NEMA Twist Lock Plug, Receptacle, and Connector Configurations

NEMA Twist Lock Plug, Receptacle, and Connector Configurations


What is a Twist Lock Plug?

A twist lock plug is an locking plug that must be twisted into the Twist Lock Locking Receptacle to make an electrical connection, locking the plug into the receptacle. Twist lock plugs are used in industry and commercial applications where it is critical that the connection does not become unplugged.

NEMA Twist Lock Plug and Receptacle Chart

See also our NEMA Configurations Chart for Straight Blade Plugs, Receptacles and Connectors.

2 Pole, 3 Wire, Grounded Twist Lock

Legend

R = Receptacle C = Corded female FO = Flanged outlet P = Plug FI = Flanged inlet

Voltage

Type

15 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

125V

L5

L5-15R
L515-R
L5-15C
L515-FO

L5-15P
L515-P
L515-FI


250V

L6

L6-15R
L615-R
L6-15C
L615-FO

L6-15P
L615-P
L615-FI


277V AC

L7

L7-15R
L715-R
L7-15C
L715-FO

L7-15P
L715-P
L715-FI


480V AC

L8

600V AC

L9


Voltage

Type

20 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

125V

L5

L5-20R
L520-R
L5-20C
L520-FO

L5-20P
L520-P
L520-FI


250V

L6

L6-20R
L620-R
L6-20C
L620-FO

L6-20P
L620-P
L520-FI


277V AC

L7

L7-20R
L720-R
L7-20C
L720-FO

L7-20P
L720-P
L720-FI


480V AC

L8

L8-20R
L820-R
L8-20C
L820-FO

L8-20P
L820-P
L820-FI


600V AC

L9

L9-20R
L920-R
L9-20C
L920-FO

L9-20P
L920-P
L920-FI



Voltage

Type

30 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
2 POLE, 3 WIRE, GROUNDED

125V

L5

L5-30R
L530-R
L5-30C
L530-FO

L5-30P
L530-P
L530-FI


250V

L6

L6-30R
L630-R
L6-30C
L630-FO

L6-30P
L630-P
L530-FI


277V AC

L7

L7-30R
L730-R
L7-30C
L730-FO

L7-30P
L730-P
L730-FI


480V AC

L8

L8-30R
L830-R
L8-30C
L830-FO

L8-30P
L830-P
L830-FI


600V AC

L9

L9-30R
L930-R
L9-30C
L930-FO

L9-30P
L930-P
L930-FI




3 Pole, 3 Wire, Ungrounded Twist Lock

Voltage

Type

15 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

125/250V

L10

3 ∅
250V

L11

3 ∅
480V

L12

3 ∅
600V

L13


Voltage

Type

20 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

125/250V

L10

L10-20R
L1020-R
L10-20C
L1020-FO

L10-20P
L1020-P
L1020-FI


3 ∅
250V

L11

L11-20R
L1120-R
L11-20C
L1120-FO

L11-20P
L1120-P
L1120-FI


3 ∅
480V

L12

L12-20R
L1220-R
L12-20C
L1220-FO

L12-20P
L1220-P
L1220-FI


3 ∅
600V

L13


Voltage

Type

30 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
3 POLE, 3 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

125/250V

L10

L10-30R
L1030-R
L10-30C
L1030-FO

L10-30P
L1030-P
L1030-FI


3 ∅
250V

L11

L11-30R
L1130-R
L11-30C
L1130-FO

L11-30P
L1130-P
L1130-FI


3 ∅
480V

L12

L12-30R
L1230-R
L12-30C
L1230-FO

L12-30P
L1230-P
L1230-FI


3 ∅
600V

L13

L13-30R
L1330-R
L13-30C
L1330-FO

L13-30P
L1330-P
L1330-FI




3 Pole, 4 Wire, Grounded Twist Lock

Voltage

Type

15 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

125/250V

L14

3 ∅
250V

L15

3 ∅
480V

L16


Voltage

Type

20 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

125/250V

L14

L14-20R
L1420-R
L14-20C
L1420-FO

L14-20P
L1420-P
L1420-FI


3 ∅
250V

L15

L15-20R
L1520-R
L15-20C
L1520-FO

L15-20P
L1520-P
L1520-FI


3 ∅
480V

L16

L16-20R
L1620-R
L16-20C
L1620-FO

L16-20P
L1620-P
L1620-FI



Voltage

Type

30 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
3 POLE, 4 WIRE, GROUNDED

125/250V

L14

L14-30R
L1430-R
L14-30C
L1430-FO

L14-30P
L1430-P
L1430-FI


3 ∅
250V

L15

L15-30R
L1530-R
L15-30C
L1530-FO

L15-30P
L1530-P
L1530-FI


3 ∅
480V

L16

L16-30R
L1630-R
L16-30C
L1630-FO

L16-30P
L1630-P
L1630-FI




4 Pole, 4 Wire, Ungrounded Twist Lock

Voltage

Type

15 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

3 ∅Y
120/208V

L18

3 ∅Y
277/480V

L19

3 ∅Y
347/600V

L20


Voltage

Type

20 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

3 ∅Y
120/208V

L18

L18-20R
L1820-R
L18-20C
L1820-FO

L18-20P
L1820-P
L1820-FI


3 ∅Y
277/480V

L19

L19-20R
L1920-R
L19-20C
L1920-FO

L19-20P
L1920-P
L1920-FI


3 ∅Y
347/600V

L20

L20-20R
L2020-R
L20-20C
L2020-FO

L20-20P
L2020-P
L2020-FI



Voltage

Type

30 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
4 POLE, 4 WIRE, UNGROUNDED

3 ∅Y
120/208V

L18

L18-30R
L1830-R
L18-30C
L1830-FO

L18-30P
L1830-P
L1830-FI


3 ∅Y
277/480V

L19

L19-30R
L1930-R
L19-30C
L1930-FO

L19-30P
L1930-P
L1930-FI


3 ∅Y
347/600V

L20

L20-30R
L2030-R
L20-30C
L2030-FO

L20-30P
L2030-P
L2030-FI




4 Pole, 5 Wire, Grounded Twist Lock

Voltage

Type

15 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
4 POLE, 5 WIRE, GROUNDED

3 ∅Y
120/208V

L21

3 ∅Y
277/480V

L22

3 ∅Y
347/600V

L23


Voltage

Type

20 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
4 POLE, 5 WIRE, GROUNDED

3 ∅Y
120/208V

L21

L21-20R
L2120-R
L21-20C
L1820-FO

L21-20P
L2120-P
L2120-FI


3 ∅Y
277/480V

L22

L22-20R
L2220-R
L22-20C
L2220-FO

L22-20P
L2220-P
L2220-FI


3 ∅Y
347/600V

L23

L23-20R
L2320-R
L23-20C
L2320-FO

L23-20P
L2320-P
L2320-FI



Voltage

Type

30 Amperes

Receptacle
Plug
4 POLE, 5 WIRE, GROUNDED

3 ∅Y
120/208V

L21

L21-30R
L2130-R
L21-30C
L2130-FO

L21-30P
L2130-P
L2130-FI


3 ∅Y
277/480V

L22

L22-30R
L2230-R
L22-30C
L2230-FO

L22-30P
L2230-P
L2230-FI


3 ∅Y
347/600V

L23

L23-30R
L2330-R
L23-30C
L2330-FO

L23-30P
L2330-P
L2330-FI


Examples of Different Twist Lock Plug, Receptacle, and Connector Types


15 Amp Twist Lock Plug (L5-15 NEMA)

For a secure 15 amp twist lock plug connection, the L5-15 NEMA Turnlok locking plug, also called a lock in plug, is a popular choice for industrial and commercial applications. Able to withstand heavy vibration, movement, and harsh conditions while maintaining a reliable connection, the L5-15 NEMA twist lock plug (and corresponding twist lock receptacle or twist lock connector) is commonly used at construction sites, manufacturing and production facilities, HVAC installations, servers and data centers, medical facilities, and professional refrigeration units. The locking electrical plug mechanism and robust design make the locking 15-amp plug an important and effective part of both power supply and crucial equipment protection in places where accidents and faulty electrical distribution could prove extremely costly. Protect your personnel, valuable equipment, and systems with properly rated, NEMA-stamped locking plugs and receptacles!


20 Amp Twist Lock Receptacle (L5-20 NEMA)

For use with a matching 20 amp twist lock plug, the L5-20 NEMA 20 amp twist lock receptacle provides a dependable connection to protect your connected equipment and systems, perfect for commercial or industrial electrical applications. This easy-to-wire, NEMA-stamped twist lock receptacle meets UL 498 standards, with a proven 20 amp 3 wire twist lock receptacle design. Lockable L520 outlets can be used with industrial machinery, construction job sites, high-power air conditioners, backup power generators, and even stages, studios, and stadiums for lighting, sound equipment, and other specialty entertainment venues and attractions. They are also available in flush mount, surface mount, and weatherproof configurations. Twist or turn to lock matching L5-20 plugs into these locking receptacles and reliably prevent accidental disconnection in almost any busy environment, from commercial kitchens to industrial assembly plants and factories.


20 Amp Twist Lock Plug (L14-20 NEMA)

The NEMA L14-20 plug is a 20 amp twist lock plug (125/250 volt) commonly used in various industrial and commercial settings. It is constructed in a 20 amp 4 wire twist lock configuration. The advantages of this 20 amp locking plug include the secure locking mechanism that prevents accidental disconnection, ensuring reliable power for critical equipment. This makes the L14-20 ideal for applications like power generators (as a twist lock generator plug), large power tools and equipment, air compressors, HVAC systems, and some types of heavy-duty machinery. The L14-20 configuration has four pins arranged in a circular pattern: two hot pins, a neutral, and a ground. This twist lock plug and the corresponding L14 20 amp twist lock receptacle are designed for durability and safety in demanding environments.


NEMA Twist Lock Connector (L1430C, L520C, L530C, L620C, etc.)

Each type of NEMA twist lock connector is designed for a specific, matching twist lock plug. For example, the L1430C is a 30 amp, 125/250-volt twist lock connector commonly used for high-power equipment like air conditioners, generators, and machinery. The L520C is a 20 amp, 125-volt connector typically used for powering lighting, appliances, and portable tools on construction sites and stages. The L530C is a 30-amp, 125-volt connector ideal for heavy-duty appliances and tools that require more power than the L520C can provide. Finally, the L620C is a 20-amp, 250-volt twist lock connector commonly used in industrial settings to provide temporary power or connect appliances and tools that require more than a standard household outlet can provide. All of these locking electrical connectors feature a twist-lock mechanism, meaning there is no need for a twist lock plug. They are available in various configurations to match compatible twist lock plug configurations.


30 Amp Twist Lock Receptacle Comparison (L530R vs. L630R)

Both the L530R (125 volt) and L630R (250 volt) are examples of a NEMA 30 amp twist lock receptacle, designed for secure, reliable connections in demanding environments, but with the key difference of voltage rating (125V vs. 250V). As a 30 amp 4 wire twist lock receptacle, the L530R is commonly used for powering tools, appliances, and lighting that require a 30-amp circuit. It's suitable for indoor or outdoor settings where consistent power delivery and a locked connection are necessary. The L630R is also a 30 amp 4 wire twist lock receptacle, but rated for 250V and typically employed for higher-power equipment such as industrial machinery, welders, and larger power tools. It's crucial to note that the L630R is designed for a different voltage than the L530R, making them incompatible with each other to prevent accidental mismatches.


50 Amp Twist Lock Plug, Receptacle, and Connector Options

Each 50 amp NEMA twist lock plug, receptacle, and connector, such as those made by Legrand, Eaton, and Kellems, serves as an essential component for heavy-duty electrical applications like connecting RVs to a 50 amp 4 wire power inlet box, supplying temporary power at construction sites, and powering industrial equipment. These devices feature a locking mechanism that ensures a secure connection and prevents accidental disconnects. They are typically rated for 125/250 volts and come in various configurations, including a 50 amp twist lock plug female for connecting to a generator and a 50 amp 4 wire twist lock receptacle for connecting equipment. A 50 amp twist lock generator plug is a common type of plug used to connect a generator to the 50 amp 4 wire power inlet box. For safety reasons, it is important to consult a qualified electrician for proper installation and use of such high-power devices.

Adapters: Is it Safe to Use a Twist Lock Plug Adapter?

Short answer: No. It's best to use a dedicated twist lock plug or receptacle, like the ones shown on this page. Using a twist lock plug adapter instead of a true NEMA locking plug, receptacle, or connector can create several safety hazards. Firstly, a twist lock plug adapter may not provide a secure connection. If the adapter isn't fully twisted and locked into place, it could easily dislodge, leading to exposed wires and the risk of electrical shock. Secondly, a twist lock adapter often increases the distance between the plug and receptacle, adding strain to the connection and increasing the chance of the plug coming loose. For these reasons, reputable electrical parts manufacturers often do not offer any type of locking plug adapter. Finally, many adapters are not rated for the same voltage and amperage as a proper twist lock connection, meaning they could overheat, melt, or cause a fire, especially when used with high-power appliances. For instance, when it comes to aftermarket products that aren't truly UL-rated and NEMA-stamped, an adapter advertised as a 30 amp twist lock plug adapter may actually only perform safely at 15 or 20 amps, which could pose a serious danger.


Need a Lock In Plug, Twist Lock Receptacle, or Twist Lock Connector?

Turnlok® Twist Lock Locking Plugs

nema turnloc twist lock locking plug

Shop Locking Plugs

Turnlok® Twist Lock Locking Receptacles

NEMA Turnlock Twist Lock Locking Receptacle

Shop Locking Receptacles

Turnlok® Twist Lock Locking Connectors

NEMA Turnlock Twist Lock Locking Connector

Shop Locking Connectors

Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician and consult the NEC® for safety. All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.