Installation Cost for NEMA 14-50 Outlets - WattLogic (2023)

• Vanessa Peng
• 27. August 2022

Whether you just got your electric vehicle (EV), are planning to buy one soon, or have had your EV for some time, you need to figure out how you want itCharge your car at home. Charging with a Tier 1 charger, which is included with every electric vehicle purchase or lease, is not efficient and you often don't have an adequate charge or have to deal with itrange anxiety.

On the other hand, relying only on public charging stations is impractical and extremely inconvenient. To get a Level 2 home charger, you need an electrician to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet. How much does it cost to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet and can any electrician install a NEMA 14-50 outlet?Charging electric vehicles? We answer those questions for you in this quick read!

What is a NEMA 14-50 EV outlet?

A NEMA 14-50 outlet is one you may be familiar with. It is widely used for electric stoves and recreational vehicles. A NEMA 14-50 outlet is also used for a Level 2 EV charging station. ALevel 2 home charging station for electric carsRequires more power than your regular 120 volt home outlet - it requires a 240 volt outlet.

In a hardwired installation, the line is routed from the panel directly into the electric car charger. In a plug-in installation, the conduit is routed from the sub-panel to a NEMA 14 50 outlet.

Why do you need to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet for an EV charger?

A NEMA 14-50 outlet is designed for a Level 2 plug-in charger. In a hardwired installation, the line is routed from the panel directly into the charger. In a plug-in installation, the conduit is routed from the main panel to a NEMA 14 50 outlet.

A plug-in EV charger is convenient because it can be unplugged and taken with you when you move, or easily swapped out if you decide to switch to a different EV charger. Installing a plug-in electric vehicle charger is usually more expensive than a hardwired charger. A hardwired installation is a permanently attached EV charger that is not portable.

Keep in mind that some electricity suppliers only give a discount if the EV charger is hardwired. Therefore, it is important that you do your research and find out which one gives you the best bang for your buck. In general, hardwired EV chargers are cheaper to install than plug-in chargers, and they are also more efficient and durable.

Electrical codes require a NEMA 14-50 outlet for a plug-in EV charging station to be installed on a GFCI breaker to prevent personal injury and fire. This rule protects you, but also increases the likelihood that you will trip the breaker while charging your electric vehicle. A hardwired installation installs on a dedicated circuit and doesn't have to worry about this common problem. If you're unsure which type of charger is right for you, it's always a good idea to consult an EV expert.

It should be noted that you cannot just install any type of NEMA 14-50 outlet when it comes to EV charging. You need one that can withstand the electrical demands of charging electric vehicles. Many on the market have fiberglass insulators that melt after a few months of charging. You will need an industrial grade NEMA 14-50 240V outlet that uses glass or ceramic insulators.

What Kind of Job Does an Electrician Do for a NEMA 14-50 Outlet Installation?

An electrician will work with you to determine the best location for the electric vehicle charging station. Factors such as the distance of your planned location from the panel will determine how long the installation will take and how much it will cost.

The electrician then performs a load calculation and determines if your panel can handle the additional load of EV charging. If your panel does not have enough space, the electrician will have to upgrade your sub-panel at an additional cost. Then the electrician can determine what type of fuse box your installation requires. Breaker boxes come in a variety of current ratings.

From there, they identify a wiring diagram and determine what the best route is for the line (e.g. through the attic or behind drywall). This is a job that requires knowledge of safe ways to store wiring and ways to prevent future electrical disasters, such as: B. someone drilling into the electrical cable.

Then the line is routed to the breaker box. The electrician wires the breaker box for the new breaker. This part of the process requires electrical knowledge, which DIYers shouldn't take chances with. Trying to save a few extra bucks can result in a house fire, which is a major safety and financial concern.

Next they wire up the new circuit breaker. This part of the process also requires in-depth electrical knowledge and is something you shouldn't risk.

From there, the electrician will replace the panel cover and test the NEMA 14-50 outlet using a test kit or your EV charger to ensure it is working properly.

Can a regular electrician install an electric vehicle charger?

Yes, a licensed electrician should be able to install an electric vehicle charging station.

However, some important security considerations must be taken into account. Electric vehicles contain large batteries that store a significant amount of energy, and this energy must be properly managed to avoid accidents.

There are also specific National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements related to the electrical installation of an EV charging station that an EV charger installer must be familiar with. For example, a NEMA 14-50 outlet must be installed on a GFCI. Failure to comply with code requirements can result in a sloppy installation or, worse, an unsafe installation that can lead to disaster.

A licensed electrician has the training and experience necessary to safely install an electric vehicle charging station, but not all experienced electricians are familiar with the specific requirements of home charging installations. That's why it's always best to work with an EV charging installer who knows everything about the process. They can advise you on the best way to set up your home charging station, taking into account your circumstances.

They also ensure that the installation is carried out safely and all relevant regulations are followed. So if you're thinking of getting an electric car, make sure you find a qualified EV charger installer to help you set it up. It will make life a lot easier in the long run.

NEMA 14 50 GFCI outlet requirement

As mentioned above, recently added guidelines from the NEC state that a GFCI breaker must be installed on a NEMA 14-50 outlet used for charging electric vehicles. A GFCI breaker is built to prevent electrocution when an electrical device comes into contact with water. Installing an GFCI can prevent injury or even death, but can be annoying due to tripping issues. Having to reset the breaker every now and then when charging your car can be extremely inconvenient.

This is another reason to consider a hardwired charger instead of a plug-in. A hardwired charger requires its own circuit, which is not only more reliable, but also doesn't require a GFCI output.

Can you charge a Tesla with a NEMA 14-50 outlet?

If you're a Tesla owner, whether you own a Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, or Model Y, you can charge your car through a NEMA 14-50 outlet, but you'll need an adapter, which is commercially available In theTesla-Shop. To use the adapter, you need your Mobile Connector, which is also included with the vehicle. The Tesla Motors Mobile Connector is a 20 foot cable with interchangeable adapters that can be used in different outlets. To start charging with your 14-50 outlet, connect the adapter to the Mobile Connector and then plug it into the outlet.

Does Tesla come with NEMA 14-50?

No, a Tesla vehicle does not come with a NEMA 14-50. When it comes to charging your Tesla, you have the option to charge at home with a Tesla Wall Connector or other EV charger of your choice. To charge with other EV charging stations, you need to install a NEMA 14-50 with a 50 amp circuit breaker and purchase an adapter from Tesla.

Best NEMA 14-50 outlet for Tesla

The best NEMA 14-50 outlet for your Tesla EV is one installed by a licensed electrician who can withstand the electrical loads of EV charging day in and day out. It doesn't matter what brand, but the class of the NEMA 14-50 outlet. The best way to charge electric vehicles is to use an industrial-grade NEMA 14-50 outlet. Once you hire a trusted electrician to install your EV charging station, they should be able to choose the best outlet for your Tesla vehicle.

How much does a NEMA 14-50 outlet installation cost?

The cost of a NEMA 14-50 installation depends on how far your power source is from the outlet, whether you need a subpanel upgrade, and how the wire is routed through your home. The total cost also takes into account any permit fees.

The cost of an installation for a NEMA outlet installation ranges from $500 to $2,500. An electrician will usually need to do a site assessment before they can give you a quote, but with oursdigital surveyyou don't have to wait for an electrician to come to your house, shop around and then wait for them to come back to you with a quote.

Here at WattLogic, we've revolutionized the way you get an EV charging quote. We'll ask you a few questions and then you'll be done in less than 10 minutes! We will then receive your answers and send you an offer in the shortest possible time. You canfill in right awaywhichever device you are reading this from.

We also only work with licensed electricians who are certified to charge electric vehicles. So not only do you not have to worry about waiting for the quote, you can now be sure that the electrician has experience with EV charging installations! In addition, we also support you in the searchdiscountsare available for your Level 2 charging installation at home and apply on your behalf. There's no reason why you shouldn't fill out oursOpinion pollNow!