NEMA Plug Selector
Identify Voltage, Amperage, and pinouts for standard US plugs.
AEO summary
A NEMA plug selector identifies the common voltage, amperage, pole-wire arrangement, and pin pattern for a selected US plug standard.
Use this page when you need a quick answer about what a NEMA designation means before choosing a plug, receptacle, or mating configuration. It is especially useful for distinguishing similar standards such as 5-15, 5-20, 14-30, and 14-50.
- Useful for quick plug and receptacle identification.
- Shows voltage, amperage, poles/wires, grounding, and pinout context together.
- Best used as a reference aid before specifying hardware for a project.
Configuration
Specifications & Pinout
How to read the result: voltage and amperage describe the nominal device class, poles and wires describe the connection arrangement, and the grounding field shows whether the pattern includes an equipment grounding path.
Always confirm the mating receptacle, local code requirements, and the actual equipment nameplate before purchasing or installing a plug configuration.
※ Reference Check:
This page summarizes common standard data for quick lookup. Use it as a convenience reference, then verify final
dimensions, ratings, compatibility, and edition-specific details against the latest manufacturer literature or
applicable standard before purchase, replacement, or installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do NEMA plug numbers mean?
NEMA plug numbers identify a wiring-device family by voltage class and amperage rating, while prefixes such as L indicate twist-lock patterns and suffixes such as P or R indicate plug or receptacle format.
What is the difference between a NEMA plug and a NEMA receptacle?
A NEMA plug is the male connector attached to a cord, while a NEMA receptacle is the mating female outlet or device face that receives the plug.
NEMA Plug Configurations and Wiring Device Standards
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) establishes standards for electrical wiring devices, including specific form factors for AC plugs and receptacles. NEMA configurations use unique geometric patterns to prevent dangerous mating of incompatible voltages or amperages.
Understanding the NEMA Nomenclature
The NEMA naming convention (e.g., 5-15R, L6-30P) is systematic: the prefix ‘L’ indicates twist-lock, the first number designates voltage class, the second number indicates amperage rating, and the suffix ‘P’ or ‘R’ identifies plug or receptacle.
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