Electrical equipment is used on a daily basis by people. This may be for a variety of purposes including business, comfort at home, and others. However, if you are unsure of which connector or plug to use - powering these gadgets can be really difficult.
It can be even more challenging to realize that the plugs would not fit in foreign outlets after travelling. In order to keep the equipment safe and avoid electrical hazards, it is important to understand the electrical standards. However, if you are up for some research, then you must have come to the term NEMA 5-15 connector. Well, to know more about the NEMA 5 15, keep reading until the end.
What is NEMA 5 - 15 P Power Cord?
NEMA 5 - 15 P power cords are the most popular plug configuration that you would come across. It is used on appliances like air conditioners, exercise equipment, heaters, light fixtures, food service appliances and more. For the devices requiring ground operating at NEMA 5 15p to 5 15r and 15 Amps at 120 Volts - using this plug is highly recommended.
It is because of the length of the ground pin relative to the blades - the electrical contact with the power source before the blades do is a crucial safety element to prevent electric shock. As the plug may be attached in one direction, the ground pin's presence also ensures polarity.
How Does the NEMA 5 - 15 P Connector Work?
The NEMA 5 15 to c13 power cords support voltage up to 125 volts. These voltage ratings and configurations are indicated by the number "5". If you use a plug at 250 volts, you will need to use something other than the standard NEMA 5-15 design, such as the NEMA 6-16. You can find people employing NEMA 5-15 at 220VAC that have not yet standardised their electrical standards. But extreme caution is needed in this condition.
You will discover that the connector's entire name specifies the plug and the socket pattern's rating. As a result, each letter and number has an impact on how the connector functions. From the first number, you can determine the voltage level of the NEMA 5 15p to 5 15r. For instance, the number " 1 " denotes a class II rating of 125 volts. The number " 5 " denotes a class 1 rating of 125 volts. Whereas the 6 number denotes 250 volts which falls under the Class I (grounded) rating.
What are the Uses of NEMA 5 - 15 Power Cord? How to Use NEMA 5-15 Power Cords the Right Way
NEMA 5 -15 to C13 Power cords comes with two shields. These are ideal to be used in industrial settings close to motors and high voltage signals or data environments with dense equipment concentrations. To be precise, they can be applied in delicate tests, labs, and medical applications using the equipment. The cord shielding includes additional over-braided conductors, a mylar foil wrap, and an internal drain wire. Before you install them, know that they are protected by shielding by lessening the effects of EMI and RFI interference.
What Are the Types of NEMA 5 - 15 Power Cords?
There are basically two types of NEMA 5 - 15 Power cords. These include non-locking and locking power cords. To know about them, keep reading until the end.
NEMA Locking Power Cords
Connectors with locking mechanisms provide a tight fit and continued connection. Locking connection plugs include curved blades that enable rotation when fitted into the outlet.
The vast majority of locking connections are made for industrial and commercial applications.
Miniature locking connectors are designated with the letter "ML". They are utilised in situations when larger locking connectors would not fit. There are three different kinds including two-pole-ungrounded with a 125 V rating, two-pole-grounded rated with 125 V and three-pole ungrounded with a rating of 125/250 V.
NEMA Non-Locking Power Cords
The most popular non-locking connectors are NEMA 1 and NEMA 5. Both two blades without a ground and two blades with ground are present. Building contractors are now required to install outlets with NEMA 5 ground plugs. The NEMA 1 series is being phased out gradually. The plug configuration, which comprises the number of poles, wires, and voltage, is the first number in the NEMA standardisation system.
Two-pole, three-wire, four-pole, five-wire, and other grounding configurations are possible. The ground pin is often positioned upward to prevent metal items from coming into touch with the hotline. The grounding pin is in the up position to protect the neutral and conducting connections from being damaged by the items which may be falling.
Final Words On NEMA 5-15 Power Cords and Their Uses
When using any electrical connector, you must know that it can be used to connect an electric device to a power source. Given that electrical power connectors are capable of carrying both alternating current as well as direct current. Therefore, this power outlet may be either one. To determine which plugs work with the right connectors, there are established standards.
