It is also called electric pressure and is similar to the water pressure in a pipe. Potential Difference, measured in volts (V) is the electric potential between two points. Power, measured in watts (W) is the amount of energy that an appliance consumes. Let’s see how all the pieces of this puzzle fit together. Electric current is all about the relationship between the voltage and power requirement. This is determined by the circuit breaker amperage. The conductor, usually copper wire, used for an electric circuit has to be rated for the maximum current that the circuit can supply. You push the correct wire into the lug and fasten the screw. The letter X and Y represent the hot connectors, W is neutral, and G is ground.Įvery outlet has lugs behind the corresponding prong with a screw that secures the wire. The above diagram shows how these wires are connected. Receptacles can utilize one or two hot wires (black or red), a neutral (white) wire, and a ground (green/yellow) wire. They are the standard for campsite power, shore power for boats, and are common on RV generators. TT-30R will be recognized by RV owners.These receptacles supply both 120V and 240V from 15A to 30A. NEMA 14 outlets have four prongs, for hot 1, hot 2, neutral, and ground.NEMA 8 – 13 with the exception of NEMA 10, all these outlets are used for 3-phase circuits, using various configurations and voltages.NEMA 7 is not used for domestic power and is rated for 277V.They have come to replace the NEMA 10 outlets used in older installations. These have two hot connectors and ground. It looks similar to the NEMA 5 setup, but the prongs are not the same size. NEMA 6 designates 208 and 240V outlets (15 – 50A).The two vertical prongs supply hot and neutral. These are used to supply 120V (15 – 30A) with a ground prong in the center – either at the top or bottom of the socket, depending on how it is installed. NEMA 5 is the most common household electrical outlet.This will indicate the configuration for 120V only, 240V only, or 120V/240V, as well as a ground connector. The first number in the sequence indicates the type of outlet. These sockets have the letter “L” at the beginning. Locking outlets, keep the plug locked in position so it remains connected if the cord is pulled. Yup, you’ve guessed it, this stands for receptacle. Since most of us are dealing with 120V – 240V power, these will be the most common.Īll NEMA electrical receptacles have the letter “R” at the end. So I won’t be dealing with the 2-prong variants (NEMA 1 & 2) used in older electrical installations. Modern electrical regulations require that outlets be grounded. I’m going to talk about the most commonly used receptacles and how they work. There are many types of 120V, 240V, and 120V/240V outlets used in the US. Following this, I’ll go into more technical detail on how electricity works and the fascinating history that led to the electric standards used around the world.Įlectrical outlets in North America (and some regions in South America) use the North American Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard. If you live in the US and want to gain a basic understanding of your electrical panel, outlets, and the best way to go about using 120V and 240V, this is where I’ll start. I will, however, provide many other details and interesting facts. This guide to understanding electricity is aimed primarily at helping people understand the power in their homes and shops. Having spent most of my life dealing with electricity supply, I’m fascinated by all the complexities involved in optimizing current and the importance of maintaining steady voltage and frequency (voltage vs frequency). This article is going to provide a complete understanding of electricity. Japan has the most complicated setup, with two voltages and frequencies used. People who have traveled internationally are often curious why the power supply in the US is not the same as in Britain, Europe, and most other regions. If you’re considering upgrading circuits for your home or garage workshop, the important question is probably 120V vs 240V, and what is the best amperage for these outlets? Industrial and commercial electricity supply can often be 3-phase power, using different voltage standards from 208V to 400V. In the United States, the standard household electrical supply is 120V and 240V at a frequency of 60 Hertz.
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