Side by side

NEMA 5-15 versus 5-20 forms

Is the item a plug or receptacle, and does the 5-20 form/T-slot cue apply?

Computer-generated illustration, not a photograph. — P185 · ConnectorNEMA 5-15P plug

How they differ

NEMA 5-15P plug Identify the plug designation and then verify the equipment nameplate, supply and local requirements.
NEMA 5-20P plug Compare the exact NEMA designation and equipment rating; do not defeat keying or grounding to make a plug fit.
NEMA 5-20R receptacle Use the receptacle designation for identification only and leave branch-circuit work to qualified guidance.

At a glance

Source-scoped form facts; counts, variants and unknowns are distinct
Field	NEMA 5-15P plug	NEMA 5-20P plug	NEMA 5-20R receptacle
Type	Connector	Connector	Connector
Family	Power	Power	Power
Shape	blade	blade	slot
Nominal contacts	3S196Three conductors are represented by the form; this is not a wiring diagram.	3S196Three conductors are represented by the form; this is not a wiring diagram.	3S196Three conductor positions are represented; the T-slot cue is identification only, not an installation drawing.
Positions / cavity span	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact rows	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Connector role	plug (515PV)S906Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. 515PV. Documented role: plug. Manufacturer specification for named part only. No mating-face pin numbering, connector dimension or contact pitch inferred from wire acceptance ranges.; Product page timed out; exact named515PV/515CV instruction PDF was read instead. No permanent marking fact transferred from515CV.	plug (HBL5366C)S900Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5366C. Documented role: plug. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.	socket (HBL5369C)S901Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5369C. Documented role: socket. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.
Key distinction	A familiar household plug shape does not establish that a device is safe for a given circuit or region.	The rotated blade is an identification clue, not permission to modify an outlet or adapter.	The T slot helps identify a receptacle family; it does not establish circuit condition or installation compliance.

Full evidence ledger and sources ↓

Illustrations are computer-generated with prior AI visual review; independent technical and rights review pending. A comparison is not a compatibility verdict.

This comparison stays within one evidence layer.

All selected records are Connector records. Similar layer does not mean compatible, interchangeable or safe to mate.

Families represented: Power

The reference ledger

Read the same question across.

3 selected records · 14 fields
No score. No compatibility verdict.

On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways or open the field-by-field reading view below. Illustrations are not a size comparison.

Comparison of selected field notes; source links accompany each documented specification
What you are comparing	P185 / ConnectorNEMA 5-15P plug Identification schematic · not to scale · drawing review pending	P187 / ConnectorNEMA 5-20P plug Identification schematic · not to scale · drawing review pending	P188 / ConnectorNEMA 5-20R receptacle Identification schematic · not to scale · drawing review pending
Layer	Connector	Connector	Connector
Key distinction	A familiar household plug shape does not establish that a device is safe for a given circuit or region.	The rotated blade is an identification clue, not permission to modify an outlet or adapter.	The T slot helps identify a receptacle family; it does not establish circuit condition or installation compliance.
Nominal contacts	3S196Three conductors are represented by the form; this is not a wiring diagram.	3S196Three conductors are represented by the form; this is not a wiring diagram.	3S196Three conductor positions are represented; the T-slot cue is identification only, not an installation drawing.
Positions / cavity span	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Populated contacts	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact rows	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact pitch	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Dimensions / axis	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	1.52 in manufacturer labelled length (HBL5366C); 1.52 in manufacturer labelled width (HBL5366C); 1.96 in manufacturer labelled height (HBL5366C)S900Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5366C. Documented role: plug. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.	2.78 in manufacturer labelled length (HBL5369C); 1.41 in manufacturer labelled width (HBL5369C); 1.53 in manufacturer labelled height (HBL5369C)S901Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5369C. Documented role: socket. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.
Connector role	plug (515PV)S906Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. 515PV. Documented role: plug. Manufacturer specification for named part only. No mating-face pin numbering, connector dimension or contact pitch inferred from wire acceptance ranges.; Product page timed out; exact named515PV/515CV instruction PDF was read instead. No permanent marking fact transferred from515CV.	plug (HBL5366C)S900Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5366C. Documented role: plug. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.	socket (HBL5369C)S901Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5369C. Documented role: socket. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.
Coupling / latch	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Keying / polarization	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Two flat blades at right angles plus grounding blade in published oblique mating-face photo (HBL5366C)S900Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5366C. Documented role: plug. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.	T-shaped current-carrying opening beside straight opening and grounding opening in published oblique face photo (HBL5369C)S901Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5369C. Documented role: socket. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.
Documented identification	NEMA 5-15P plug form.C185A	NEMA 5-20P plug form.C187A	NEMA 5-20R receptacle with T-slot identification cue.C188A
Named V153 component role	Leviton 515PV — Cord plug. 15 A / 125 VAC component; not the assembled cord.C185B · C185C	Not an equivalent field	Not an equivalent field
Evidence	C185A,C185B,C185C,C185D → Independent review pending	C187A,C187B → Independent review pending	C188A,C188B → Independent review pending

Read field by field — no sideways scrolling

The same selected records, fields, values and source links as the table. Missing fields remain non-equivalent; no values are merged.

Layer

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Connector
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: Connector
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: Connector

Key distinction

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: A familiar household plug shape does not establish that a device is safe for a given circuit or region.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: The rotated blade is an identification clue, not permission to modify an outlet or adapter.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: The T slot helps identify a receptacle family; it does not establish circuit condition or installation compliance.

Nominal contacts

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: 3S196Three conductors are represented by the form; this is not a wiring diagram.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: 3S196Three conductors are represented by the form; this is not a wiring diagram.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: 3S196Three conductor positions are represented; the T-slot cue is identification only, not an installation drawing.

Positions / cavity span

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Populated contacts

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Contact rows

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Contact pitch

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Dimensions / axis

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: 1.52 in manufacturer labelled length (HBL5366C); 1.52 in manufacturer labelled width (HBL5366C); 1.96 in manufacturer labelled height (HBL5366C)S900Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5366C. Documented role: plug. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: 2.78 in manufacturer labelled length (HBL5369C); 1.41 in manufacturer labelled width (HBL5369C); 1.53 in manufacturer labelled height (HBL5369C)S901Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5369C. Documented role: socket. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.

Connector role

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: plug (515PV)S906Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. 515PV. Documented role: plug. Manufacturer specification for named part only. No mating-face pin numbering, connector dimension or contact pitch inferred from wire acceptance ranges.; Product page timed out; exact named515PV/515CV instruction PDF was read instead. No permanent marking fact transferred from515CV.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: plug (HBL5366C)S900Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5366C. Documented role: plug. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: socket (HBL5369C)S901Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5369C. Documented role: socket. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.

Coupling / latch

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Keying / polarization

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: Two flat blades at right angles plus grounding blade in published oblique mating-face photo (HBL5366C)S900Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5366C. Documented role: plug. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: T-shaped current-carrying opening beside straight opening and grounding opening in published oblique face photo (HBL5369C)S901Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. HBL5369C. Documented role: socket. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval.

Documented identification

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: NEMA 5-15P plug form.C185A
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: NEMA 5-20P plug form.C187A
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: NEMA 5-20R receptacle with T-slot identification cue.C188A

Named V153 component role

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: Leviton 515PV — Cord plug. 15 A / 125 VAC component; not the assembled cord.C185B · C185C
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: Not an equivalent field
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: Not an equivalent field

Evidence

NEMA 5-15P plugP185 / Connector: C185A,C185B,C185C,C185D →
Independent review pending
NEMA 5-20P plugP187 / Connector: C187A,C187B →
Independent review pending
NEMA 5-20R receptacleP188 / Connector: C188A,C188B →
Independent review pending

Your next step

Use the distinction in context.

Open the field notes Read source-linked facts and limitations.Compare another pair Start from a common confusion.Check a connection A comparison is not a compatibility verdict.

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NEMA 1-15P versus 5-15P plugsIs the documented plug the non-grounding 1-15P configuration or grounded 5-15P? Connector identity and manufacturer ratings are only reference layers; exact circuit, wiring, installation and equipment requirements still need qualified documentation.USB-C vs USB Power DeliveryConnector shape and negotiated power are different layers. A USB-C port does not by itself establish a particular USB Power Delivery capability.IEC 60320 C1 versus C2Is the part the C1 cord connector or C2 appliance inlet? Use the exact component identity; this comparison is not wiring or installation guidance.IEC 60320 C15 versus C15A connectorsIs the cord connector C15 or the distinct C15A very-hot-condition form? Similar naming is not permission to substitute or modify a mains cord.IEC 60320 C16 versus C16A inletsIs the appliance inlet C16 or the distinct C16A very-hot-condition form? Similar naming is not an installation or substitution verdict.IEC 60320 C19 versus C21 connectorsIs the cord connector C19 or C21? Both occur in the higher-current IEC 60320 family, but exact configuration and equipment requirements remain separate.

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Evidence behind this page

Scope first. Source second. Approval separate.

5 linked sources · 8 scoped claims · 0 sources with inspection/access flags.

Page scope: Evidence behind the compared records; the editorial comparison still needs separate review.

Assessment 2026-10-22 · earliest scheduled source review 2027-01-03. This is a recorded-date assessment, not a live source check. Page-level independent review is not established by this panel.

Inspect 5 source scopes, access limits and dates

S196 · Wiring device frequently asked questions

Hubbell / Bryant · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-05 · due 2027-01-03

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Identifies NEMA 5-15P/R and 5-20P/R forms and notes the T-slot characteristic of a 5-20R receptacle.

Not established / limitations: Identification/reference scope only. V36 does not convert this source into a universal pinout, fabrication drawing, electrical approval or end-to-end compatibility verdict.

Locator: NEMA 5-15 and 5-20 plug/receptacle identification discussion

S635 · 515PV NEMA 5-15P cord plug — named component

Leviton · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-14 · due 2027-01-12

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Named 515PV cord plug only. Not a complete cord, installation, wall device or dimensioned mating drawing.

Not established / limitations: Title says Rubber while Body Material says PVC; material identification is held, not resolved. No issue/revision date established. Photo is oblique and does not establish exact blade spacing or wiring.

Locator: Product title, Electrical Specifications, Mechanical Specifications / Product ID, and linked oblique product photograph.

S900 · HBL5366C straight-blade male plug specification

Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-22 · due 2027-01-20

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Current primary-document research for P187 / HBL5366C. Each normalized fact retains its exact part/family, role and document scope.

Not established / limitations: No independent technical review, hardware validation, specimen measurement or general interoperability approval. Exact scopes and unresolved fields remain controlling.

Locator: pp.1-2; Dimensions; Electrical Ratings; photo; revisionfooter

S901 · HBL5369C straight-blade female connector specification

Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-22 · due 2027-01-20

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Current primary-document research for P188 / HBL5369C. Each normalized fact retains its exact part/family, role and document scope.

Locator: pp.1-2; Dimensions; Current; photo; revisionfooter

S906 · Leviton515 grounding plugs and cord outlets instructions

Leviton · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-22 · due 2027-01-20

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Current primary-document research for P185 / 515PV. Each normalized fact retains its exact part/family, role and document scope.

Locator: p.1;515PV/515CV section and keyed housing assembly

Trace 8 claims to their source records

C185A · P185

Hubbell/Bryant describes the NEMA 5-15P plug form in its wiring-device identification guidance.

Claim scope: V36 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction or end-to-end compatibility proof.

Source links: S196 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C185B · P185

Leviton identifies 515PV as a grounded NEMA 5-15P cord plug, with two poles, three wires and a 15 A / 125 VAC component rating.

Claim scope: Exact 515PV component. Its rating is not a rating for an assembled extension cord, connected equipment or an installation; no wiring or substitution approval.

Source links: S635 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C185C · P185

The 515PV product page says its ratings and NEMA identification are permanently marked on the device.

Claim scope: Manufacturer marking statement, not an inspection of an actual unit. Use the markings and exact model documentation rather than yellow color or body resemblance.

Source links: S635 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C185D · P185

Exact source example 515PV: construction: Grounding cord plug,2pole3wire; keyed housing and body align during assembly; separate clamp over jacket. rating: 15 A125 V. Exact manufacturer part; construction, role and regional rating remain scoped. No physical compatibility, pin map or hardware validation is established.

Claim scope: Exact named component/family technical construction reference from the full current primary document; geometry, ratings and implementation limits do not transfer to other variants.

Source links: S906 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C187A · P187

Hubbell/Bryant distinguishes the NEMA 5-20P plug form from the 5-15 family.

Claim scope: V36 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction or end-to-end compatibility proof.

Source links: S196 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C187B · P187

Exact source example HBL5366C: construction: Cord-mounted straight-blade male5-20P plug;2pole3wire grounding. rating: 20A125VAC. temperature: -40C without impact to75C continuous. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval. No physical compatibility, pin map or hardware validation is established.

Claim scope: Exact named component/family technical construction reference from the full current primary document; geometry, ratings and implementation limits do not transfer to other variants.

Source links: S900 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C188A · P188

Hubbell/Bryant identifies the NEMA 5-20R receptacle and notes its T-shaped slot characteristic.

Claim scope: V36 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction or end-to-end compatibility proof.

Source links: S196 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C188B · P188

Exact source example HBL5369C: construction: Cord-mounted female5-20R connector body;2pole3wire grounding; screw terminals. rating: 20A125VAC. temperature: -40C without impact to75C continuous. Exact named part only. Product specification is not a specimen measurement or interoperability approval. No physical compatibility, pin map or hardware validation is established.

Claim scope: Exact named component/family technical construction reference from the full current primary document; geometry, ratings and implementation limits do not transfer to other variants.

Source links: S901 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

Prepare this page for review →Read the evidence method →

Recorded evidence only. An inspection date, publisher label, source link or generated packet is not independent technical review, hardware testing, fabrication approval or a compatibility verdict.