NEMA Locking Plug & Receptacle Chart

Use this NEMA locking plug and receptacle chart to identify common NEMA twist-lock electrical configurations used for commercial, industrial, lighting, machinery, generators, power equipment, and other electrical applications.

NEMA configurations identify the electrical characteristics and physical blade arrangement of plugs and receptacles, including voltage, amperage, poles, wires, and whether the device is a plug or receptacle.

Shop NEMA locking plugs or shop NEMA locking receptacles at LeanLight.

NEMA Locking Plug & Receptacle Chart

The table below includes common NEMA locking configurations. Products currently sold by LeanLight are linked directly to their product pages. Configurations without a link are included for reference and future expansion of the LeanLight electrical plug and receptacle collection.

What Is a NEMA Locking Plug or Receptacle?

A NEMA locking plug or receptacle is an electrical connector designed to create a secure connection by twisting the plug into the receptacle and locking it into position. These connectors are commonly used where accidental unplugging could interrupt equipment, lighting, machinery, or other electrical loads.

NEMA locking devices are widely used in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, warehouses, data centers, lighting systems, power equipment, generators, and machinery.

Understanding NEMA Numbers

A NEMA configuration provides important information about the electrical connector. For example, L6-20P identifies a locking plug in the NEMA L6 series with a 20 amp rating.

• L — Locking or twist-lock configuration
• 6 — Identifies the NEMA configuration family
• 20 — 20 amp rating
• P — Plug

The exact electrical characteristics are determined by the complete NEMA configuration, not by one number or letter alone.

What Do P and R Mean on a NEMA Connector?

The final letter identifies the type of connector.

• P = Plug — the male connector attached to a cord or equipment.
• R = Receptacle — the female connector that receives the plug.

For example, L6-20P is a 20 amp, 250 volt locking plug, while L6-20R is the corresponding locking receptacle.

Common NEMA Locking Configurations

L5 NEMA Locking Devices — 125 Volt

The L5 family includes locking configurations commonly used with 125 volt electrical systems. LeanLight currently offers the Leviton 4720-C L5-15P locking plug and Leviton 4710 L5-15R locking receptacle .

Additional L5 configurations, including L5-20P and L5-20R, are included in the chart for reference and potential future product expansion.

L6 NEMA Locking Devices — 250 Volt

L6 configurations are commonly associated with 250 volt locking connections. LeanLight currently offers 15 amp and 20 amp L6 products, including the Leviton 4570-C L6-15P , Leviton 4560 L6-15R , Leviton 2321 L6-20P , and Leviton 2320 L6-20R .

L6 configurations are commonly encountered in commercial and industrial equipment, power distribution, lighting, servers, data centers, and other 250 volt applications.

L7 NEMA Locking Devices — 277 Volt

L7 configurations are commonly used with 277 volt electrical systems, including commercial and industrial lighting applications.

LeanLight currently offers the Leviton 4770-C L7-15P , the Leviton 4760 L7-15R , the Leviton 4750 L7-15R duplex receptacle , the Leviton 2331 L7-20P , and Leviton 2330 L7-20R .

L8 NEMA Locking Devices — 480 Volt

L8 configurations are commonly used for higher-voltage applications. LeanLight currently offers the Leviton 2341 L8-20P and Leviton 2340 L8-20R .

How to Choose the Correct NEMA Locking Plug or Receptacle

Choosing the correct NEMA connector requires more than matching the general appearance of two devices. Verify the complete electrical configuration before ordering.

1. Determine the voltage. Verify the voltage required by the equipment and circuit.
2. Determine the amperage. Match the connector to the required current rating.
3. Determine the number of poles and wires. Confirm the complete electrical configuration.
4. Determine whether you need a plug or receptacle. P indicates a plug and R indicates a receptacle.
5. Match the exact NEMA configuration. Similar-looking connectors are not necessarily interchangeable.
6. Check the application requirements. Verify environmental rating, installation requirements, certifications, and other specifications before installation.

NEMA Locking Plugs at LeanLight

LeanLight carries a growing selection of NEMA locking plugs from Leviton for commercial, industrial, lighting, machinery, power equipment, and other electrical applications.

Shop all electrical plugs at LeanLight →

NEMA Locking Receptacles at LeanLight

LeanLight also carries NEMA locking receptacles in several common configurations. These include single and duplex receptacles for commercial and industrial applications.

Shop all electrical outlets & receptacles at LeanLight →

NEMA Configurations for Future Product Expansion

LeanLight is continually expanding its selection of electrical components. The unlinked NEMA configurations shown on this page are included for reference and to provide a broader resource for customers researching NEMA locking connectors.

As additional NEMA plugs, receptacles, cord sets, and electrical connectors are added to LeanLight, the appropriate configurations can be updated with direct product links.

Future additions may include additional amperages, higher-current locking connectors, additional NEMA configurations, pre-wired cord sets, extension cords, and products from additional electrical manufacturers.

NEMA Locking Plug & Receptacle FAQs

What is a NEMA locking plug?

A NEMA locking plug is an electrical plug designed to twist into a compatible receptacle and lock into position. The locking connection helps prevent accidental disconnection during normal use.

What is a NEMA locking receptacle?

A NEMA locking receptacle is the female connector designed to receive a compatible locking plug. Locking receptacles are commonly used in commercial, industrial, lighting, machinery, and power applications.

What does the L mean in a NEMA number?

The L identifies a locking or twist-lock configuration. The complete NEMA designation is required to identify the specific electrical configuration.

What does the P mean in L6-20P?

The P means plug. An L6-20P is a locking plug, while an L6-20R is the corresponding locking receptacle configuration.

What does the R mean in L6-20R?

The R means receptacle. The receptacle is the female connector designed to receive the corresponding locking plug.

What is the difference between L5, L6, L7 and L8?

L5, L6, L7, and L8 identify different NEMA locking configuration families. Common examples include L5 configurations for 125 volt applications, L6 for 250 volt applications, L7 for 277 volt applications, and L8 for 480 volt applications.

Are NEMA locking plugs interchangeable?

No. A locking plug must match the appropriate receptacle configuration. Verify the exact NEMA designation, voltage, amperage, poles, wires, and application requirements before purchasing or installing a connector.

Where can I buy NEMA locking plugs and receptacles?

LeanLight sells a growing selection of NEMA locking plugs and receptacles, including Leviton electrical connectors. Browse the electrical plugs collection or the electrical outlets and receptacles collection to see currently available products.