NEMA Plug & Receptacle Configuration Lookup

Lookup pinouts, voltages (120V–480V), wire sizes, breaker ratings & wire color codes for NEMA 5-15, 14-50, L14-30 & all NEMA WD-6 devices.

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⚡ Test your knowledge
NEC Article 220 was renumbered in the 2026 code cycle. What is the new article number?
  • A. Art. 100
  • B. Art. 120
  • C. Art. 200
  • D. Art. 230
💡 NEC 2026 renumbered Article 220 (Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations) to Article 120.
Energy Management Systems were moved from Article 750 to which article in NEC 2026?
  • A. Art. 100
  • B. Art. 125
  • C. Art. 130
  • D. Art. 150
💡 NEC 2026 moved Energy Management Systems from Article 750 to Article 130.
Which NEC standard size overcurrent device comes after 90A?
  • A. 95A
  • B. 100A
  • C. 110A
  • D. 105A
💡 Per NEC §240.6(A), the standard sizes are …90, 100, 110, 125… There is no 95A standard size.

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How it works & the NEC rules behind it

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA WD-6) standard establishes uniform dimensions, blade geometries, and safety configurations for electrical wiring devices across North America.

How NEMA Designations Work:

  • Prefix (L vs Standard): Standard numbers (e.g. 5-15, 14-50) are straight-blade non-locking devices. The prefix "L" (e.g. L5-30, L14-30) indicates a twist-locking plug and receptacle.
  • First Number (Voltage & Pole Configuration):
    • 5: 125V, 2-Pole 3-Wire Grounding (1 Hot, 1 Neutral, 1 Ground)
    • 6: 250V, 2-Pole 3-Wire Grounding (2 Hots, 1 Ground — No Neutral)
    • 14: 125/250V, 3-Pole 4-Wire Grounding (2 Hots, 1 Neutral, 1 Ground)
    • 15: 250V 3-Phase Delta, 3-Pole 4-Wire Grounding (3 Hots, 1 Ground)
    • 21: 120/208V 3-Phase Wye, 4-Pole 5-Wire Grounding (3 Hots, 1 Neutral, 1 Ground)
  • Second Number (Amperage Rating): Indicates continuous current rating (15A, 20A, 30A, 50A, 60A).
  • NEC Multi-Outlet Rule (§210.21(B)(3)): On a 20A multi-receptacle branch circuit, both 15A and 20A receptacles are permitted. On a 15A circuit, only 15A receptacles are permitted.

Formulas & equations

Max Continuous Load = Receptacle Rating × 80% (e.g., 50A × 0.80 = 40A Continuous EVSE) Min Conductor Sizing = Sized per NEC Table 310.16 (60°C or 75°C Column)

NEC reference table

NEMA Type Voltage & Configuration Min Wire Gauge Max Continuous Load Common Applications
NEMA 5-15125V (2P 3W Grounding)#14 AWG Cu12 Amps (1,440W)Standard household outlets
NEMA 5-20125V (2P 3W T-Slot)#12 AWG Cu16 Amps (1,920W)Kitchen countertop, commercial
NEMA 6-50250V (2P 3W No Neutral)#6 AWG Cu40 Amps (9.6 kW)Welders, basic EV chargers
NEMA 14-30125/250V (3P 4W Grounding)#10 AWG Cu24 Amps (5.76 kW)Modern residential clothes dryers
NEMA 14-50125/250V (3P 4W Grounding)#6 AWG Cu40 Amps (9.6 kW)Electric ranges, Level 2 EVSE, RV
NEMA L14-30125/250V (Locking 4-Wire)#10 AWG Cu24 Amps (5.76 kW)Portable generator inlets, transfer

Worked example, step by step

Example: Wiring a NEMA 14-50 Receptacle for a 40A Level 2 EV Charger

Specification: 50A 125/250V 4-Wire Receptacle in residential garage.

  • 1. Conductors in Romex / Conduit: 2 × #6 AWG Black & Red (Hots) + 1 × #6 AWG White (Neutral) + 1 × #10 AWG Bare/Green (EGC per Table 250.122).
  • 2. Circuit Breaker: 50A 2-Pole 240V Circuit Breaker.
  • 3. Continuous EV Load (§625.41): Sized at 80% continuous limit: 50A × 0.80 = 40 Amps Max EV Draw (9.6 kW).
  • 4. GFCI Protection (§210.8(A)): In residential garages, all 50A 250V receptacles require GFCI circuit breaker protection.

Frequently asked questions

NEMA 10-30 is a legacy 3-wire dryer outlet (Hot-Hot-Neutral, no equipment ground) that was banned for new installations in the 1996 NEC. NEMA 14-30 is the modern 4-wire standard (Hot-Hot-Neutral-Ground) that separates the neutral return from the metal appliance safety ground.

Under NEC Table 210.21(B)(3), a 20A branch circuit supplying two or more outlets is permitted to use standard 15A duplex receptacles because the internal dual-contact yoke is rated for 20A pass-through current.

The NEMA 14-50 is a 50A, 125/250V, 4-wire (Hot-Hot-Neutral-Ground) receptacle originally standardized for electric ranges, now the most common outlet for Level 2 EV chargers and RV shore power connections. It requires a 6 AWG copper (or 4 AWG aluminum) branch circuit protected by a 50A breaker.

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Receptacle Spacing Planner (6/12 Rule)

Calculate minimum receptacle outlets, maximum spacing, and layout compliance for rooms, kitchen countertops, and hallways per NEC §210.52.

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GFCI vs AFCI Requirement Checker

Determine where GFCI protection (§210.8) and AFCI protection (§210.12) are required by room, location, voltage, and occupancy type (dwelling vs commercial) under NEC 2026/2023.

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Wire Gauge Calculator

Find the minimum conductor size (AWG/kcmil) for any electrical load per NEC §310.16. Supports 60°C, 75°C, and 90°C ratings, continuous loads (125%), and parallel runs.

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