NEMA Straight Blade Plug, Receptacle (Outlet), and Connector Configurations


NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) straight blade outlet connectors are standardized electrical receptacles used to provide power connections in various settings. Typically made of conductive materials, such as various metals or alloys like copper, brass, or gold-plated materials, connector pins have a specific shape or design that allows them to fit into corresponding slots, sockets, or receptacles on another device or component. The different pin configurations for each voltage and amp combination in NEMA straight blade outlet connectors are designed to ensure safety, compatibility, and efficient electrical distribution.

The number of pins on an outlet connector can vary widely depending on the type and complexity of the connection required. The following tables show the straight blade plugs and receptacles for NEMA 5, NEMA 6, NEMA 7, NEMA 10, NEMA 14, NEMA 15, NEMA 18, and NEMA TT devices.

See also our NEMA Twist Lock Plug and Receptacle Configurations Chart.

What NEMA Part Numbers Mean

NEMA connectors are labeled with standardized configuration codes that indicate their voltage, current, and grounding characteristics, which helps users quickly identify the appropriate connector for their specific power needs.

NEMA Straight Blade Connector Part Numbers Diagram

NEMA Straight Blade Reference Charts For Nonlocking Plugs and Receptacles

2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
15 Amp
125V NEMA 5 NEMA 5-15R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
5‑15R

NEMA 5-15P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
5‑15P

NEMA TT --- ---
250V NEMA 6 NEMA 6-15R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
6‑15R

NEMA 6-15P Straight Blade plug

NEMA
6‑15P

277V AC NEMA 7 --- ---

2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
20 Amp
125V NEMA 5 NEMA 5-20R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
5‑20R

NEMA 5-20P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
5‑20P

NEMA TT --- ---
250V NEMA 6 NEMA 6-20R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
6‑20R

NEMA 6-20P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
6‑20P

277V AC NEMA 7 NEMA 7-20R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
7‑20R

NEMA 7-20P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
7‑20P

2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
30 Amp
125V NEMA 5 NEMA 5-30R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
5‑30R

NEMA 5-30P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
5‑30P

NEMA TT NEMA TT-30R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
TT‑30R

NEMA TT-30P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
TT‑30P

250V NEMA 6 NEMA 6-30R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
6‑30R

NEMA 6-30P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
6‑30P

277V AC NEMA 7 --- ---

2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
50 Amp
125V NEMA 5 --- ---
NEMA TT --- ---
250V NEMA 6 NEMA 6-50R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
6‑50R

NEMA 6-50P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
6‑50P

277V AC NEMA 7 --- ---

2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
60 Amp
125V NEMA 5 --- ---
NEMA TT --- ---
250V NEMA 6 --- ---
277V AC NEMA 7 --- ---

3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
15 Amp
125/250V NEMA 10 --- ---

3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
20 Amp
125/250V NEMA 10 NEMA 10-20R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
10‑20R

NEMA 10-20P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
10‑20P

3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
30 Amp
125/250V NEMA 10 NEMA 10-30R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
10‑30R

NEMA 10-30P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
10‑30P

3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
50 Amp
125/250V NEMA 10 NEMA 10-50R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
10‑50R

NEMA 10-50P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
10‑50P

3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
60 Amp
125/250V NEMA 10 --- ---

3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
15 Amp
125/250V NEMA 14 --- ---
3∅
250V
NEMA 15 --- ---

3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
20 Amp
125/250V NEMA 14 NEMA 14-20R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
14‑20R

NEMA 14-20P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
14‑20P

3∅
250V
NEMA 15 --- ---

3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
30 Amp
125/250V NEMA 14 NEMA 14-30R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
14‑30R

NEMA 14-30P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
14‑30P

3∅
250V
NEMA 15 NEMA 15-30R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
15‑30R

NEMA 15-30P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
15‑30P

3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
50 Amp
125/250V NEMA 14 NEMA 14-50R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
14‑50R

NEMA 14-50P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
14‑50P

3∅
250V
NEMA 15 NEMA 15-50R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
15‑50R

NEMA 15-50P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
15‑50P

3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
60 Amp
125/250V NEMA 14 --- ---
3∅
250V
NEMA 15 NEMA 15-60R Straight Blade Outlet Receptalce

NEMA
15‑60R

NEMA 15-60P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
15‑60P


4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
15 Amp
3∅Y
120/208V
NEMA 18 --- ---

4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
20 Amp
3∅Y
120/208V
NEMA 18 NEMA 18-20R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
18‑20R

NEMA 18-20P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
18‑20P

4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
30 Amp
3∅Y
120/208V
NEMA 18 --- ---

4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
50 Amp
3∅Y
120/208V
NEMA 18 --- ---

4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

Voltage Type Receptacle Plug
60 Amp
3∅Y
120/208V
NEMA 18 NEMA 18-60R Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

NEMA
18‑60R

NEMA 18-60P Straight Blade Plug

NEMA
18‑60P


What is a NEMA Straight Blade Connector?

A NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) straight blade connector is a type of standardized electrical connector commonly used for power connections in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The term "straight blade" refers to the flat, straight prongs and slots that are used for making the connection.

Straight blade connectors consist of both plugs (male connectors) and receptacles (female connectors) that work together to establish a secure electrical connection between devices and power sources. The inner wires (also known as conductors) are connected to the prongs or slots so that when both components come into contact, an electrical current can flow between the power source and the connected device. Often, connectors include a prong and slot for a grounding wire that will safely displace a faulty electrical current.

Example of a Grounded Connector

NEMA Straight Blade Grounded Connector Diagram with Ground, Live, and Neutral Prongs Labelled

What Does a Grounded Connector Look Like?

Grounded NEMA connectors look different from ungrounded connectors in that they have a rounded or arc-shaped ground pin or hole. The ground is a safety feature that allows excess current caused by wire damage, equipment failure, or surge to be transmitted safely to the ground, reducing the risk of personal injury or fire.

Example of an Ungrounded Connector

NEMA Straight Blade Ungrounded Connector Diagram with Live and Neutral Prongs Labelled

How to Find the Neutral?

On our NEMA chart and diagrams, the neutral is labeled W and is typically connected to the white wire. As detailed in our NEMA chart, the neutral sometimes has a unique shape that is distinct from other pins, but the shape of the neutral prong varies by NEMA type and amp rating. The neutral may be wider than other pins, T-shaped, or L-shaped.


Available Straight Blade Plugs, Receptacles, and Connectors

Straight Blade Plugs

NEMA Straight Blade Male Plug

Shop Straight Blade Plugs

Straight Blade Receptacles

NEMA Straight Blade Outlet Receptacle

Shop Straight Blade Receptacles

Straight Blade Connectors

NEMA Straight Blade Connector

Shop Straight Blade Connectors

Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician and consult the NEC® for safety. All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.