How to Wire a 30-Amp Twist Lock Plug

Info

The advent of the twist-lock plug revolutionized the safety and reliability of high-amperage extension cable connections in commercial and industrial applications. Twist-lock connector plugs are also used on lower capacity extension cords, and as power supply connector plug-ins on various types of electrical equipment.

You can use a 30-amp twist lock plug for either a 240-volt supply or a 120-volt application. Installation normally takes about 30 minutes, and requires a minimal amount of tools and experience.

Things You Will Need

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  • Wire strippers
  • Flat-tip screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver

Tip

The clamp at the rear of the twist-lock plug is an important stress relief point for the plug.

Warning

Take care not to nick or score the conductors.

  • Turn the screws in the plug contact end of the twist-lock assembly counterclockwise, until they are loose from the outside cover. The screws will free themselves from the cover, but will not come completely out of the assembly.

  • Remove the outside cover and set it aside.

  • Use the wire strippers to strip the sheathing from each of the conductors to the point recommended by the twist-lock plug manufacturer. All the conductors should be of equal length. Their colors will be green, black and white.

  • Place the twist-lock outer cover over the cable, with the open plug-end facing the tips of the conductors.

  • Insert the conductors through the rear of the twist-lock assembly.

  • Insert the green conductor into the green receptacle behind its plug tip. Make sure the tip is fully seated up to the shoulder of the sheathing.

  • Insert the white conductor into the white receptacle behind its plug tip. Make sure the tip is fully seated up to the shoulder of the sheathing.

  • Insert the black conductor into the black receptacle behind its plug tip. Make sure the tip is fully seated up to the shoulder of the sheathing.

  • Slide the twist-lock outer cover forward over the assembly.

  • Tighten the cover screws using the appropriate screwdriver, taking care not to tighten them too much. Be certain that each screw is fully seated.

  • Tighten the cable clamp at the rear of the twist-lock plug, using the screwdriver to secure the cable inside it. Make sure it has a firm hold of the cable's outer jacket.

    • The Drip Cap

    • The advent of the twist-lock plug revolutionized the safety and reliability of high-amperage extension cable connections in commercial and industrial applications.
    • Twist-lock connector plugs are also used on lower capacity extension cords, and as power supply connector plug-ins on various types of electrical equipment.
    • Turn the screws in the plug contact end of the twist-lock assembly counterclockwise, until they are loose from the outside cover.
    • Make sure the tip is fully seated up to the shoulder of the sheathing.
    • Insert the white conductor into the white receptacle behind its plug tip.

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