NEMA connector

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). Different combinations of contact blade widths, shapes, orientation, and dimensions create non-interchangeable connectors that are unique for each combination of voltage, electric current carrying capacity, and grounding system.

NEMA 1-15P (two-pole, no ground) and NEMA 5-15P (two-pole with ground pin) plugs are used on commonplace domestic electrical equipment, and NEMA 5-15R is the standard 15 A electric receptacle (outlet) found in the United States and, under relevant national standards, in Canada (CSA C22.2 No. 42) and Mexico (NMX-J-163-ANCE). Other plug and receptacle types are for special purposes or for heavy-duty applications.

The dimensional standard for electrical connectors is ANSI/NEMA WD-6 and is available from the NEMA website.

The terms used to describe electrical connectors and their parts are normally those included in IEC 60050, the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (of which the US is a full member). IEC 60050 is also available (no charge) as IEV Online. However, NEMA, the NFPA National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Contractors Association's NECA 130 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Wiring Devices and this article use some terminology which is not covered in IEC 60050 and may not be familiar to non-residents of North America.

The term plug is in general and technical use in all forms of English, however the term receptacle does not appear in IEC 60050 and the internationally accepted term is socket-outlet. Similarly, blade meaning the contact of a plug is not normally used outside North America, although blade contact is defined in IEC 60050, however the normal English term used in connection with mains plugs is pin.

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