Have you ever come across a 6-20p plug and wondered how it should be wired? It’s a common question, considering the different types of plugs and receptacles available in the market. However, understanding the 6-20p plug wiring diagram is essential if you want to connect electrical devices to a 240-volt power source. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the 6-20p plug wiring diagram in simple terms.
What is a 6-20p Plug?
The 6-20p plug is a type of electrical plug that is used to connect high-voltage equipment to a power source. It has two horizontal blades that are spaced 1 inch apart and a vertical grounding blade. The plug is designed to be used with a 240-volt receptacle that has a matching configuration. The “6” in the 6-20p designation refers to the amperage rating of the plug, while the “20” refers to the voltage rating. The “p” means that the plug is a male device that is inserted into a receptacle.
Understanding the 6-20p Plug Wiring Diagram
The 6-20p plug wiring diagram consists of three wires – a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. The hot wire is connected to one of the horizontal blades and is usually black or red in color. The neutral wire is connected to the other horizontal blade and is usually white in color. The grounding wire is connected to the vertical blade and is usually green or bare copper in color.
It’s important to note that the 6-20p plug is not polarized, which means that the hot and neutral wires can be connected interchangeably. However, it’s recommended to connect the hot wire to the blade that is furthest from the grounding blade for safety reasons.
How to Wire a 6-20p Plug?
Wiring a 6-20p plug is a relatively simple process that can be done by following these steps:
- Turn off the power supply to the receptacle that you’ll be connecting the plug to.
- Strip the insulation off the wires using a wire stripper.
- Twist the strands of wire together for each wire.
- Place the stripped wires into the corresponding wire terminals on the plug. The hot wire should be connected to the brass-colored terminal, the neutral wire to the silver-colored terminal, and the ground wire to the green-colored terminal.
- Tighten the screws on the wire terminals to secure the wires in place.
FAQ
1. What is the maximum amperage rating of a 6-20p plug?
The maximum amperage rating of a 6-20p plug is 20 amps.
2. Can a 6-20p plug be used with a 120-volt receptacle?
No, a 6-20p plug is designed to be used with a 240-volt receptacle only. Connecting it to a 120-volt receptacle can cause damage to the equipment and pose a safety hazard.
3. How do I identify a 6-20p receptacle?
A 6-20p receptacle has two horizontal slots that are spaced 1 inch apart and a round grounding hole below the slots. The slots are angled at 45 degrees and the grounding hole is located between them.
4. Can I use a 6-20p plug with a 30-amp circuit breaker?
No, a 6-20p plug is designed to be used with a maximum 20-amp circuit breaker. Using it with a 30-amp circuit breaker can cause damage to the equipment and pose a safety hazard.
5. What color wire is used for grounding?
The grounding wire is usually green or bare copper in color.
Conclusion
Wiring a 6-20p plug may seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process that can be done with a few simple tools. Understanding the 6-20p plug wiring diagram is essential if you want to connect high-voltage equipment to a 240-volt power source. We hope that this article has provided you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this task and ensure the safety of your electrical devices.
