Colored Markings on twist lock receptacles

[600SL]

I inadvertently purchased L15-30 twist lock receptacles for my lift. It turned out, these receptacles are for 3 phase and I need a single phase version, I believe L14-30r. In any case I noticed my 3 phase receptacles have a blue circle in the center like the first picture but with 4 prongs instead of the three shown. The L14-30 is available with an orange circle as shown in the second picture or with no circle for 1/2 the price. I have also seen some green circles.

Can anyone tell me what the significance of the circles are. These will be used for a 240V lift with 120V available on the post.

 

[Kezorm]

Left column, "Color Coded by Voltage"

https://hubbellcdn.com/ohwassets/HCI/WiringDevice/Catalog/NEMA/NEMA_2017%20Twist-Lock%20Devices.pdf

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So youre running a 30a circuit to the lift and you want to run 120v 15a or 20a convenience receptacle off of that? What are you planning for overcurrent protection on the receptacle?

 

[Norcal]

Not one of those receptacles is "Twistlock®" they are locking receptacles, they are only "Twistlock®" if they are made by Hubbell, and the colors correspond to the voltage they are rated for.

 

[walta]

The two sockets may look the same except for the paint but I am sure you would find it impossible fit a mismatched set together.

Generally, I would get the correct twist locks but if you have all the 3 Phase plugs and sockets on hand, I would install and use them. The chance of your equipment finding its way to another building and getting plugged into 3 phase power seems like zero. The chance that you would plug 3 phase equipment is also zero.

Walta

 

[600SL]

Left column, "Color Coded by Voltage"

https://hubbellcdn.com/ohwassets/HCI/WiringDevice/Catalog/NEMA/NEMA_2017%20Twist-Lock%20Devices.pdf

Looks like its pretty much voltage related. Except some of the receptacles do not have a ring. Is that a Hubble standard. Some of the Leviton's have the ring some do not.

 

[600SL]

So youre running a 30a circuit to the lift and you want to run 120v 15a or 20a convenience receptacle off of that? What are you planning for overcurrent protection on the receptacle?

It will be a 25A circuit breaker to the lift. I also installed a 2 position circuit breaker box on my lift and can get circuit breakers that 25A 240V and 2 20A 120V.

 

[600SL]

The two sockets may look the same except for the paint but I am sure you would find it impossible fit a mismatched set together.

Generally, I would get the correct twist locks but if you have all the 3 Phase plugs and sockets on hand, I would install and use them. The chance of your equipment finding its way to another building and getting plugged into 3 phase power seems like zero. The chance that you would plug 3 phase equipment is also zero.

Walta

I returned the 3 phase ones. I found the 1 phase plugs will work if you file down one of the prongs but I don't want to get into that non standard setup.

 

[mike93lx]

It will be a 25A circuit breaker to the lift. I also installed a 2 position circuit breaker box on my lift and can get circuit breakers that 25A 240V and 2 20A 120V.

I'd be inclined to make it a 30a feed to the box on the lift, but practically, it won't matter

 

[600SL]

I'd be inclined to make it a 30a feed to the box on the lift, but practically, it won't matter

I was thinking about that, I have it wired with 12 ga. If also been running it for 10 years on 20A with no issues. Of course I never had more that 60003 on a 9000# lift.

 

[mike93lx]

I was thinking about that, I have it wired with 12 ga. If also been running it for 10 years on 20A with no issues. Of course I never had more that 60003 on a 9000# lift.

12 gauge nm-b or thhn? If nm-b, you need to breaker it at 20

 

[600SL]

12 gauge nm-b or thhn? If nm-b, you need to breaker it at 20

I mis-spoke it's 10 ga THHN

 

[mike93lx]

I mis-spoke it's 10 ga THHN

Then you could feed the sub with a 30 and use the 20/25 breaker you showed

 

[grounded-b]

I returned the 3 phase ones. I found the 1 phase plugs will work if you file down one of the prongs but I don't want to get into that non standard setup.

Don't file down the prongs. Get the proper configured receptacle.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I returned the 3 phase ones. I found the 1 phase plugs will work if you file down one of the prongs but I don't want to get into that non standard setup.

why not just buy the correct plug?

 

[dave*99]

Have you considered hardwiring the lift? You didn't mention if it was movable. Since you have installed a panel and breaker on the lift, you already have a local disconnect.
I used a sealtite whip on my lift.

 

[600SL]

why not just buy the correct plug?

Sorry for the confusion. I did return the 3P L15-30r receptacles and purchased 1P receptacles L14-30r. I just meant to say the 3P ones would have worked IF I filed down the plugs. But I am certainly not going down that path of stupidity.

 

[Steve from Socal]

Sorry for the confusion. I did return the 3P L15-30r receptacles and purchased 1P receptacles L14-30r. I just meant to say the 3P ones would have worked IF I filed down the plugs. But I am certainly not going down that path of stupidity.

There are several Hubble twist-loc styles that are close or mirror of others. The difference may be as simple as the locking lug on the inside or outside of the circle. Besides not being right, removing the lug makes the plug unlockable.