NEMA 5-50 — 125 V, 50 A Plug & Receptacle
NEMA 5-50 is a straight-blade configuration per NEMA WD-6: 125 V, 50 A, 2-pole 3-wire grounding. 50 A at 125 V — uncommon. The receptacle is 5-50R, the matching plug 5-50P.
Face diagrams by Comrade Mmirg via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 / CC0, unmodified.
Specifications
- Configuration
- 5-50
- Series
- Straight blade
- Voltage rating
- 125 V
- Amp rating
- 50 A
- Poles / wires
- 2P–3W
- Neutral
- Yes
- Equipment ground
- Yes
- Max load (at rating)
- 125 V × 50 A = 6,250 VA
- Continuous (80%)
- 5,000 VA
Load figures are the arithmetic of the device rating at unity power factor. Continuous loads (3 hours or more) are limited to 80% of the circuit rating per NEC 210.19/210.20 — and the branch circuit behind the receptacle comes from the load calculation and conductor sizing, not from the plug face.
Where you meet it
50 A at 125 V — uncommon. Family 5 overall: the receptacle — household 5-15, commercial 5-20. Blade geometry keys the voltage family physically: a plug from a different voltage class will not enter this receptacle.
RELATED CONFIGURATIONS
See every configuration on the full NEMA plug & receptacle chart →
Common questions
What is the difference between 5-50R and 5-50P?
The letter is the device: 5-50R is the receptacle (outlet), 5-50P is the plug on the cord. Both share the same configuration — 125 V, 50 A, 2-pole 3-wire grounding.
Does NEMA 5-50 have a neutral and a ground?
Yes on the neutral — the 125 V rating means the circuit includes a grounded (neutral) conductor. It carries an equipment grounding conductor (the extra wire beyond the poles).
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