It's All About NEMA...
If you're planning on purchasing a plug or cord, or a new piece of commercial equipment, you should make sure that it matches the voltage and amperage of your device. The rating of a plug should be stamped right on its metal shell. There are some important things you need to know before buying a plug or cord; this article will tell you everything!
If you’ve ever traveled internationally, you know that plug outlets look different in different parts of the world. That’s because each country has its own regulations in terms of electrical plugs and power. The standard plug and jack sizes used in North America are based on the NEMA standards.
Important Terminology
When you start to understand the terminology of electricity, you will be well on your way to understanding the NEMA plug.
Power is measured in watts, which are a function of voltage (V), amperage (A) and hertz (Hz).
The watt is a unit of power and is equal to one joule per second. It's named after James Watt, inventor of the steam engine.
Electrical voltage is the measure of potential energy per unit charge inside an electrical circuit. It shows how much energy can be transferred from one end to another with a certain amount of current flowing through it. Voltage is measured in volts (V).
Electrical current is the measure of flow of electrons through a circuit. It shows how much electricity is being used by a device at any given time. Current is measured in amps (A).
All About NEMA Plugs🔌
First, what does NEMA stand for? It stands for the National Electronic Manufacturers Association. NEMA created the industry standard for electrical plugs and receptacles that are still widely used in North America today. NEMA connectors include both power plugs and receptacles. Varying plugs will have different ratings of amperage, electric current carrying capacity, voltage, and grounding system.
NEMA 6-15 plugs are used for 15A circuits, while NEMA 6-20 plugs are used for 20A circuits. They're also known as straight-blade or flat blades because they have a rectangular shape that makes it easy to insert them into receptacles; you don't need any tools.
NEMA PLUGS
NEMA RECEPTACLES (ex. NEMA 6-20R)
So, if you're looking to buy a new plug or cord, it's important that you know what standard and rating it's compatible with before purchasing. Some plugs are only rated for indoor use while others can be used indoors or outdoors. In addition, some plugs will fit into different types of receptacles such as NEMA 6-15P or NEMA 6-20P. If you're ever unsure about what type of device has been installed in your home or business by an electrician—or want to find out if there is an alternative solution available—consult with an expert from an electrical supply store near you!
It’s important to have a basic understanding of electrical power when considering buying commercial food business equipment. You will see electrical power settings in the product description of our food equipment. If you have any questions, please contact a local electrician or if you have any questions about a specific product, please contact a team member and we’d be happy to help!