Us Electrical Plug Standard

Ac power plugs and sockets connect electric equipment to the alternating current ac power supply in buildings and at other sites.

Us electrical plug standard. Different combinations of contact blade widths shapes orientation and. Get the amp rating off the outlet and pick up a replacement with that rating and the same configuration and number of holes. Country by country list of plugs sockets and voltages below is a full overview of all countries of the world and their respective plugs outlets and voltages frequencies used for domestic appliances. This class i plug is designated as american standard nema 5 15.

The table shows that in most countries the mains supply is between 220 and 240 volts 50 or 60 hz. Prior to the 1930s when hubbell s parallel blade plug received its official rating of 125v and became the united states general service electrical plug standard all of his electrical connectors were used interchangeably on either 120 v or 240 v. Plug socket types around the world. Nema connectors are power plugs and receptacles used for ac mains electricity in north america and other countries that use the standards set by the us national electrical manufacturers association nema wiring devices are made in current ratings from 15 to 60 amperes a with voltage ratings from 125 to 600 volts v.

The nema plug chart provides technical drawings and specifications for nema straight blade plugs connectors receptacles inlets outlets and cords. Although much of the electrician s field terminology matches that of the electrical codes usages can vary. It has two flat 1 5 mm thick blades spaced 12 7 mm apart measuring 15 9 18 3 mm in length and 6 3 mm in width. The most common electrical outlets are 15 amp duplex receptacles 15 amp outlets are designed to accept standard plugs for most small appliances and lamps.

These plugs are used throughout the u s canada and mexico and include plugs and receptacles that range from domestic size nema 5 15r p up to the highest available amp and voltage requirements nema 18 60r p. Different standard systems of plugs and sockets are used around the world. Electrical plugs and sockets differ from one another in voltage and current rating shape size and connector type. North american standards state that the neutral is neither switched nor fused except in very narrowly defined circumstances.

It also has a 4 8 mm diameter round or u shaped earth pin which is 3 2 mm longer than the two flat blades so the device is grounded before the power is connected. Use this nema plug chart to identify a configuration by pin array or designation. In building wiring systems the neutral wire is connected to earth ground at only one point. Acupwr s nema chart can help you identify which nema plug or receptacle you have.

Neutral wire is the return conductor of a circuit.