What is the maximum amount of Amps a STANDARD american power plug can handle. Is it 15A?

Question

Where can I buy these power leads with the moulded plug?

Answer 1

While the plugs and outlets are rated at 15 amps...

NEC Section 210-21(b)(2) states that a cord-and-plug connected load in excess of 12 amperes shall not be connected to a 15-ampere receptacle on a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles. There are some exceptions for short duration applicances such as hair dryers, toasters and microwave ovens.

12 amps x 120 volts = 1440 watts or 1.44 kW

Note: For the purposes of this question, the concept of power factor has been ignored.

Answer 2

Be careful here. The standard outlet is rated for 15A (parallel prongs) and the normal plug also, but there are a lot of extension cords out there that are rated at less (smaller copper gauge in the wire itself). Many appliances that do not need 15A power have light weight cords with less capacity.

Answer 3

The actual metal prongs can carry much more than 15 amps at 110 volts. The physical current limit of any conductor is directly related to the cross sectional area which carries electron flow. The 15 amp (or 20 amp) limit is really placed on the service wiring to prevent self heating from causing a fire hazard. Building codes specify the details of what type and kind of wiring and breakers are to be used in construction.

Answer 4

Yes; 15A is standard for the plug itself. If it is in a molded assembly with a cord, the cord can be rated less than 15A. Radio Shack, hardware stores and building supply places may sell replacement cords with just a plug molded on one end and bare wires on the other.

Edit 1
The one that fits in every modern standard outlet are rated 15A. 20A ones will fit only in 20A outlets.

Answer 5

If you get the one with the prongs parallel that is 15 amp. If you get the one with the prongs in the same plane (flattened out) that will do 20 amps.

Home Depot or Lowe's sell the most common ones. Grainger can order the others.