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NEMA connectors are everywhere! Whether it is the NEMA 5 15 for heavy-duty appliances or lighter ones for regular usage, these connectors have become household names!
NEMA connectors are nothing but standard plugs that the majority of electrical equipment makes use of. They are also called Edison connectors. These connectors came about in 1926. This was when the National Electrical Manufacturers Association was formed. To find the right connector for your appliance, you will need to dig deep into the many types available and how they prove themselves to be compatible with the devices in question.
What are Nema Connectors?
Just as the name suggests, these connectors connect electrical devices to power sources. They can be used for AC Alternating Current or DC, that is Direct Current! You can differentiate the connectors from each other based on different ratings. In the US, the ratings range from 15-60 Amp and 125-600 Volt. You can procure connectors, inlets, outlets, plugs, and connectors of different shapes, blade sizes, dimensions, and locations. For instance, you can use a 60 Amp Fuse or a 45 Amp one, depending upon the requirement.
Connectors cannot be interchanged owing to their varied sizes, grounding capacities, current, and voltage! All America-based manufacturers across the whole of America adhere to identical NEMA standards for ensuring consistency, industry-wise. Voltage and Amperage can be used for identifying the different pin positions of outlets and plugs.
The Configurations Available
Primarily there are two configurations available, locking and non-locking. The locking design has roundish prongs that can be twisted and fixed as per convenience. Non Locking designs have straight pins for plugging and unplugging into the receptacle easily. Non Locking ones would prove to be ideal for where you wouldn’t wish to fix the device to the outlet.
Locking plugs are best suited when you do not wish to disconnect the device even accidentally. Concerning the non-locking variants, a complete range of connectors are available in the markets to choose from ranging from NEMA 1 to NEMA 24. For locking variants, types range from Nema L1 to L 23. Each one of these types has its design. There is the NEMA 1 with a 2-pronged design and specific voltage rating. Some of them ultimately tend to become obsolete.
Pay Attention to Housing Before you Buy
It is important to take note of the electrical distribution and the wiring of the premises whenever you are planning to switch to a new connector or plug. The housing is also important because it protects cables and wires. Most companies make poly butyl rubber, metal, plastic, and PVC-made housings.
When you select poly butyl housing, you opt for a stable, long-lasting option. These are commonly found in pigtails. Plastic housings have emerged as a good choice because they are unbreakable, lighter, and much cheaper. Metal makes considered to be long-lasting. PVC makes are lightweight and have the strength to maintain electronic device safety.
Make sure you know the number of blades on your connectors before buying! Blades are present on male contacts; you can use them to connect to the female socket!
