NEMA Power Cords

Frequently asked questions

Does my Nema 1 15p need a ground?

The NEMA 1-15P Standard does not utilize a ground, the equipment that uses this plug most likely has a double insulated casing that has been approved by NEMA and other applicable safety agencies to not require an electrical ground. In the past, the NEMA 1-15P was the standard plug type, but in recent years it has been replaced by the NEMA 5-15P for safety reasons for electrical devices that do not have additional grounding precautions internally.

What does NEMA 1-15p polarized plug mean for plugging into a power source?

The NEMA 1-15 Series are 2 prong, ungrounded cords which are commonly found in North America powering lamps, clocks, radios, battery chargers and other double insulated consumer electronics that don't require grounding. Due to advances in grounding safety standards, the NEMA 1-15R (receptacle) was prohibited from new construction in the United States and Canada in 1962 and has since been replaced by the NEMA 5-15R (receptacle) which is backwards compatible with the 1-15P (ungrounded plug). Due to its plug shape, the 1-15P can be plugged in either way, so in some cases polarity must be established when the device distinguishes between the line and neutral conductors. This is done by making the neutral blade 1/16in bigger than the line blade to prevent reverse connection.

Are these extension cords rated for outdoor use?

No. We stock power cables with SJT cable jacket that is rated for indoor use and can withstand oils, chemicals and other things that may be exposed to the cable in an indoor environment. If your looking for an outdoor rated cable, search for extension cords with SJTW cable jacket as these are deemed “Weather Proof”.

What type of power supply cord do I need?

Your power cord will be determined based on what you are powering in your home, office or industrial warehouse. In North America, the most commonly present power source is a NEMA 5-15R Wall Outlet. If this is your closest power source, then you will need to select the right NEMA 5-15P Power cord to power your device! Look at the power inlet located on your device and reference the different connectors we have available in this product series. We offer the C5, C13, C15, 5-20R, L5-20R, L5-30R, L5-15R and even some splitter options to power multiple devices at once.

What is the Difference between NEMA 5-15 and 6-15, how to know what power outlet your looking at.?

NEMA 5-15 is the more popular little brother of the NEMA 6-15. It is much more prevalent across North America, however, it packs half the punch as it delivers 125 Volts compared to the 250 Volts that the NEMA 6-15 delivers. Since this additional power is not required for the majority of household appliances, the 6-15P 250 Volt Power source is generally only located in places where high powered devices or small machines are intended to be used. The NEMA 5-15R will have vertical pin holes, and the 6-15R will have horizontal pin holes.

Why are there different blade orientations for the plugs?

Electrical Safety. When the engineers at NEMA devised the orientations for power connections used in North America, their primary concern was electrical safety. To protect the end user, manufacturers and local electrical installations must conform to these specific orientations. Think of the plug orientation as a key, and the electrical outlet power source as a lock. The “key” can only fit into a “lock” that can provide enough power that plug can draw. The outlet is determined based on the wire gauge and overcurrent protection installed by the electrician, while the plug is determined by the manufacturer based on the amount of energy required to power the device. In this way, the end user only has to find the matching orientation, and all of the specifics of electrical safety are handled by professionals.

What do the different numbers mean for NEMA Power Cord Designations?

Voltage and Amperage Classification. Under the NEMA classification, the first number (extends into double digits) will designate the voltage and conductor count. The second number (commonly distinguished from the first with a “-”) is the amperage rating. For example the NEMA 1-15P is rated for 125 Volts, without a ground under “NEMA 1” and is rated for up to 15 Amperes of power. To learn more about these classifications, refer to our comprehensive guide on NEMA Locking Configurations.

Can I plug a 5-15P into a 5-20R outlet?

Yes. The Engineers at NEMA have thoughtfully considered configurations that can be cross connected where it will not compromise electrical safety. In this circumstance, the NEMA 5-20R Outlet is rated for 125 Volts and 20 Amperes, and the 5-15P plug will only draw up to 15 Amperes. This allows convenience for the end user to access power from a 20 Amp power source, if their equipment only requires up to 15 Amperes.

What NEMA cord do I need for my equipment?

Your required power cable will depend on a few factors, including accessible power supplies, the inlet type of your device and the amperage it requires. First determine the inlet type on your equipment, this will be the recessed cavity with 3-5 metal pins sticking out. Refer to our IEC 60320 Reference Chart to determine which specific configuration this is. The NEMA plug type of your cable should be based on the available power outlet near your equipment. The plug will need to match the outlet type, if you are unsure of what that is, refer to our “Components” tab that defines all of the NEMA plug types and what they mate with. We typically offer the wire gauges best suited for the application of the plug/connector combination of the cord set, however for assurance the cable will be suitable for your application you can refer to your equipment's name plate or electrical specifications.

Are NEMA cords rated for use in Canada?

Yes. All of our NEMA Product Lines are rated for use in both Canada and the United States. Many countries around the world use the NEMA set of standards for their general use electrical connections, however each country will have its own approval agency, that will determine if the product is “approved” for use in that country. In the United States this is “UL”, and in Canada it is “cUL”, our NEMA Products are approved for through both of these agencies, and thus can be used in either country.

What is a NEMA power cord and what do the numbers mean?

NEMA stands for National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the body that standardizes North American plug and receptacle configurations. The designation works as follows:The first digit(s) identify the configuration family (e.g., 5 = 3-wire 125 V grounded; 6 = 3-wire 250 V grounded; 1 = 2-wire 125 V ungrounded).The number after the dash is the ampere rating (15 = 15 A, 20 = 20 A).The letter suffix indicates the device type: P = plug (male), R = receptacle (female).For example, a NEMA 5-15P is a 3-wire, 125 V, 15 A male plug — the standard North American power plug.

What is the difference between a NEMA 5-15P and a NEMA 5-20P plug?

Both are 3-wire, 125 V grounded plugs, but they differ in amperage and blade shape:NEMA 5-15P (15 A): Two parallel flat blades plus a round ground pin. Fits any standard 15 A or 20 A outlet.NEMA 5-20P (20 A): One blade is rotated 90° (T-shaped). It fits only 20 A receptacles (5-20R) and the 20 A slot of a 5-20R/5-15R combo outlet.If your equipment nameplate calls for a 20 A circuit, use a 5-20P cord. Do not use a 5-15P cord on a 20 A-rated device.

What is the difference between NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 6-15?

The key difference is voltage:NEMA 5-15 (125 V, 15 A): Standard North American household voltage. Used for most IT equipment, monitors, and general-purpose devices.NEMA 6-15 (250 V, 15 A): Higher voltage, used for industrial equipment, some servers, and power-hungry devices that run more efficiently at 250 V.The plugs are physically different and not interchangeable, so check your equipment's input voltage rating before ordering.

Are these NEMA cords rated for use in Canada?

Many cords in this collection carry both UL (US) and cUL (Canadian) listings, making them suitable for use in Canada under Canadian Electrical Code requirements. Look for the cUL certification badge on each product listing. If Canadian approval is mandatory for your application, filter by certification or contact our team to confirm compliance before ordering.