You may be looking for a plug wondering, what is NEMA? What does it mean? Is it the name of Nemo’s long lost sister? Quail Electronics is here to explain all the ins and outs of NEMA, what it means, why it’s significant, and why it matters in the world of power cords.
NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association. As an association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, NEMA’s goal is to create and promote safe electrical products and standards. NEMA’s work includes standards for motors and generators, magnet wire, and, of course, plugs.
Our North American power cords are keyed by NEMA for current and voltage, which is the reference in North America. When a plug wears the label “NEMA”, you know it is an industry standard for safety. NEMA offers a wide array of plugs, and it can be daunting to figure out which one is the best for your situation. Below we have broken down the most common NEMA’s.
First, however, we’ll break down what NEMA means. Whenever there is an NEMA plug on our website, the name will include 2 sets of numbers and a letter, such as 5-15R. The first number will either be a 5 or 6 and refers to the line voltage. “5” is equivalent to 125 volts and “6” is equivalent to 250 volts. The only exception is 1, which is in the 1-15P, and denotes 125V. The 1-15P is a two-pronged plug. The second number, after the dash, refers to the amperage. A “15” on the plug would mean 15 amps. The last part of the name will feature either a P or an R. P indicates a plug, and R indicates a receptacle.
Certain outlets, you will notice, have one slot that is shaped like a T. This is to allow for different configurations of NEMA plugs. Certain plugs will have one horizontal slot and one vertical instead of two verticals, such as the NEMA 5-20P or 6-20P.
1. Standard North American Power Cords
NEMA is the standard for North American power cords, and can be two, three, four or five-pronged. Two or three prongs are the most common. NEMA plugs will fit into standard wall outlets in the United States and Canada. Popular configurations include the 5-15, 5-20, 6-15 and 6-20.
2. Hospital Grade
NEMA also features Hospital Grade power cords. These cords meet both NEMA and UL standards for hospital use. We’ve previously mentioned how important these cords are, but it’s worth mentioning again!
3. Locking NEMA
The Locking NEMA is ideal for high voltage/current situations. Our Locking NEMA can be rated up to 30A and 60V. Locking NEMA’s are construction grade. The twist and lock action guarantees that they will remain connected, even with the toughest jobs.