When I search for replacement plugs at Home Depot or Amazon (US), all I see are plugs rated at 125V. Even plugs marketed as "heavy duty" are still only 125V. Here is one such example. The only ones I've found rated for higher voltages are the big 20-amp plugs with non-vertical prongs. Yet all kinds of devices around the house are rated for 110-220V, even ones with small, flimsy plugs.
Why are the bigger and seemingly more sturdy replacement plugs only rated at 125V? Is it just a conservative rating? I had been under the impression it was more the wire and power transformer you have to watch out for, not so much the plug.
The reason I ask is because I would like to replace a plug on a device with a 110-220V power supply, that I would conceivably take abroad some time. Of course I would use the appropriate plug adapter.
Best Answer
This is a code issue. By code, certain outlets should only be used on a 120 V circuit. And a different outlet should be used on a 240 V circuit.
If the 120-V outlet were used on a 240-V circuit, somebody could plug in a device that isn't rated for 240-V. This would likely damage the device, and could cause further damage like starting a fire or electrocuting the user.
Your example plug is designed to fit the NEMA 5-15 outlets that are commonly used for 120 VAC, 15 A circuits in North America. Therefore retail vendors describe them as "120 V" plugs.
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