Leviton 515PA 15 Amp 125 Volt Armored Grounding Plug

1. Product Overview

The Leviton 515PA is a robust 15 Amp, 125 Volt, armored grounding plug designed for reliable electrical connections. This straight blade plug features an armored construction for enhanced durability and is suitable for various indoor and outdoor applications. Its design prioritizes secure wiring and ease of installation.

Figure 1: Leviton 515PA Armored Grounding Plug. This image shows the yellow plug face with three prongs (two flat blades and one round grounding pin) and the metallic armored casing.

2. Important Safety Instructions

Please read and understand all instructions before installing or using this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or serious injury.

• Always disconnect power at the circuit breaker or fuse box before installing or servicing any electrical device.
• Consult a qualified electrician if you are unsure about any part of the installation process.
• Ensure proper grounding. This plug is a grounding type and requires a properly grounded receptacle.
• Do not exceed the specified electrical ratings (15 Amp, 125 Volt).
• This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm (Proposition 65 warning). Wash hands after handling.
• Use only with compatible wire gauges (No. 18-3 through No. 12-3 cords).

3. Product Features

• Triple-drive Head Screws: Compatible with Standard, Phillips, and Robertson screwdrivers for versatile installation.
• NEMA Configuration & Rating: Clearly molded on the device face for easy identification (NEMA 5-15P).
• Deep-slotted, Backed-out Terminal Screws: Designed to securely draw backwire clamps over stripped leads, ensuring maximum conductivity.
• Keyed Husk & Module: Facilitates easy alignment during the wiring process.
• Automatic Cord Grip: Built-in mechanism adjusts automatically for use with No. 18-3 through No. 12-3 cords, providing secure strain relief.

4. Technical Specifications

Figure 2: Dimensional Diagram. This diagram illustrates the physical dimensions of the Leviton 515PA plug in both inches and millimeters.

5. Installation Guide

Follow these steps carefully to ensure proper and safe installation of the Leviton 515PA armored grounding plug onto an electrical cord.

1. Prepare the Cord: Ensure the electrical cord is disconnected from any power source. Strip the outer jacket of the cord to expose the insulated wires (typically black, white, and green/bare copper). Strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of each wire.
2. Disassemble the Plug: Unscrew the armored casing from the plug module. The husk and module are keyed for correct reassembly.
3. Route the Cord: Slide the armored casing and any strain relief components onto the cord in the correct orientation.
4. Identify Terminals: Refer to the NEMA configuration and wiring diagram. The plug has three terminals:
   • Brass Screw: For the HOT (black) wire.
   • Silver Screw: For the NEUTRAL (white) wire.
   • Green Screw: For the GROUND (green or bare copper) wire.
5. Connect Wires: Loosen the deep-slotted, backed-out terminal screws. Insert the stripped end of each wire under its corresponding terminal screw. Tighten the screws firmly to ensure maximum conductivity and prevent loose connections. The triple-drive screws accommodate various screwdriver types.
6. Secure Cord Grip: The built-in cord grip automatically adjusts for No. 18-3 through No. 12-3 cords. Ensure the cord is securely held to prevent strain on the wire connections.
7. Reassemble the Plug: Align the keyed husk and module, then screw the armored casing back onto the plug module until it is secure.
8. Verify: Double-check all connections for tightness and ensure no bare wires are exposed or touching other terminals.

Figure 3: Wiring Diagram for NEMA 5-15P. This diagram illustrates the correct connection points for Hot (W), Neutral (SYS GR), and Ground (EQUIP GR) wires within the plug, showing a 125V circuit.

Figure 4: NEMA 5-15P Configuration. This image displays the standard NEMA 5-15P plug face, indicating the positions of the Hot, Neutral, and Ground pins.

6. Operation

Once properly installed on an electrical cord, the Leviton 515PA armored grounding plug functions as a standard electrical plug. Insert the plug firmly into a compatible 15 Amp, 125 Volt, NEMA 5-15R grounded receptacle. Ensure the connection is secure to prevent arcing or overheating.

7. Care and Maintenance

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the plug and cord for any signs of damage, such as cracks, fraying, or discoloration.
• Cleaning: If necessary, clean the exterior of the plug with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or immerse the plug in water.
• Storage: Store the plug and cord in a dry, clean environment when not in use.
• Tightness: If the plug feels loose in a receptacle, or if the cord connections appear loose, discontinue use and inspect/re-tighten connections as needed after disconnecting power.

8. Troubleshooting

• No Power to Device:
  • Check if the circuit breaker has tripped or if a fuse has blown.
  • Ensure the plug is fully inserted into the receptacle.
  • Inspect the cord and plug for visible damage.
  • Verify internal wiring connections within the plug are secure (after disconnecting power).
• Plug Feels Loose in Receptacle:
  • The receptacle may be worn and need replacement.
  • Ensure the plug prongs are not bent or damaged.
• Overheating:
  • Immediately disconnect power.
  • This indicates a potential overload or loose connection. Do not use until the cause is identified and corrected by a qualified professional.

9. Warranty and Support

Leviton products are manufactured to high-quality standards. This product comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, terms, and conditions, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Leviton website. For technical assistance or customer support, please contact Leviton directly through their official channels.