NEMA Plug and Outlet Chart
NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) designations identify plug and outlet configurations by voltage, amperage, number of poles, and grounding. The first number indicates configuration type; the second indicates amperage. "L" prefix means locking.
Common NEMA Configurations
| Designation | Ampere | Voltage | Poles | Wires | Grounding | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEMA 1-15 | 15A | 125V | 2 | 2 | No | Old ungrounded outlets, lamps |
| NEMA 5-15 | 15A | 125V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Standard US outlet (most common) |
| NEMA 5-20 | 20A | 125V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Kitchen/bath circuits, shop outlets |
| NEMA 5-30 | 30A | 125V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Industrial 125V 30A |
| NEMA 5-50 | 50A | 125V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Industrial 125V 50A |
| NEMA 6-15 | 15A | 250V | 2 | 3 | Yes | 250V 15A appliances |
| NEMA 6-20 | 20A | 250V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Air conditioners, shop tools |
| NEMA 6-30 | 30A | 250V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Welders, EVSE Level 2 charging |
| NEMA 6-50 | 50A | 250V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Welders, industrial tools, EV charging |
| NEMA 10-30 | 30A | 125/250V | 3 | 3 | No (old) | Old dryer outlet (phased out in NEC 1996) |
| NEMA 10-50 | 50A | 125/250V | 3 | 3 | No (old) | Old range outlet (phased out) |
| NEMA 14-30 | 30A | 125/250V | 3 | 4 | Yes | Dryers, Level 2 EV chargers |
| NEMA 14-50 | 50A | 125/250V | 3 | 4 | Yes | Electric ranges, 50A EV charging (Tesla Mobile Connector) |
| NEMA 14-60 | 60A | 125/250V | 3 | 4 | Yes | Large appliances, industrial |
| NEMA L6-20 | 20A | 250V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Locking outlet for generators/UPS |
| NEMA L6-30 | 30A | 250V | 2 | 3 | Yes | Locking connector, generators |
| NEMA L14-30 | 30A | 125/250V | 3 | 4 | Yes | Portable generator transfer switch inlets |
Common configurations only. NEMA publishes the complete standard (NEMA WD 6). Verify with equipment documentation and a licensed electrician before installing.
Reading the NEMA Designation
A NEMA designation like "14-50" breaks down as: configuration type 14 (3-pole, 4-wire, 125/250V), 50 amperes. An "L" prefix means the outlet and plug have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection.
The number of "wires" includes the ground. A 3-wire configuration has two hots and a ground (no neutral). A 4-wire has two hots, a neutral, and a ground.