Southwire Adapters

Southwire Adapters: Built on a Wire and Cable Foundation

Southwire started as a wire maker. Roy Richards founded the company on March 23, 1950, with three used machines and a workforce of 12 employees. That background shows in its adapters. They are cord-based power connection products made by a company that understands conductors, insulation and temperature ratings. If you are browsing the full Adapters category or learning more about the manufacturer on the Southwire brand page, this page covers where the two meet.

Generator and Splitter Adapters

A large part of Southwire's adapter range is aimed at temporary power, with generators, jobsites and recreational use as the main applications. Several of these are simple but practical splitters. Southwire describes its adapters as transforming a single outlet into multiple outlets. Two examples:

• "Y" adapters: a heavy-duty 2-foot Y adapter converts a standard 15-amp plug into two standard 15-amp outlets.
• "W" adapters: the 12-gauge, 3-prong W adapter turns one 15-amp plug into three 15-amp outlets and is UL and CUL listed.

Southwire also offers generator adapters that change one plug or receptacle configuration to another. The company says its generator adapters provide more usable receptacles during temporary power outages and on jobsites. The listed temperature rating runs from -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C). That range suits outdoor storage, cold-weather work and hot job trailers.

Twist-Lock and RV Adapters

Locking connectors matter when a cord could be pulled loose by vibration, foot traffic or a shifting generator. Southwire's twist-to-lock adapters convert plugs and receptacles to fit a specific application. For RV and camping use, Southwire introduced six new power cords and six dog bone adapters. Dog bone adapters adapt power from one size to another. The combinations include a 15-amp male to a 30-amp twist-lock and a 50-amp male to a 50-amp twist-lock. These are useful for matching a campsite pedestal to an RV inlet.

Appliance Adapters

Southwire also makes adapters outside the generator and RV space. One example is the 9042SW8801 appliance adapter. It is designed as a safe way to convert an electric range outlet for gas range use. Its features include an easy-grip T-handle for removal from the 250V outlet, a built-in fuse for overload protection, and a 90-degree orientation that lets the appliance sit closer to the wall. The outlet configuration is NEMA 5-15R, rated 15A at 125V.

What to Check Before You Buy

• Plug and receptacle type: match the NEMA configuration on both ends, such as 5-15, 5-20, L5-30 or L14-30.
• Amperage and voltage: the adapter should meet or exceed the load you plan to run, and splitters share the capacity of the source outlet.
• Wire gauge and jacket: heavier gauges and rugged jackets handle outdoor and jobsite use better.
• Safety listings: look for UL or CUL listing and any built-in protection such as a fuse.

Return to the Southwire brand page for the wider product range, or see the Adapters category to compare options from other makers.