NEMA 5-20P 20A 125V Plug Adapter Blocks
Reference guide:NEMA connector guide →
1
configurations
About NEMA 5-20P 20A 125V Plug Adapter Blocks
Adapting a North American 20 Amp 125 Volt Outlet to work with your plug
If your plug will not mate with your power source (5-20R Outlet, generally found in new construction in North America) you will need to use a plug adapter block in order to access the power for your equipment. We stock a variety of configurations, making this process easy and straight forward. While these plug adapters will not convert voltage from the standard 125 Volts of power the outlet has, it will allow you to plug in a different configuration to access the power from it.
Adapting Locking NEMA to a 20 Amp 125 Volt Standard Plug
If you need to adapt your Locking NEMA 125 Volt Plug type to a standard plug type to access power, these adapter blocks can make your life a whole lot easier. They will mate with the locking plug attached to your equipment and allow you to plug into a standard wall outlet. Just be sure that the plug is not in a high traffic area as this will remove the locking feature of the cord set.
The plugs and connectors in this collection
What each end is, what it mates with, and where to find every cord built on it.
Plug · NEMA
NEMA 5-20P
- 20 Amps
- 125 volts
On 1 of the cords here
The NEMA 5-20P is a 3 Wire grounded plug featuring two blades and one ground pin rated up to 125V AC and 20 Amps. The NEMA 5-20P is used in applications that require higher power draw such as large refrigerators, space heaters,large kitchen mixers, etc. The 5-20R T-SLot receptacle allows you to plug in either a 5-20P or a 5-15P plug, allowing greater flexibility. In modern home installations, 5-20R T-Slot receptacles are often used when 20A circuits are installed due to flexibility of being downward compatable with the 5-15P.
Mates with NEMA 5-20R Outlet
Connector
NEMA L5-20R
- 20 Amps
- 125 volts
On 1 of the cords here
The NEMA L5-20R is a twist-locking NEMA connector that is rated for 125VAC and 20 Amps of power in North America. The Twist Lock configuration can lock into place by twisting the plug and connector after mating. This is an effective solution for high-traffic areas and powering equipment like electrical motors that should not be unplugged under load.
Mates with NEMA L5-20P Inlet
About NEMA 5-20P 20A 125V Plug Adapter Blocks
The NEMA 5-20P adapter block will allow you to access power from a standard 20 Amp power source in North America (5-20R) and adapt the configuration to a specific outlet type that will mate with your equipment's power supply cord. If your power source is a NEMA 5-20R and your plug will not mate with it, this is the product line you are looking for.
Related
- Power Cord Selection Calculator
- Power Cord Configurator
- Locking Power Cord Comparison Guide
- Same-Day Shipping Power Cords
- Request an Instant Quote
Choosing the Right NEMA 5-20P Adapter Block
When do you need a 5-20P plug adapter?
A NEMA 5-20P adapter block is the right solution when your power source is a 20-amp, 125-volt (5-20R) outlet and your equipment's cord or inlet uses a different configuration — most commonly a twist-locking NEMA connector such as the L5-20R.
Key things to verify before ordering
- Source outlet type: Confirm your wall outlet is a 5-20R (T-slot). A 5-20P plug will not fit a standard 5-15R outlet.
- Required output configuration: Match the adapter's female end to your equipment's inlet. The connector type is listed in each product's specifications.
- Amperage compatibility: These adapters are rated for 20A, 125V. Do not use them on circuits rated below 20 amps.
- Environment: Adapter blocks are not recommended for high-traffic areas where accidental disconnection is a risk, as they bypass the locking feature of any locking cord attached.
UL and cUL listing
Every adapter in this collection carries UL and cUL certification, meeting North American safety standards for commercial and industrial use. Compliance documentation is available from our sales team.
Current rating
20 Amps
Voltage rating
125 volts
Plug (male end)
NEMA 5-20P
Connector (female end)
NEMA L5-20R
Certifications & compliance
- UL
- cUL
- Every cord we build is hi-pot tested
- Same-day shipping by 2:30 PM ET
- NET 30/60/90 for approved accounts
- In-house engineering and compliance support
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a NEMA 5-20P and a NEMA 5-15P plug?
- The NEMA 5-20P is a 20-amp, 125-volt plug; its neutral blade is horizontal, which is what distinguishes it visually from the NEMA 5-15P (15-amp, 125-volt), whose blades are both vertical. Because the 5-20R receptacle has a T-slot, it accepts both plug types — but a 5-20P will not fit a standard 5-15R receptacle.
- Will a NEMA 5-20P adapter block work in a standard 15-amp wall outlet?
- No. The NEMA 5-20P plug has a horizontal neutral blade that does not fit a standard 5-15R (15-amp) receptacle. These adapter blocks are designed to plug into a 5-20R outlet — the T-slot 20-amp receptacle found in newer North American construction — and convert the female end to a different configuration such as a locking NEMA connector.
- Can I use a 5-20P adapter block in a high-traffic or production environment?
- Adapter blocks are suitable for many applications, but the page notes that using one removes the locking feature of any locking cord attached to it. In high-traffic areas where accidental disconnection is a concern, a permanently wired outlet or a native locking receptacle is the safer choice. All adapters in this collection are UL and cUL listed.
- What configurations can I adapt a NEMA 5-20P outlet to?
- The adapters in this collection convert a NEMA 5-20R source outlet to other plug or connector configurations — for example, the NEMA L5-20R twist-locking connector shown here. The female (connector) end varies by part number. If you need a configuration not shown, contact the sales team or use the Power Cord Configurator for a custom solution.