Copper & Conduit

The spec charts from behind the counter.

Which device. Which rating. Which cord. Every number on this site is tied to the standard, the regulation or the manufacturer’s sheet it came from, and the source is listed where you can open it.

NEMA 5-15R receptacle face: 125 V, 15 A, 2 pole, 3 wire, groundingGW
5-15R125 V, 15 A2 pole, 3 wire
NEMA 5-20R receptacle face: 125 V, 20 A, 2 pole, 3 wire, groundingGW
5-20R125 V, 20 A2 pole, 3 wire
NEMA 6-20R receptacle face: 250 V, 20 A, 2 pole, 3 wire, groundingG
6-20R250 V, 20 A2 pole, 3 wire
NEMA 14-30R receptacle face: 125/250 V, 30 A, 3 pole, 4 wire, groundingGYXW
14-30R125/250 V, 30 A3 pole, 4 wire
NEMA 14-50R receptacle face: 125/250 V, 50 A, 3 pole, 4 wire, groundingGYXW
14-50R125/250 V, 50 A3 pole, 4 wire
NEMA TT-30R receptacle face: 125 V, 30 A, 2 pole, 3 wire, groundingGW
TT-30R125 V, 30 A2 pole, 3 wire
NEMA L5-30R receptacle face: 125 V, 30 A, 2 pole, 3 wire, groundingWG
L5-30R125 V, 30 A2 pole, 3 wire
NEMA L14-30R receptacle face: 125/250 V, 30 A, 3 pole, 4 wire, groundingXGWY
L14-30R125/250 V, 30 A3 pole, 4 wire

Eight of the receptacle faces on the configuration chart. Open the chart.

Charts

ChartAnswersFormat
Plug and Receptacle Configurations: The Identification ChartWhich plug or receptacle is this, and what is it rated for?Spec chart
Extension Cord Gauge by Amps and Length: The ChartWhat gauge cord does this load need at this length?Spec chart
Surge Protector Ratings: What the Numbers on the Label MeanWhich numbers on a surge protector label mean something?Selection guide
GFCI Receptacle vs GFCI Breaker: Which to SpecReceptacle type or breaker type for this circuit?Selection guide
15 Amp vs 20 Amp Receptacles: How to Tell Them ApartIs this a 15 A or a 20 A receptacle, and which one may go on this circuit?Selection guide

How a chart gets on the wall

  1. Open the source

    Standards bodies’ public documents, OSHA regulation text, CPSC and NIST publications, and the manufacturers’ own charts and instruction sheets. Not forum posts. Not other charts of unknown origin.

  2. Two publishers, or one by name

    Configuration ratings go in when at least two publishers print them. A figure that rests on one source is attributed to that source by name. Where publishers disagree, both values are printed. We do not average.

  3. Check it again

    Every chart gets a second, independent check against its sources before it goes up.

  4. Date it

    Each page carries the date it was last checked. Codes change on a three-year cycle and adoption varies by state. The edition is named wherever a code section is cited.

What you will not find here

Wiring instructions. These pages tell you which device, rating or cord the job calls for. They stop where the work becomes a licensed electrician’s. Symptoms and troubleshooting are a different job and are not covered here either.

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Enter an email address. The pack opens on the next page right away. Nothing is emailed back. We may send a note when a chart is added or corrected; no schedule is promised.