[uds-announce] USA power chord (plug/receptacle/cord, NEMA 1 & 5 details, etc.)

[Michael Paoli]

[maybe someone wants to put this on UDS event wiki page somewhere?]
In construction with electrical that's not too outdated (roughly early
to mid 1970s (as of 1974-01-01 per Wikipedia) or later, and including
the UDS venue), the most commonly available receptacles will be NEMA
5-15, though one may also occasionally find NEMA 5-20 (or rarely? 5-30).
These will all accept NEMA 5-15 plugs, and also NEMA 1-15 plugs in
polarized or non-polarized versions.  In any case, if one has electrical
straight-through adapter for other plug, this provides approximately 120
VAC (125 max, about 120 is pretty typical), 60 Hz, and will operate much
autoranging equipment (e.g. many, but certainly not all, laptop power
supplies - always check the rating specifications on the supply or
device to be powered).  The circuits will typically be 15A max - at
least through to receptacle on wall (power/extension cords, etc., may
have lower current ratings - keep those in mind and don't overload them,
as they typically don't have fuse or circuit breaker and, e.g. fire,
could result).  If the receptacle is NEMA 5-15 and one is to use
extension cord or power strip, it's recommended to use 15A rated NEMA
5-15 ones, at least as feasible.  In older construction, (e.g. old
restaurant) one may encounter NEMA 1-15 receptacles.  If one needs to
connect NEMA 5-15 type plug (has round or roundish ground prong) there
do exist "3 prong adapters", commonly available , but they're typically
frowned upon / not recommended (commonly available in US, e.g. at hardware
stores, but illegal in Canada), as they tend to get abused and/or
improperly used and thus create hazards (to use such an adapter
safely/properly, the ground prong/wire on it, needs to be securely
connected to a proper Earth ground (or ground on GFCI protected
circuit)).  P and R are often used in the (NEMA) notation to
identify/distinguish Plug and Receptacle.  All NEMA 5 devices are
three-wire grounding devices (hot-neutral-ground) rated for 125 V
maximum, with the 5-15, 5-20 and 5-30 being grounded versions of the
1-15, 1-20 and 1-30, respectively.
Except as otherwise noted, the preceding also applies very similarly to
Canada (requirements/standards dates may be a bit different).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_nomenclature
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector#NEMA_1

> From: "a.grandi at gmail.com" <a.grandi at gmail.com>
> Subject: [uds-announce] USA power chord
> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 18:44:32 +0200

> could anyone please confirm me that the USA power chord is like the
> one visible in this picture:
> http://www.power-chargers.com/media/catalog/product/cache/4/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/P/C/PC032_250.jpg
>
> Thanks,
>
> --
> Andrea Grandi - Nokia Qt Ambassador
> Ubuntu Member: https://launchpad.net/~andreagrandi
> website: http://www.andreagrandi.it
>
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