Hey there, my name is Kevin and as part of the new products team here at Gregg Distributors,
I d like to welcome you back to another episode of Gear up With Gregg's.
Today, we re going to be discussing electrical sockets and plug connectors, and how you can be sure you re choosing the right one.
Okay, let s start with the basics.
There are two sides to every connection . . . a plug and a connector.
The plug (or attachment plug) is the male end, the side that establishes a connection when it is plugged into something.
The connector (or cord connector) is the female end, the side that allows for an attachment
plug to be plugged into it.
On pictographs, like the one we have in our catalogue, shaded images represent male plugs
while unshaded images represent female connectors.
Another way you can figure out if you are reviewing the specifications for a male plug or a female connector
is by taking a closer look at the NEMA configuration number.
All things electrical are governed by NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
You'll notice that each plug and socket are divided into NEMA configurations, such as 5-15P.
These configurations were put in place to prevent users from connecting the wrong
combinations of cords, receptacles, connectors, or plugs . . . which could cause a potentially hazardous situation.
If all manufacturers decided independently how they wanted to make their electrical devices
and connectors, no two products would work together unless they were made by the same manufacturer.
In order to avoid this situation, NEMA created the numerous configuration standards we have today,
based on several common characteristics, including: style, voltage, number of phases, and amperage.
Style is represented by the first character in the NEMA configuration.
Either an L is shown, or nothing is. An L means that the connector or plug is twist-locking.
These types of devices can be rotated once connected, latching them in place and eliminating the risk of accidental disconnection.
No character in this position of the NEMA configuration
just means that the device is a straight-blade style. Convenient, and common, but easily disconnected.
The second character in the NEMA configuration actually stands for the configuration number itself.
Here at Gregg s, we carry configurations 5, 6, 14, 15, and 16. Each of these configurations have their own specific uses.
For instance, NEMA 5 devices are 3-wire grounding devices,
the most common electrical receptacle in North America, so they should seem pretty familiar to you.
If you re not sure what NEMA configuration you need for your application, be sure to
ask a qualified electrician.
The NEMA configuration number also identifies the voltage and whether a device is single-phase or three-phase power.
Looking at the chart and pictograph we have in our very own catalogue,
you can see exactly what the voltage and phase is on each device.
Let s take a look at the L14-30P, for instance. It has a rating of 125/250 volts, as do the other NEMA 14 devices.
Looking at the pictograph, we can see that each prong is labeled . . . W, X, Y, and G.
Each of these letters represents which wire should be connected to that prong.
G is the ground wire, while W is the neutral wire, X, Y and Z all represent hot, or live wires,
which can be configured differently depending on if it s a single phase or three phase connector.
As you can see on the L14-30P, there is no Z present, so we can then determine that this is a single-phase device.
Now, the L15-30P also has a rating of 250 volts, but on the pictograph, you can see
that it has prongs labeled X, Y, Z, and G. Because all three are there, this is a 3 phase device.
Back to the NEMA configuration, the first number after the dash will be a two-digit number,
which indicates the amperage. Different equipment requires different amperage,
so be sure you know what you're connecting these devices to before installing one and potentially creating a hazard.
The very last character in the configuration is pretty simple, it refers to the type of device that you are looking at.
For instance, P is for Plug, C is for Connector, and R is for Receptacle.
The NEMA configuration allows you to identify the device at a glance,
and easily avoids the incorrect type of connection being used.
Now, we have two basic types of plugs and connectors available here at Gregg's,
heavy-duty and twist-to-lock heavy-duty.
Both devices are UL-listed and CSA certified.
UL, or Underwriter Laboratories, is an organization which issues certificates of security for
many different products. They develop standards and testing procedures for the safety of products or materials.
However, UL certification applies only to the United States.
CSA, or the Canadian Standards Association, is a Canadian group that offers certification
for electrical products, mechanical products, or at risk products in general.
This certification is recognized around the world!
Now, the heavy-duty plugs and connectors have a crush resistant nylon body which is completely insulated.
This means no nasty shock when you are using them.
And, with the removable cord inserts, the device accommodates a wide range of cord sizes.
The twist-to-lock plugs and connectors have an individually molded face for each blade configuration,
which keeps debris out of the plug interior. The ribbed nylon housing is
impact and chemical resistant, while the beveled exterior prevents snagging if the device is dragged across uneven surfaces.
Best of all, these devices have transparent angled wiring entrance holes,
which permit straight in conductor insertion.
This means that you do not need to have a twist-lock plug to use the twist-lock connector
just make sure they share the same NEMA configuration and specifications.
And always remember that if you are using a new plug or connector to replace one that is damaged
be aware of the style, voltage, number of phases, and amperage required for
the piece of equipment or machinery you will be connecting to!
And if you're building your own power or extension cords, don't forget to ask us about wiring and cable options.
From the toughest of tough, Super VuTron to the multiple variations
of SJOOW, SJTW, and SOOW type cables, we ve got you covered.
Now, I know that was an awful lot of shocking information about a tiny electrical device,
so if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment down below or on any of our social media platforms.
Or you can visit our website at greggdistributors.ca.
Again, I'm Kevin and thanks for watching Gear up With Gregg's!