As far as the ampacity difference between a 15 amp plug an a 20 amp plug there is no difference. Blade size and thickness are the same.
Blade configuration is different.... A 15 amp plug will fit into a 15 amp or 20 amp receptacle.
A 20 amp plug will only fit into a 20 amp receptacle.
A 20 amp receptacle can only, by NEC code, be connected to a 20 amp branch circuit.
Two or more 15 amp receptacles, (a duplex being two), can be connected to a 20 amp branch circuit.
Maximum continuous FLA amps safety standards for a NEMA 5-15P plug is 12 amps. So if the FLA of a manufactured appliance is 12 amps or less he can use a 15 amp plug.
Most convenience outlet branch circuits in homes are 15 amp with 15 amp duplex receptacles.
One reason the biggest consumer home portable vacuum cleaner only comes with a maximum 12 amp motor......
Also the reason pretty much all power amps have a 15 amp AC power plug.
A lot of aftermarket power cords use at least the equivalent wire gauge wire size of #12 awg. Ampacity rating for # 12 awg wire is 20 amps.
Maximum NEMA continuous FLA amps safety standards for a NEMA 5-20P plug is 16 amps.
The weakest link in the power delivery chain to the power amp is the IEC connectors IMO.....
Not the NEMA plug.
Blade configuration is different.... A 15 amp plug will fit into a 15 amp or 20 amp receptacle.
A 20 amp plug will only fit into a 20 amp receptacle.
A 20 amp receptacle can only, by NEC code, be connected to a 20 amp branch circuit.
Two or more 15 amp receptacles, (a duplex being two), can be connected to a 20 amp branch circuit.
Maximum continuous FLA amps safety standards for a NEMA 5-15P plug is 12 amps. So if the FLA of a manufactured appliance is 12 amps or less he can use a 15 amp plug.
Most convenience outlet branch circuits in homes are 15 amp with 15 amp duplex receptacles.
One reason the biggest consumer home portable vacuum cleaner only comes with a maximum 12 amp motor......
Also the reason pretty much all power amps have a 15 amp AC power plug.
A lot of aftermarket power cords use at least the equivalent wire gauge wire size of #12 awg. Ampacity rating for # 12 awg wire is 20 amps.
Maximum NEMA continuous FLA amps safety standards for a NEMA 5-20P plug is 16 amps.
The weakest link in the power delivery chain to the power amp is the IEC connectors IMO.....
Not the NEMA plug.