How to Wire a Twist Lock 125V Plug
Twist Lock plugs and receptacles provide a level of security for devices that must not be unplugged accidentally. The plug must be inserted into the receptacle and twisted so that it locks in place. Additionally, the plug must be pushed in and turned backward to remove the plug from the receptacle. Wiring a Twist Lock plug to a cord is easy, but a few conventions must be followed for proper operation. Some plugs and receptacles are grounded, others are not and the wiring is polarized. Cords are typically two or three separate insulated wires encased in a light rubber or plastic sheath. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Phillips or flat-head screwdriver
- 2- or 3-wire cord
- Stranded wire stripper
Instructions
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1
Remove the two screws that hold the insulated plug case together and expose the terminals. Find the brass or gold hot terminal, the silver neutral terminal, and the terminal with the green ground screw. Loosen all three terminal screws with a screwdriver.
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2
Strip one inch of sheathing from the cord, exposing the insulated conductors. Strip 1/2 to 3/4 inch of insulation from each conductor and lightly twist the stranded conductor to hold it together.
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3
Turn the green ground wire clockwise 3/4 of a turn around the green grounding screw and tighten with the screwdriver. Connect the white neutral wire to the silver terminal screw and the black or colored wire to the brass terminal screw in the same manner.
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4
Route the cord out the back of the plug through the strain relief hole and close the plug case. Hold the case closed with one hand while you tighten the case screws with a screwdriver using your other hand. Tighten the screws firmly so that the plug case tightly grips the cord to prevent the cord from being pulled out.
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Tips & Warnings
The plugs of some double-insulated devices do not have grounds. Use a two-wire cord for these devices that fits the plug you are using and meets the amperage requirements of the device.
Before closing the plug case, inspect the terminal connections to make sure no stray wire strands are loose.
Different plug manufacturers sell different styles, and the assembly instructions may be slightly different. The same rules always apply for making the ground, hot and neutral connections
Do not attempt to repair medical equipment that uses Twist Lock plugs. Take the equipment to a qualified repair technician.
