250V | 4 | 3-phase delta with ground |
| 18 | 120/208V | 4 | 3-phase wye |
| L-prefix | Various | 3-4 | Locking (twist-lock) connectors |
125V Configurations (1, 5, L5)
Standard household voltage. Hot connects to brass terminal, neutral to silver, ground to green.
250V Configurations (2, 6, L6)
Single-phase 240V. Two hots (no neutral), commonly used for equipment like welders and large AC units.
125/250V Configurations (10, 14, L14)
Split-phase 240V with neutral. Provides both 120V and 240V. Used for ranges, dryers, EV chargers.
3-Phase (11, 15, 18)
Industrial and commercial power. Delta (11, 15) or Wye (18) configurations for motors and heavy equipment.
Safety Guidelines
- Always turn off power at the breaker before working on electrical connections
- Use appropriately rated wire gauge for the circuit amperage and run length
- Never use an adapter to force incompatible connectors together
- 240V and 3-phase circuits should only be installed by qualified electricians
- Ground connections are critical for safety - never omit or bypass them
- NEMA 1, 2, and 10 series (ungrounded) are legacy - use grounded equivalents for new installations