How to Wire a 15A/125V, NEMA 1-15 Non-Grounding Outlet

Electrical Technology

How to Replace a 15A – 125V, NEMA 1-15 Non-Grounding Receptacle with a 1-P Breaker

A NEMA 1-15 receptacle (also called a Type A outlet) is a 2-wire, non-grounding electrical outlet rated for 15 amps at 125 volts (AC). It is one of the oldest types of receptacles used (now obsolete) in North America (U.S. and Canada).

The NEMA 1-15 design dates back to the early 1900s (standardized around 1915–1920s). By the 1960s–1970s, grounding-type NEMA 5-15 outlets (Type B) became the standard for all new construction. Since NEC 1962, grounding receptacles have been mandatory for new outlets in most installations. Currently, they are available from different manufactures like Leviton etc. and can be used as replacement for already installed outlets.

Since 2-wire non-grounding receptacles are no longer permitted for new installations, NEC 406.4(D)(2) and 250.130(C) allow their replacement only under the following conditions:

  1. Replace with another 2-wire receptacle: You may replace the existing non-grounding receptacle with a new one of the same type.
  2. Replace with a GFCI receptacle: A GFCI-type receptacle may be installed as a replacement. In this case, the receptacle must be clearly marked with the words “No Equipment Ground” or “”GFCI Protected”” to indicate that it is not connected to an equipment grounding conductor.
  3. Replace with a grounding-type receptacle protected by a GFCI: You may install a grounding-type receptacle if it is protected by a GFCI device such as a GFCI circuit breaker or a GFCI receptacle located at the first outlet on the circuit. In this configuration, the GFCI provides shock protection even though an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) is not present.

The NEMA 1-15 Outlet and Receptacle

A NEMA 1-15 receptacle, rated for 125V, 15A, is an outdated, non-grounding, 2-pole, 2-wire electrical outlet that features two flat slots designed to accept the two-prong plug of a NEMA 1-15P. Actually, it is the ungrounded version of a NEMA 5-15R and 5-15P i.e. receptacle and plug.

While NEMA 1-15 is is an outdated and obsolete device and can’t be installed in new buildings, still they can be replaced in older installation having two wires, double insulated appliances, and non-US regions such as Japan, where 2-prong Type A plugs (same as NEMA 1-15) are still common but typically operate at 100V. It is also used in 3-to-2 prong adapter, though their use is not recommended for safety reasons.

Terminals

There are two terminals in a 1-15R outlet.

Click image or open in a new tab to enlarge

Terminals of 15A - 125V Non-Grounding 2-Wire NEMA 1-15 Receptacle

Electrical Ratings & Specifications

Wiring 15A/125V, Non-Grounding Outlet

To replace an existing 2-wire non-grounding 15A, 125V receptacle, (NEMA 1-15R), connect the terminals of outlet to a single-pole, 15A breaker in a 120/240V main panel as follow (shown in the wiring diagram):

Use #14 AWG copper conductors, which are the appropriate wire size for a 15A circuit and compatible with the NEMA 1-15R receptacle.

Strip the insulation from the conductors as follows:

Connect the wires:

After making all connections, tighten each terminal screw to approximately 14-18 in·lbs (1.6-2 N·m) of torque.

Click image or open in a new tab to enlarge

How to Wire a 15A/125V, NEMA 1-15 Non-Grounding Outlet

Good to Know:

As per NEC 406.4(D)(2): “Non–grounding-type receptacles shall not be replaced with grounding-type receptacles unless an equipment grounding conductor is provided.” In simple terms: You can only replace a 2-wire (ungrounded) outlet with another 2-wire or a GFCI-type outlet labeled “No Equipment Ground.

FAQ:

When NEMA 1-15R Introduced and Becomes Obsolete?

The NEMA 1-15 receptacle, introduced in the early 1900s and standardized around the 1915–1920s, was gradually replaced by the grounding-type NEMA 5-15 outlets during the 1960s–1970s. With the adoption of the 1962 NEC, grounding receptacles became mandatory for most new installations, effectively phasing out non-grounding NEMA 1-15 outlets in modern construction.

Why NEMA 1-15 Receptacles are Outdated?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) and Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) now require grounding (3-wire) receptacles in almost all new residential and commercial installations. That’s why NEMA 1-15 is considered outdated under modern electrical safety standards.

Reasons It’s Outdated:

How Many Amps Can a 1-15 Receptacle Handle Safely?

A NEMA 1-15 receptacle is rated for 15 amps at 125 volts. It should only be used on circuits protected by a 15-amp circuit breaker or fuse. As per NEC Articles 210.19(A), the 15A outlet can be used for 12A continuous load (which runs 3 or more hours) and max 15A non-continuous load.

How Many Watts Can a NEMA 1-15R Receptacle Hold?

At its rated voltage and current (120V × 15A), a NEMA 1-15R receptacle can safely supply up to 1,800 watts. However, for continuous loads, the NEC recommends not exceeding 80% of the circuit’s rating, which equals about 1,440 watts on a 15A circuit.

Which Breaker Size is Suitable for a 1-15 Outlet?

The right size breaker for NEMA 1-15 outlet is 15A single-pole breaker or GFCI.

What is the Correct Wire Size and Cable Type to Use with a NEMA 1-15?

Use #14 AWG copper conductors, which are suitable wire size for 15A circuit as per NEC Table – 310.16.

The most common cable types used are Type NM-B (non-metallic sheathed cable) for residential indoor wiring and Type AC or MC cable for commercial or metallic raceway installations.

Can You Replace a NEMA 1-15 with a NEMA 5-15 or 6-15?

NO – You cannot directly replace a NEMA 1-15 (non-grounding) receptacle with a NEMA 5-15 (grounding) or NEMA 6-15 (240V) receptacle unless proper grounding and wiring are provided.

According to NEC 406.4(D)(2), a 1-15 can only be replaced with another 1-15, a GFCI receptacle, or a GFCI-protected 5-15 marked “No Equipment Ground.” Installing a 5-15 or 6-15 without proper wiring and grounding violates code and can pose a serious safety hazard.

Warning

Resources:

Related Wiring Tutorials

NEMA Family Outlets/Receptacle Wiring

NEMA 5 -Series

NEMA 6-Series

NEMA 10-Series

NEMA 14-Series

NEMA General Outlets/Receptacle

General Wiring Installations:

Switches Wiring

GFCI/AFCI Breaker/Outlet Wiring

Related Posts:

Related Articles
↑
Exit mobile version