Nema 5-15 plugs and wire gauge

[Phil Thien]

How does one know if the plug/receptacle they're buying will accommodate 12 AWG wire? They say they will handle 15A, how how do I know what size lugs are in them and whether they will handle thicker wire and not limit me to something like 16 AWG?

I've got a 10 AWG cord now, but I'm thinking of trading that with someone else that has two #12 cords because I have a use for the two #12 cords but I don't really need the #10.

But I'd like to shorten them up by chopping the plugs and about 10' of cord off and putting new plugs on them.

[Chris Friesen]

I can't imagine any reputable 15A plug limiting you to #16 wire...#14 is typical 15A stuff.

As for how you know the rating, you look it up on the manufacturer's website. For instance, your basic Leviton NEMA 5-15 industrial plug is rated to handle up to #10 conductors, while the residential version only goes up to #14.

[Dave MacArthur]

NEMA plug info:
http://www.powercabling.com/nema.htm
http://www.powercabling.com/images/twist.gif

http://www.electri-cord.com/NEMA-configurations.htm

If you're using 20A, it's sized for 12ga wire. 15A will be sized for 14 ga wire. 30A will be sized for 10ga wire. Generally you can shove one size larger into the thing, if for example you ran all your 15A general circuits using 10ga wire for future expansion. For extension cords, I've been successful at shoving 1 size larger (10ga extension cord wire into a 20A plug) using just about every configuration of 20A plugs you can purchase. Did this because I wanted heavy duty cords for my table saw etc., but correct plugs.

[Phil Thien]

If you're using 20A, it's sized for 12ga wire. 15A will be sized for 14 ga wire. 30A will be sized for 10ga wire. Generally you can shove one size larger into the thing, if for example you ran all your 15A general circuits using 10ga wire for future expansion. For extension cords, I've been successful at shoving 1 size larger (10ga extension cord wire into a 20A plug) using just about every configuration of 20A plugs you can purchase. Did this because I wanted heavy duty cords for my table saw etc., but correct plugs.

Good to know. The plugs I need are 5-15 but I'd like to shove 12-gauge wire into them.

[Chris Friesen]

The plugs I need are 5-15 but I'd like to shove 12-gauge wire into them.

It's not a matter of just shoving it in...each plug is going to be rated for a range of sizes. If you use a conductor outside that range it may not be able to make a secure connection.

Dave was likely successful with oversizing the conductors on 20A plugs because pretty much all of them are industrial rated. The residential rated plugs are more likely to not be able to handle oversized conductors.

[Phil Thien]

Thanks for all the help but I've found a good deal on cords that are already the right length. I'm just going to go that route.