How it connects
Pushed straight into the receptacle; flat blades and round ground pin are held by spring contacts (friction). No locking.
Male and female halves
This is the male plug (P). Mates with the female 5-20R receptacle; a 5-20R T-slot also accepts 5-15P, but a 5-20P will not fit a 5-15R.
Usually connects to
- NEMA 5-20R receptacle (T-slot)
Common sizes
- Single size: 20 A, 125 V.
Where it is used
appliancescommercial equipmentpower toolshot tubs / plug-in spasserver/AV equipment
Variations
- straight plug
- right-angle/elbow plug
- molded cord plug
- hospital-grade 5-20P
How to recognise it
Three contacts: one vertical flat blade (hot), one horizontal flat blade (neutral) perpendicular to it, and a round/U ground pin below. Often marked 20A 125V.
Often confused with
| Confused with | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| NEMA 5-15P | On 5-15P both flat blades are parallel; on 5-20P the neutral (wider) blade is turned 90° (horizontal). |
| NEMA L5-20P | L5-20P has curved locking blades that twist into the receptacle. |
Also called
5-20 plug20 amp 125 V plugT-blade 20A plug
Good to know
Check the actual plug on a spa: a 20 A branch-circuit rating alone does not establish a 5-20P plug, and a 5-15P may be used instead.
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