Revision as of 01:51, 13 September 2025

Summary

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) are two major organizations that define standards for electrical connectors used worldwide. NEMA connectors are primarily used in North America and feature a variety of locking and non-locking configurations designed for specific voltage and amperage ratings, making them common in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. IEC connectors, on the other hand, provide internationally recognized standards that promote compatibility across different countries and devices, such as the widely used IEC 60320 couplers for power cords on appliances and electronics. While both systems aim to ensure safety, reliability, and interoperability, their designs and naming conventions differ, requiring adapters or region-specific equipment when crossing markets.

NEMA Connectors

P = Plug (male), R = Receptacle (female)

Non-locking

Connector	Volts (V)	Amps (A)	Typical Uses
5-15	125	15	Household
5-20	125	20	Household/Commercial high-current
10-30	125/250	30	Clothes dryers, kitchen ranges (deprecated)
14-30	125/250	50	EV Charging, Ovens, Welders, Portable Generators
14-50	125/250	50	EV Charging, Ovens, Welders, Portable Generators
TT-30	125	30	Travel Trailer (RV/Campers)

Twist-locking

Connector	Plug	Receptacle	Volts (V)	Amps (A)	Typical Uses
L5-30			125	30	Portable Generators

IEC

tbd

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 |-
 | 5-15 || [[File:N5-15P.png|200px|thumb|left]] || [[File:N5-15R.png|200px|thumb|left]] || 125 || 15 || Household
+|-
+| 5-20 || [[File:N5-20P.png|200px|thumb|left]] || [[File:N5-20R.png|200px|thumb|left]] || 125 || 20 || Household/Commercial high-current
 |-
 | 10-30 || [[File:N10-30P.png|200px|thumb|left]] || [[File:N10-30R.png|200px|thumb|left]] || 125/250 || 30 || Clothes dryers, kitchen ranges (deprecated)
+|-
+| 14-30 || [[File:N14-30P.png|200px|thumb|left]] || [[File:N14-30R.png|200px|thumb|left]] || 125/250 || 50 || EV Charging, Ovens, Welders, Portable Generators
+|-
+| 14-50 || [[File:N14-50P.png|200px|thumb|left]] || [[File:N14-50R.png|200px|thumb|left]] || 125/250 || 50 || EV Charging, Ovens, Welders, Portable Generators
 |-
 | TT-30 || [[File:TT-30P.png|200px|thumb|left]] || [[File:TT-30R.png|200px|thumb|left]] || 125 || 30 || Travel Trailer (RV/Campers)
-|-
-| 14-50 || [[File:N14-50P.png|200px|thumb|left]] || [[File:N14-50R.png|200px|thumb|left]] || 250 || 50 || EV Charging, Ovens, Welders, Portable Generators
 |}