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USA 
Canada 20 A / 250 V plug system
NEMA 6-20P power cable – 20 A / 250 V for the USA and Canada
NEMA 6-20P is a North American plug system for applications up to 20 A at 250 V. The plug has two live contacts and an earth contact and is used in particular for professional IT, server, PDU, laboratory and industrial applications.
On this page, you will learn how NEMA 6-20P differs from standard NEMA 5-15 connections, when IEC C13 or IEC C19 is the appropriate choice, and why the permissible current rating must always be considered for the entire power cable.
20 A plug system for 250 V applications
What is a NEMA 6-20P plug?
NEMA 6-20P refers to a North American mains plug for circuits and applications rated up to 20 A / 250 V. The design features three contacts: two live contacts and one earth contact.
The plug design is deliberately different from the familiar NEMA 5-15 plugs found in standard US sockets. This prevents a NEMA 6-20P plug from being accidentally used in a standard socket not designed for it.
NEMA 6-20P top view
The top view shows the characteristic contact arrangement of the NEMA 6-20P plug. The distinctive arrangement of the contact pins ensures unambiguous matching with a suitable NEMA 6-20 socket.
A suitable NEMA 6-20R socket or a circuit designed accordingly must therefore be available on the mains side. A NEMA 6-20P is not intended for use with a standard NEMA 5-15R socket.
NEMA 6-20P or NEMA 5-15P – what is the difference?
The designations look similar but refer to different North American plug systems. This distinction is particularly important for procurement, engineering and system integration.
| Feature | NEMA 5-15P | NEMA 6-20P |
|---|---|---|
| Typical voltage class | 125 V applications | 250 V applications |
| Plug system | NEMA 5-15 | NEMA 6-20 |
| Protective earth | Yes | Yes |
| Plug type | Typical Type B/NEMA 5-15 configuration | Standalone 6-20 pin configuration |
| Typical application | Standard equipment with earth conductor | Higher-power IT, laboratory and industrial applications |
Important: NEMA 6-20P does not automatically mean 20 A for the entire cable
The NEMA 6-20P plug is part of a 20 A connection system. However, the actual permissible current-carrying capacity of a connection cable depends on the weakest component in the entire cable assembly.
In addition to the mains plug, the equipment coupler, cable type, AWG conductor size and the specified rating values of the specific product are therefore particularly crucial.
NEMA 6-20P to IEC C13 or C19 – which version is suitable?
The MAG range currently includes two different NEMA 6-20P configurations. They differ significantly in terms of appliance connection, conductor size, cable type and maximum current-carrying capacity.
NEMA 6-20P to IEC C13
This version connects a NEMA 6-20P mains connection to equipment that has a compatible IEC 60320 C14 equipment input. The cable features an IEC C13 equipment coupler.
NEMA 6-20P to IEC C19
A NEMA 6-20P to IEC C19 version is available for genuine 20 A applications. The C19 appliance coupler is connected to a suitable IEC 60320 C20 appliance input.
NEMA 6-20P versus C13 and C19 in a direct comparison
| Feature | NEMA 6-20P → C13 | NEMA 6-20P → C19 |
|---|---|---|
| Plug type | IEC C13 | IEC C19 |
| Matching appliance socket | IEC C14 | IEC C20 |
| Wire gauge | AWG14 | AWG12 |
| Cable type | SJT | STOW |
| Max. current according to item | 15 A | 20 A |
| Typical applications | C14 devices, IT, laboratory and technical systems | High-performance servers, PDUs, industrial and infrastructure applications |
AWG14 or AWG12 – why conductor size matters
For North American connection cables, the conductor size is specified according to AWG – American Wire Gauge. Different conductor sizes are one of the factors that determine the potential current-carrying capacity of a connection cable.
SJT and STOW – different cable types for different requirements
The two NEMA 6-20P versions also differ in terms of cable type. The C13 variant is fitted with an SJT cable, whilst the higher-performance C19 version uses an STOW cable.
STOW versions are designed for more demanding operating conditions. The NEMA 6-20P to C19 cable available in the MAG range features an oil- and weather-resistant STOW sheath and is therefore also suitable for more challenging technical environments.
Where are NEMA 6-20P power cables used?
NEMA 6-20P power cables are primarily used in professional North American installations where a suitable 250 V circuit is available.
Which NEMA 6-20P power cable do I need?
To make the right choice, several factors should be considered together.
NEMA 6-20P for the USA and Canada
USA
Canada
USA does not automatically mean 120 V
120 V / 60 Hz is typical for many common US socket applications. However, NEMA 6-20P is part of a 250 V plug system. Therefore, both the mains connection and the connected device must be explicitly designed for the available supply. A mains lead that fits mechanically alone does not ensure electrical compatibility.
Frequently asked questions about NEMA 6-20P power cables
What does NEMA 6-20P mean?
NEMA 6-20P refers to a North American mains plug for applications up to 20 A / 250 V, with two live contacts and one earth contact.
Does a NEMA 6-20P plug fit into a standard US socket?
No. NEMA 6-20P requires a matching NEMA 6-20 socket and is not designed for use with a standard NEMA 5-15R socket.
Is every NEMA 6-20P power cable suitable for 20 A?
No. The current-carrying capacity is determined by the entire cable assembly. The mains plug, appliance coupler, cable and conductor size must all be suitable for the respective current.
Why is the NEMA 6-20P to C13 cable only rated up to 15 A?
The permissible current rating depends on the entire connection cable. The C13 version with AWG14/SJT offered by MAG is specified for a maximum of 15 A according to the product specifications.
Which NEMA 6-20P version is available from MAG for 20 A?
The NEMA 6-20P to IEC C19 version with AWG12 × 3 and STOW cable is rated for up to 20 A according to the product specifications.
When do I need an IEC C13 and when do I need an IEC C19?
IEC C13 is connected to an IEC C14 equipment socket. IEC C19 is connected to an IEC C20 equipment socket. The actual connection and the electrical rating of the equipment are always the deciding factors.
What is NEMA 6-20P typically used for?
Typical professional applications include data centres, server rooms, PDUs, industrial facilities, laboratories, test benches and North American OEM projects.
Are NEMA 6-20P power cables suitable for use in the USA and Canada?
NEMA 6-20 connections are used in North America. However, the specific application must always be determined by the listed UL/CSA approvals and technical specifications of the respective product.
Select a NEMA 6-20P power cable directly
Choose between NEMA 6-20P to IEC C13 for appropriately rated C14 devices, or the higher-capacity 20 A version to IEC C19 for devices with a C20 input.