A standard which specifies the electrical connectors used on plug-in equipment in the USA. Different connectors for different applications are differentiated by the NEMA connector identification system.

The following charts depict the most common NEMA connectors to assist you in configuring power cables for your specific requirements.

The following links will open in a new browser window. Close or minimize the window to return here.

The NEMA identification system uses the following format:  

                NEMA (L) NN-AA (P or R)       as in     NEMA L14-30P

The "L" is optional and refers to "twist lock" type devices with curved pins. The NN refers to the NEMA style or application.Common values for "NN" are as follows:

    5=120V; 6=208V 1 phase      14=120V/240V 1 phase     21=120V/208V 3 phase

The "AA" refers to the maximum AMP rating of the connector. Common values for "AA" are 15, 20, 30, and 50. When followed by an "P", it refers to the plug end, and when followed by an "R", it refers to the receptacle. Many U.S. offices are wired with special 20 Amp receptacles which have a "T" receptacle configuration for one pin and can accept either a NEMA 5-15P or an NEMA 5-20P (this type of connector is not permitted in Canada).