**NEMA 5-15: The Ultimate Guide to Electrical Plugs**

Introduction

The NEMA 5-15 plug is one of the most common electrical plugs in North America. It's used for a wide variety of applications, from small appliances to power tools. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the NEMA 5-15 plug, including its specifications, uses, and how to wire it.

Specifications

The NEMA 5-15 plug is a two-pronged plug with a grounding pin. The prongs are parallel and are spaced 15/16 inches apart. The grounding pin is located at the bottom of the plug and is slightly longer than the other two prongs.

The NEMA 5-15 plug is rated for 15 amps and 125 volts. This means that it can handle a maximum of 15 amps of current at 125 volts.

Uses

The NEMA 5-15 plug is used for a wide variety of applications, including:

• Small appliances (toasters, coffee makers, blenders)
• Power tools (drills, saws, sanders)
• Electronics (computers, televisions, stereos)
• Lighting fixtures
• Office equipment

Wiring

The NEMA 5-15 plug is relatively easy to wire. Here are the steps:

1. Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires.
2. Connect the white wire to the silver screw terminal.
3. Connect the black wire to the brass screw terminal.
4. Connect the green wire to the green screw terminal.
5. Tighten the screws until the wires are secure.
6. Insert the plug into the outlet.

Safety Precautions

When working with electrical plugs, it's important to take safety precautions. Here are a few tips:

• Always turn off the power before working on electrical plugs.
• Use a voltage tester to make sure the outlet is not live.
• Make sure the wires are properly connected and tightened.
• Do not overload the outlet.

Troubleshooting

If you're having problems with a NEMA 5-15 plug, here are a few things you can check:

• Make sure the plug is properly inserted into the outlet.
• Check the circuit breaker or fuse to make sure it has not tripped.
• Inspect the wires for any damage.
• If the plug is still not working, you may need to replace it.

Conclusion

The NEMA 5-15 plug is a common and versatile electrical plug. It's used for a wide variety of applications and is relatively easy to wire. By following the safety precautions and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure that your NEMA 5-15 plugs are safe and working properly.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a NEMA 5-15 plug and a NEMA 5-20 plug?

A: The NEMA 5-20 plug is rated for 20 amps, while the NEMA 5-15 plug is rated for 15 amps.

Q: Can I use a NEMA 5-15 plug in a NEMA 5-20 outlet?

A: Yes, but you will not be able to draw the full 20 amps of current.

Q: What is the grounding pin for?

A: The grounding pin provides a path for electrical current to flow to the ground. This helps to prevent electrical shocks.

Table 1: NEMA 5-15 Plug Specifications

Table 2: NEMA 5-15 Plug Uses

Table 3: NEMA 5-15 Plug Troubleshooting