NEMA 6-20 — 250 V, 20 A Plug & Receptacle
NEMA 6-20 is a straight-blade configuration per NEMA WD-6: 250 V, 20 A, 2-pole 3-wire grounding. 240 V 20 A equipment and tools. The receptacle is 6-20R, the matching plug 6-20P.
Face diagrams by Comrade Mmirg via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 / CC0, unmodified.
Specifications
- Configuration
- 6-20
- Series
- Straight blade
- Voltage rating
- 250 V
- Amp rating
- 20 A
- Poles / wires
- 2P–3W
- Neutral
- No
- Equipment ground
- Yes
- Max load (at rating)
- 250 V × 20 A = 5,000 VA
- Continuous (80%)
- 4,000 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
240 V 20 A equipment and tools. Family 6 overall: welders, ev charging, 240 v equipment (6-50). 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 6-20R and 6-20P?
The letter is the device: 6-20R is the receptacle (outlet), 6-20P is the plug on the cord. Both share the same configuration — 250 V, 20 A, 2-pole 3-wire grounding.
Does NEMA 6-20 have a neutral and a ground?
No neutral — the 250 V rating means the circuit runs line-to-line with no neutral. It carries an equipment grounding conductor (the extra wire beyond the poles).