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NEMA Power Cords

What are NEMA power cords and where are they used?

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published the ANSI/NEMA WD 6 which specifies wiring devices utilized in North America. These power attachment devices have been thoughtfully engineered to prevent fire hazard and optimize usability. All buildings in North America use these configurations for power sources and can only be accessed with a matching NEMA Plug. Our power cables are built to the various NEMA standards and have all applicable approvals for the intended country of use.

Downgrading a NEMA device: plugging a 15 amp NEMA plug into a 20 amp outlet.

When the engineers at NEMA designed their configuration designs, they considered functionality and accessibility of the users. To increase usability of power sources, they designed some power sources in a way that a lesser rated plug can mate with the supply. For example, the NEMA 5-15P can plug into a NEMA 5-20R Outlet. This applies for the NEMA 6 Series as well, since this application has no electrical hazards, it was a thoughtful consideration of the designers of the configurations.

15A 125V NEMA1-15P Power Cords

The NEMA 1-15 Series are 2 prong, ungrounded cords which are commonly found in North America powering lamps, clocks, radios, battery chargers and other double insulated consumer electronics that don't require grounding. Due to advances in grounding safety standards, the NEMA 1-15R (receptacle) was prohibited from new construction in the United States and Canada in 1962 and has since been replaced by the NEMA 5-15R (receptacle) which is backwards compatible with the 1-15P (ungrounded plug). Due to its plug shape, the 1-15P can be plugged in either way, so in some cases polarity must be established when the device distinguishes between the line and neutral conductors. This is done by making the neutral blade 1/16in bigger than the line blade to prevent reverse connection. Japan has similar plug and receptacle which is easily mistaken for its appearance and functionality, however it is tested and approved by either METI or JIS and is not certified for use in North America.

Common uses for 1-15P

Power a non grounded, double insulated device
Power a small appliance in North America
Power a Samsung television
Power cable replacement for LED television

Available Cordages

18awg-2c SPT-2

Available Approvals

CSA
cUL
UL

Available Colors

Available Connectors

NEMA 1-15P (non-Polarized)

NEMA 1-15P (non-Polarized)

NEMA 1-15P (Polarized)

NEMA 1-15P (Polarized)

IEC 60320 C7

IEC 60320 C7

IEC 60320 C7 (Polarized)

IEC 60320 C7 (Polarized)

15A 125V NEMA 5-15P Power Cords

The NEMA 5-15P Plug is used very frequently around North America to supply electrical devices with power. It connects to the NEMA 5-15R and NEMA 5-20R Outlets that are located in every home, office, warehouse and building with 4 wall and a roof in the United States. The power source supplies up to 125 Volts and 15 Amperes of power, and offers a Ground pin or “Earthing Conductor” as a safety measure. Its fair to say that this power cable is a big deal; and we have an extensive selection to back that up. Browse for your next project or power cable replacement.

Common uses for 5-15P

Power a standard household electrical device in North America
Power a computer in North America
Power a monitor in North America
Power a standard household appliance in North America

Available Cordages

18awg-3c SJT
16awg-3c SJT
14awg-3c SJT
12awg-3c SJT
18awg-3c SVT

Available Approvals

UL
cUL

Available Colors

Available Connectors

NEMA 5-15P

NEMA 5-15P

NEMA 5-15P UP ANGLE

NEMA 5-15P UP ANGLE

IEC 60320 C5

IEC 60320 C5

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C13 Right Angle

IEC 60320 C13 Right Angle

2X IEC 60320 C13

2X IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C19

IEC 60320 C19

NEMA 5-15R

NEMA 5-15R

NEMA L5-15R

NEMA L5-15R

NEMA 5-20R

NEMA 5-20R

NEMA 5-20P Power Cords | 20A 125V Power Cables

NEMA 5-20P Power Cables are quickly becoming more widely used in North America. The NEMA 5-20R Outlet is the second most common wall outlet in North America and is starting to become the standard for many homes in the United States. The NEMA 5-15P can also be connected into this outlet, however it will never draw more than 15 Amps of power. Devices that require more power will utilize these 5-20P Plug power cables.

Common uses for 5-20P

Power a standard household electrical device in North America
Power a computer in North America
Power a monitor in North America
Power a standard household appliance in North America

Available Cordages

14awg-3c SJT
12awg-3c SJT

Available Approvals

UL
cUL

Available Colors

Available Connectors

NEMA 5-20P

NEMA 5-20P

NEMA 5-20P UP ANGLE

NEMA 5-20P UP ANGLE

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C19

IEC 60320 C19

NEMA 5-20R

NEMA 5-20R

NEMA L5-30R

NEMA L5-30R

NEMA 6-15P Industrial Grade Cords 15A 250V

The USA NEMA 6-15 power cords are used in many industrial settings where a 250V Plug is required to supply adequate power to the equipment. The additional voltage will allow larger machines to operate under the limitations of normal amperage circuits (15A and 20A Circuits) that are more commonly installed in smaller industrial buildings. These power cords use durable SJT jacket material that has been tried and trued for most indoor circumstances and will protect the current carrying conductors that supply the power to your equipment.

Common uses for 6-15P

Power small to medium size electrical motors in North America
Power home workshop tools
Power 250 volt equipment in North America

Available Cordages

14awg-3c SJT

Available Approvals

UL
cUL

Available Colors

Available Connectors

NEMA 6-15P

NEMA 6-15P

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C19

IEC 60320 C19

NEMA 6-15R

NEMA 6-15R

NEMA 6-20P Power Cords | 20A 250V Power Cables

The NEMA 6 20 power cords are designed to power the top end of standard equipment in industrial and house settings, and is the highest power supply cables for our non-locking NEMA Series. These cables access power from 250 Volt 20 Ampere rated outlets, which is a significant amount of power for a non-locking connection. Ensure your cable is not in a high traffic area and will not be accidentally unplugged under-load as this can create an electrical arc which is a fire hazard. Consider our Twist Locking NEMA Cables for your application in areas of high foot traffic.

Common uses for 6-20P

Power small to medium size electrical motors in North America
Power home workshop tools
Power 250 volt equipment in North America

Available Cordages

14awg-3c SJT
12awg-3c SJT

Available Approvals

UL
cUL

Available Colors

Available Connectors

NEMA 6-20P

NEMA 6-20P

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C19

IEC 60320 C19

NEMA 6-20R

NEMA 6-20R

Does my Nema 1 15p need a ground?

What does NEMA 1-15p polarized plug mean for plugging into a power source?

Are these extension cords rated for outdoor use?

What type of power supply cord do I need?

What is the Difference between NEMA 5-15 and 6-15, how to know what power outlet your looking at.

Why are there different blade orientations for the plugs?

What do the different numbers mean for NEMA Power Cord Designations?

Can I plug a 5-15P into a 5-20R outlet?

What NEMA cord do I need for my equipment?

Are NEMA cords rated for use in Canada?

IEC 60320 C5

IEC 60320 C5

The IEC 60320 C5 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 2.5 Amps Internationally or 125V and 10 Amps in North America. The C5 mates with a C6 inlet, and is commonly used for laptop power supplies, projectors, and some televisions. Being slightly smaller in size than the C13, the C5 can be a good choice for smaller appliances. This connector is sometimes referred to as a "Mickey Mouse" connector due to the shape of the connector looking similar to the kids television show character.

Synonyms

  • iec-60320-c5
  • mickey mouse connector
  • C5 Plug
  • IEC c5
  • IEC 320 C5

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 250 volts
Current (Amps) 10 Amps

Mates with: IEC 60320 C6 Inlet

IEC 60320 C6 Inlet

Commonly found on:

Monitor power supply
Electric razor
Portable projector
Laptop power supply
LCD monitor
Instrument amplifiers
Audio equipment
Video equipment

IEC 60320 C7

IEC 60320 C7

The IEC 60320 C7 is an ungrounded 2 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 2.5 Amps Internationally or 125V and 10 Amps in North America. The C7 mates with a C8 inlet, and is commonly used for laptop power supplies, video game consoles, televisions, and other double-insulated small appliances. This connector is sometimes referred to as a "Figure-8" or "Shotgun" connector due to it's shape. A variation of the C7 exists, sometimes referred to as a C7P or C7 Polarized, although it is not documented in the IEC 60320 standard. The C7P has one square side and one circular side so the connector only mates with the inlet using the correct pin configuration.

Synonyms

  • c7 power cord
  • iec 320 C7
  • iec c7
  • shotgun connector

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125 volts
Current (Amps) 10 Amps

Mates with: IEC 60320 C8 Inlet

IEC 60320 C8 Inlet

Commonly found on:

Non grounded low power device
Video game consoles
Televisions
Small stereo systems
Small radios

IEC 60320 C13

IEC 60320 C13

The IEC 60320 C13 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C13 mates with a C14 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. Most people know the C13 as 'the thing that plugs into my computer' because it is the standard connector used to power most desktop computers. In a desktop computer application, the most common cable is the NEMA 5-15P to C13, which connects your standard North American wall outlet to a desktop computer.

Synonyms

  • IEC 60320 C14 Receptacle
  • c14 connector
  • c14 receptacle
  • c14 outlet

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125/250V
Current (Amps) 15 Amps

Mates with: IEC 60320 C14 Inlet

IEC 60320 C14 Inlet

Commonly found on:

Data centers
Desktop computers
Desktop monitors
Medical equipment
Test equipment
IT equipment
Commercial appliances
Professional food equipment
Power distribution connection
Audio equipment

IEC 60320 C15

IEC 60320 C15

The IEC 320 C15 Power cable is used to power electrical devices that emit so much heat (intentionally or unintentionally) that they require a power connection that can withstand more than the 70 °C (158 °F) temperature rating of the standard C13. In combination with the C14 plug type, the use cases of this high-temperature cable are almost exclusively data center environments. This cable would most likely be found supplying a High-Powered Switch power from a rack-mounted PDU power supply source. If your equipment has a IEC320 C16 Inlet it should only be mated with the matching C15-Power Connector.

Synonyms

  • kettle power cable
  • high temp iec connector
  • c15 power
  • kettle lead
  • notched c13
  • cisco c13
  • keyed c13
  • keyed power cord
  • hot condition coupler
  • kettle plug

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125/250V
Current (Amps) 15 Amps

Mates with: IEC 60320 C16 Inlet

IEC 60320 C16 Inlet

Commonly found on:

Electric kettles
IoE (Internet over Ethernet) Switches
Kitchen Appliances
High energy servers
Home stills
Data centers

IEC 60320 C19

IEC 60320 C19

The IEC 60320 C19 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 20 Amps. The C19 mates with a C20 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. The C19 is typically used in high powered blade server chassis, large network routers, and other IT equipment that draws more power than a standard C13 can accommodate.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125/250V
Current (Amps) 20 Amps

Mates with: IEC 60320 C20 Inlet

IEC 60320 C20 Inlet

Commonly found on:

Power distribution connection
High powered switch
Rack mount server
High power IT equipment
Data centers

IEC 60320 C13 Right Angle

IEC 60320 C13 Right Angle

The IEC 60320 C13 is a grounded 3 Wire connector rated up to 250V and 15 Amps. The C13 mates with a C14 inlet, and is commonly used in a jumper cable scenario in IT Installations providing power from a PDU to a server, router, switch or other computing device. Most people know the C13 as 'the thing that plugs into my computer' because it is the standard connector used to power most desktop computers. In a desktop computer application, the most common cable is the NEMA 5-15P to C13, which connects your standard North American wall outlet to a desktop computer. With the ground at 12:00 and looking at the back of the C13 (when plugged in), the cord exits at 3:00 (to the right).

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125/250V
Current (Amps) 15 Amps

Mates with: IEC 60320 C14 Inlet

IEC 60320 C14 Inlet

Commonly found on:

Data centers
Desktop computers
Desktop monitors
Medical equipment
Test equipment
IT equipment
Commercial appliances
Professional food equipment
Power distribution connection
Audio equipment

IEC 60320 C7 (Polarized)

IEC 60320 C7 (Polarized)

The IEC 60320 C7 Polarized is rated for 250VAC and 2.5 Amps. It is the "polarized" version of the C7, meaning the configuration was slightly modified to prevent mating with an inlet in either direction. This is required for products that are not internally wired to accept the line/load in either direction. The reason for this distinction is added ease of use for the customer, although some manufacturers do not take the extra step in order to keep their costs down.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125 volts
Current (Amps) 10 Amps

Mates with: IEC 60320 C8 Polarized Inlet

IEC 60320 C8 Polarized Inlet

Commonly found on:

Non grounded low power device
Video game consoles
Televisions
Small stereo systems
Small radios

NEMA 5-15R

NEMA 5-15R

The NEMA 5-1R connector mates with a NEMA 5-15P plug (the standard plug used in residential homes in North America. Rated at 125V and 15amps. The NEMA 5-15R connector is typically used in an extension cord or a cable adapter.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125 volts
Current (Amps) 15 Amps

Mates with: NEMA 5-15P Inlet

NEMA 5-15P Inlet

Commonly found on:

Generators in North America
Equipment inlet in North America

NEMA 5-20R

NEMA 5-20R

The NEMA 5-20R connector is used to mate

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125 volts
Current (Amps) 20 Amps

Mates with: NEMA 5-20P Inlet

NEMA 5-20P Inlet

Commonly found on:

Generators in North America
Equipment inlet in North America
Warehouses

NEMA 6-15R

NEMA 6-15R

The NEMA 6-15R Connector (Female) is rated for 250VAC and 15 Amperes, and is used in North America under the NEMA set of standards. The connector type is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings to supply power to smaller electrical motors and equipment.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 250 volts
Current (Amps) 15 Amps

Mates with: NEMA 6-15P Inlet

NEMA 6-15P Inlet

Commonly found on:

Air compressors
Space heaters
Large air conditioners
Large heat guns

NEMA 6-20R

NEMA 6-20R

The NEMA 6-20R Connector (Female) is rated for 250VAC and 20 Amperes, and is used in North America under the NEMA set of standards. It can mate with the matching NEMA 6-20P Plug type.The connector type is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings to supply power to smaller electrical motors and equipment.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 250 volts
Current (Amps) 20 Amps

Mates with: NEMA 6-20P Inlet

NEMA 6-20P Inlet

Commonly found on:

Air compressors
Space heaters
Large air conditioners
Large heat guns
Garage in North America

NEMA L5-15R

NEMA L5-15R

The NEMA L5-15R is a twist-locking NEMA connector that is rated for 125VAC and 15 Amps of power in North America. The Twist Lock configuration can lock into place by twisting the plug and connector after mating. This is an effective solution for high-traffic areas and powering equipment like electrical motors that should not be unplugged under load.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125 volts
Current (Amps) 15 Amps

Mates with: NEMA L5-15P Inlet

NEMA L5-15P Inlet

Commonly found on:

Light fixtures in North America
Warehouses
Equipment inlet in North America

NEMA L5-30R

NEMA L5-30R

The NEMA L5-30R is a twist-locking NEMA connector that is rated for 125VAC and 30 Amps of power in North America. It is designed to mate with the matching NEMA L5-30P Plug type. The Twist Lock configuration can lock into place by twisting the plug and connector after mating. This is an effective solution for high-traffic areas and powering equipment like electrical motors that should not be unplugged under load.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125 volts
Current (Amps) 30 Amps

Mates with: NEMA L5-30P Inlet

NEMA L5-30P Inlet

Commonly found on:

Warehouses
Generators in North America
Recreational vehicle campsite
Large docks for boats requiring shore power
Garage in North America

2X IEC 60320 C13

2X IEC 60320 C13

The IEC 60320 C13 2x Splitter is a 1 to 2 power tap that allows you to plug in 2 devices into 1 power source. They are rated for 250VAC and 15Amps collectively and convert 1 power source into 2 IEC 60320 C13 Connectors.

Specifications

Number of Legs (Splitter) 2 Legs (Splitter)
Voltage (Volts) 125/250V
Current (Amps) 15 Amps

Mates with: IEC 60320 C14 Inlet

IEC 60320 C14 Inlet

Commonly found on:

Data centers
Desktop computers
Desktop monitors
Medical equipment
Test equipment
IT equipment
Commercial appliances
Professional food equipment
Power distribution connection
Audio equipment

NEMA 1-15P (non-Polarized)

NEMA 1-15P (non-Polarized)

The NEMA 1-15P is a 2 Wire 2 Blade ungrounded plug rated at 125V and 15 Amps in North America. The use of NEMA 1-15R (the receptacle matching the 1-15P) is discontinued in new home installations in the U.S (since 1962). NEMA 1-15P are compatible with the NEMA 5-15R outlet.

Specifications

Current (Amps) 15 Amps
Voltage (Volts) 125 volts

Mates with: NEMA 5-15R Outlet

NEMA 5-15R Outlet

Commonly found on:

Hospitals
Houses in North America
Commercial kitchens
Offices in North America

NEMA 1-15P (Polarized)

NEMA 1-15P (Polarized)

The NEMA 1-15P is a 2 Wire 2 Blade ungrounded plug rated at 125V and 15 Amps in North America. The use of NEMA 1-15R (the receptacle matching the 1-15P) is discontinued in new home installations in the U.S (since 1962). NEMA 1-15P are compatible with the NEMA 5-15R outlet.

Specifications

Current (Amps) 15 Amps
Voltage (Volts) 125 volts

Mates with: NEMA 5-15R Outlet

NEMA 5-15R Outlet

Commonly found on:

Hospitals
Houses in North America
Commercial kitchens
Offices in North America

NEMA 5-15P

NEMA 5-15P

The NEMA 5-15P is a 3 Wire grounded plug featuring two blades (can be equal or unequal widths due to the ground pin forcing polarity) and one ground pin rated up to 125V AC and 15 Amps. The NEMA 5-15P is your standard household plug used for to connect small appliances such as TV's, Microwaves, hairdryers, etc to a wall outlet. The NEMA 5-15P is compatible with a Nema 5-20R T-Slot outlet, which is commonly found in new home installations.

Synonyms

  • 5-15p plug type
  • hbl515
  • NEMA 5
  • 5 15 plug

Specifications

Current (Amps) 15 Amps
Voltage (Volts) 125 volts

Mates with: NEMA 5-15R Outlet

NEMA 5-15R Outlet

Commonly found on:

Hospitals
Houses in North America
Commercial kitchens
Offices in North America

NEMA 5-20P

NEMA 5-20P

The NEMA 5-20P is a 3 Wire grounded plug featuring two blades and one ground pin rated up to 125V AC and 20 Amps. The NEMA 5-20P is used in applications that require higher power draw such as large refrigerators, space heaters,large kitchen mixers, etc. The 5-20R T-SLot receptacle allows you to plug in either a 5-20P or a 5-15P plug, allowing greater flexibility. In modern home installations, 5-20R T-Slot receptacles are often used when 20A circuits are installed due to flexibility of being downward compatable with the 5-15P.

Specifications

Current (Amps) 20 Amps
Voltage (Volts) 125 volts

Mates with: NEMA 5-20R Outlet

NEMA 5-20R Outlet

Commonly found on:

Offices in North America
Hospitals
Home workshops
Houses in North America
Commercial kitchens
Construction sites

NEMA 6-15P

NEMA 6-15P

The NEMA 6-15P is a 3 Wire grounded plug featuring two blades and a ground pin, rated up to 250V AC and 15 Amps. The NEMA 6-15P has two, horizontal blades on the top of the plug spaced 23⁄32" center to center and a ground pin spaced between the two on the bottom of the plug.

Specifications

Current (Amps) 15 Amps
Voltage (Volts) 250 volts

Mates with: NEMA 6-15R Outlet

NEMA 6-15R Outlet

Commonly found on:

Home workshops
Commercial kitchens
Manufacturing facilities
HVAC systems

NEMA 6-20P

NEMA 6-20P

The NEMA 6-20P is a 3 Wire grounded plug featuring two blades and one ground pin rated up to 250V AC and 20 Amps. The NEMA 6-20P has one horizontal blade and one vertical blade and mates with a 6-20R Outlet.

Specifications

Current (Amps) 20 Amps
Voltage (Volts) 250 volts

Mates with: NEMA 6-20R Outlet

NEMA 6-20R Outlet

Commonly found on:

Home workshops
Commercial kitchens
Manufacturing facilities
HVAC systems

NEMA 5-20P UP ANGLE

NEMA 5-20P UP ANGLE

The NEMA 5-20P is a 3 Wire grounded plug featuring two blades and one ground pin rated up to 125V AC and 20 Amps. The NEMA 5-20P is used in applications that require higher power draw such as large refrigerators, space heaters, large kitchen mixers, etc. The cord feeds into the plug head in the direction of the ground pin, giving this a low profile when connecting to a wall outlet. This product is commonly used in applications with small space requirements.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125 volts
Current (Amps) 20 Amps

Mates with: NEMA 5-20R Outlet

NEMA 5-20R Outlet

Commonly found on:

Offices in North America
Hospitals
Home workshops
Houses in North America
Commercial kitchens
Construction sites

NEMA 5-15P UP ANGLE

NEMA 5-15P UP ANGLE

The NEMA 5-15P is a 3 Wire grounded plug featuring two blades (can be equal or unequal widths due to the ground pin forcing polarity) and one ground pin rated up to 125V AC and 15 Amps. The NEMA 5-15P is your standard household plug used for to connect small appliances such as TV's, Microwaves, hairdryers, etc to a wall outlet. The NEMA 5-15P is compatible with a Nema 5-20R T-Slot outlet, which is commonly found in new home installations. The cord feeds into plug head from the direction of the ground pin, making this plug style useful in tight applications where a standard plug cannot fit.

Specifications

Voltage (Volts) 125 volts
Current (Amps) 15 Amps

Mates with: NEMA 5-15R Outlet

NEMA 5-15R Outlet

Commonly found on:

Hospitals
Houses in North America
Commercial kitchens
Offices in North America