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.

Receptacle (Outlet) - Face View
Wall outlet - slots accept plug pins
Plug (Male) - Face View
Cord end - pins insert into receptacle
Wiring Diagram
Hot (L1) - Black
Neutral - White
Ground - Green/Bare
Electrical Specifications
125V
Voltage
15A
Amperage
3
Conductors
14
AWG (Standard)
1,875W
Max Wattage

Common Applications:

  • Standard household outlet
  • Most common in US/Canada

AWG Wire Gauge Reference

Amperage Standard (up to 50ft) Extended (50-100ft)
15A14 AWG12 AWG
20A12 AWG10 AWG
30A10 AWG8 AWG
40A8 AWG6 AWG
50A6 AWG4 AWG
60A4 AWG2 AWG

Understanding NEMA Connector Naming

NEMA connector designations follow a standard pattern that indicates voltage configuration and amperage rating.

Series Voltage Wires Description
1125V2Ungrounded (legacy)
2250V2Ungrounded 240V (legacy)
5125V3Grounded - standard household
6250V3Grounded 240V single-phase
7277V3Commercial single-phase
10125/250V3Split-phase without ground (legacy)
11250V33-phase delta without ground
14125/250V4Split-phase with ground (modern)
15250V43-phase delta with ground
18120/208V43-phase wye
L-prefixVarious3-4Locking (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