NEMA L5-30 — 125 V, 30 A Twist-Lock Plug & Receptacle
NEMA L5-30 is a twist-locking configuration per NEMA WD-6: 125 V, 30 A, 2-pole 3-wire grounding. Portable generators, RV/stage 30 A 125 V. The receptacle is L5-30R, the matching plug L5-30P.
No free-licensed face diagram exists for this configuration yet — locking faces are not on Wikimedia Commons. The specs below still identify it unambiguously.
Specifications
- Configuration
- L5-30
- Series
- Locking (L / twist-lock)
- Voltage rating
- 125 V
- Amp rating
- 30 A
- Poles / wires
- 2P–3W
- Neutral
- Yes
- Equipment ground
- Yes
- Max load (at rating)
- 125 V × 30 A = 3,750 VA
- Continuous (80%)
- 3,000 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
Portable generators, RV/stage 30 A 125 V. Family L5 overall: portable generators, stage/event power (l5-30). The locking blades twist in and cannot vibrate or pull loose — the reason generators, stage rigs, and equipment connections spec the L series over its straight-blade cousins.
NEMA L5-30 vs the ones it gets confused with
L5-30 vs 5-30
Electrically identical circuits (125 V, 30 A, 2P–3W grounding). The L5-30’s blades twist in and can’t vibrate loose — which is why generator panels spec it and the straight 5-30 stays rare.
RELATED CONFIGURATIONS
See every configuration on the full NEMA plug & receptacle chart →
Common questions
What is the difference between L5-30R and L5-30P?
The letter is the device: L5-30R is the receptacle (outlet), L5-30P is the plug on the cord. Both share the same configuration — 125 V, 30 A, 2-pole 3-wire grounding, twist-locking blades.
Does NEMA L5-30 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).
NEMA L5-30 vs 5-30 — what is the difference?
Electrically identical circuits (125 V, 30 A, 2P–3W grounding). The L5-30’s blades twist in and can’t vibrate loose — which is why generator panels spec it and the straight 5-30 stays rare.
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