There are a variety of plugs and receptacles used to connect electrical devices to electrical power. The configurations of the plugs (male) and receptacles (female) primarily vary by voltage and current (Amps). The idea is to prevent devices intended for a particular voltage or current from being plugged into an electrical source with the wrong voltage or current. Plugging a device intended for 120V into a 230V outlet could seriously damage the device. Plugging a device intended for 30A into a 15A outlet could cause an electrical fire.

Plugs and receptacles may vary such that the plug and receptacle lock together, the plug and receptacle form a weatherproof connection, etc. There are also different plugs and receptacles depending on the part of the world. The most common plugs and receptacles used in data centers are National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) connectors common in North America and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) connectors common in Europe. However, both NEMA and IEC connectors are used throughout the world. For example, it is not uncommon to find IEC connectors in use in North American data centers.

Below are three plug charts: NEMA Straight Blade, NEMA Locking Blade, and IEC Pin-and-Sleve. These charts will help you identify which plugs and receptacles are required for your data center so that you can order the appropriate rack PDUs.