NEMA

NEMA AC Power Plugs and Receptacles

Standard: NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) Last updated: 2025-01-21

NEMA connectors are the North American standard, used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and some other countries. The system uses different physical configurations to prevent connecting devices to incompatible voltage/amperage circuits. The 14-50 outlet has become popular for EV charging since it's commonly available for RVs and electric ranges.

Quick Specifications

Max Speed

0 Mbps

Max Power

12500W

Pins

Reversible

⚠️ Common Confusion Points

5-15 and 5-20 receptacles look similar but 5-20 has a T-shaped neutral slot
5-15 plugs fit into 5-20 outlets, but 5-20 plugs don't fit 5-15 outlets
NEMA 10-30 (old 3-prong dryer) lacks ground - dangerous and being phased out
NEMA 14-30 and 14-50 are NOT interchangeable despite similar appearance
US 120V devices will be damaged by 240V - travel adapters don't convert voltage
First number indicates voltage/phase, second number indicates amperage
Locking versions (L5-15, L6-20, etc.) twist-lock and aren't interchangeable with standard

Protocols & Versions

Protocol	Data Rate	Power	Max Length
NEMA 1-15 (2-prong) (1-15)	AC Power	125V, 15A (1875W max)	N/A - fixed wiring
NEMA 5-15 (Standard 3-prong) (5-15)	AC Power	125V, 15A (1875W max)	N/A - fixed wiring
NEMA 5-20 (T-slot 20A) (5-20)	AC Power	125V, 20A (2500W max)	N/A - fixed wiring
NEMA 6-15 (240V 15A) (6-15)	AC Power	250V, 15A (3750W max)	N/A - fixed wiring
NEMA 6-20 (240V 20A) (6-20)	AC Power	250V, 20A (5000W max)	N/A - fixed wiring
NEMA 14-30 (Dryer) (14-30)	AC Power	125/250V, 30A (7500W max)	N/A - fixed wiring
NEMA 14-50 (Range/EV) (14-50)	AC Power	125/250V, 50A (12500W max)	N/A - fixed wiring

NEMA 1-15 (2-prong) Features

2-prong ungrounded Polarized (one blade wider) Being phased out

Cable requirements: NEMA 1-15P plug

NEMA 5-15 (Standard 3-prong) Features

3-prong grounded Standard US household outlet Most common

Cable requirements: NEMA 5-15P plug

NEMA 5-20 (T-slot 20A) Features

3-prong grounded T-shaped neutral slot Accepts 5-15 and 5-20 plugs

Cable requirements: NEMA 5-20P plug (or 5-15P)

NEMA 6-15 (240V 15A) Features

3-prong grounded 240V single phase Horizontal blades

Cable requirements: NEMA 6-15P plug

NEMA 6-20 (240V 20A) Features

3-prong grounded 240V single phase Common for window AC, some EVs

Cable requirements: NEMA 6-20P plug

NEMA 14-30 (Dryer) Features

4-prong grounded 240V split phase Electric dryers, some EV chargers

Cable requirements: NEMA 14-30P plug

NEMA 14-50 (Range/EV) Features

4-prong grounded 240V split phase Electric ranges, RVs, Level 2 EV charging

Cable requirements: NEMA 14-50P plug

Connector Specifications

Shape: rectangular with parallel/perpendicular blades
Pins: 3
Width × Height: 32 × 22 mm
Depth: 20 mm
Reversible: No

Electrical Specifications

Max Voltage: 250V
Max Current: 50A
Max Power: 12500W

Compatibility

Can Adapt To

IEC 60320 (via power cord)
Other regional plugs (travel adapters)

Can Adapt From

Travel adapters from other countries (check voltage!)

Common Uses

All US household electronics
Computers and monitors
Kitchen appliances
Electric dryers (14-30)
Electric ranges (14-50)
EV chargers (6-20, 14-30, 14-50)
Window AC units (6-15, 6-20)
Workshop equipment

Buying Guide

For standard household use, NEMA 5-15 is universal. For high-power appliances, verify the outlet type before purchasing - dryers use 14-30, ranges use 14-50. For EV charging, 14-50 is most versatile. Never use adapters to fit a higher-amperage plug into a lower-amperage outlet. Have an electrician install dedicated circuits for 240V or high-amperage needs.

Also Known As

US plug North American outlet Edison plug Wall outlet