NEMA 6-50 vs. 14-50 [Which one do you need?] | EV America (2023)

Recently, interest in electric vehicles has increased significantly. As these vehicles continue to gain traction and become more popular, you may be tempted to invest in one as well. However, if you are new to electric vehicles (EVs), you may be wondering how to efficiently and safely power your electric vehicle.

When you buy an electric vehicle, you want to invest in aCharging station for home vehiclesand a wall outlet. While there are a few different types of plugs and sockets on the market, you will inevitably come across two types of plugs: the NEMA 6-50 and the 14-50.

These two connectors are the most popular among EV owners. Both plugs have their advantages and you can't go wrong with either. However, the choice between NEMA 6-50 and 14-50 comes down to your needs and personal preference. In this guide, we'll walk you through the difference between these two plugs and the uses you can get out of each.

What is the difference between a NEMA 6-50 and a 14-50 plug?

Recently, the NEMA 14-50 outlet has gained popularity among homeowners. As the name suggests, the 14-50 delivers up to a maximum of 50 amps of power, which is perfect and safe for charging your electric vehicle at home.

Today the 14-50 is the recommended 50 amp plug as it is the most versatile option. On the other hand, while the NEMA 6-50 may not be as common as the 14-50, it is beginning to gain acceptance as a more affordable option. In addition, this power cord is also easier to install because it is smaller and more flexible. However, as with the 14-50, 50 is the maximum current rating for the NEMA 6-50 plug. So,What is the biggest difference between the two plugs?

You can see the difference between a NEMA 6-50 and a 14-50look at both plugs side by side. You'll notice that the 6-50 lacks a neutral wire. The neutral hole is the bottom 4th hole just below the "Hots".

So the difference between the NEMA 6-50 and the 14-50 is that the 6-50 does not have a neutral wire; it only has the two hots and the bottom.

In contrast, the 14-50 comes with a neutral. This means that the 14-50 has four holes while the 6-50 only has three. In summary, the NEMA 14-50 outlet has two hot, one ground and one neutral, while the 6-50 only has two hot and one ground.

The connector vs. the EV charging connector

Before we get into what the NEMA 6-50 and 14-50 are each used for, let's note the difference between the plug and the EV charging port.

The plug plugs into your wall outlet while the EVcharging portplug into your vehicle.

A home EV charging station is the interface between the electricity flowing through your home and an EV's battery management and charging system. It needs to be either hardwired or plugged into a heavy duty outlet like you would use for dryers or ovens.

240 volts is the recommended voltage for powering an electric vehicle. Ampere (the unit of measurement for current) is also important. The most common plug-in EV home charger today uses a 50 amp, 240 volt outlet to safely power an EV.

What is a NEMA 14-50 outlet used for?

The NEMA 14-50 is a 240 volt, 50 amp outlet. In addition, a 24-volt dedicated circuitinstalled for more powerful devicescan be wired as a 14-50 line. These high-performance devices includeelectric stoves and welding machines. The14-50 is also used for RVs and RVs.

The NEMA 14-50 standard outlet is commonly used for charging electric vehicles. With the right EV charger, a modern EV battery can be fully charged in less than 8 hours.

14-50 NEMA chargers are pluggable devices that plug into an outlet. As previously mentioned, the NEMA 14-50 standard specifies a maximum current of 50 amps. However, only 80% of this maximum power is permissible for continuous operation. In other words, plugging in any charger generates no more than 40A for an EV.

What is a 6-50 plug used for?

Like the NEMA 14-50, the6-50 connector is used for devices that require higher power, such as B. stoves and dryers. Besides, this connector is still used for compressors, electric furnaces and generators; it is now also routinely used for EV chargers.

The NEMA 6-50 EV Charger is one of the most powerful portable plug-in EV chargers on the market. It's even used by Tesla (although an adapter is needed). This plug also fits all other electric vehicles. The 6-50 charges your vehicle at 9.6kWh and offers a range of 30-35 miles per hour of charging. This is the fastest plug-in home charger available.

Is it better to hardwire or plug in an EV charger?

Wired charging stations are high-performance devices for continuous use. If you choose this option, it mounts to the wall and includes about three feet of conduit and umbilicals extending from it.

These wires connect to the wires in your panel in a junction box.Hardwired units actually offer a wider range of amperage and charging speed options than plug-in units.

Hardwiring is also an excellent option for outdoor use, as it's proven to withstand rain, snow, sleet, and ice. However, the downside to this option is that hardwired units are not portable. You have to rent oneEv Electricianto transport it. Additionally, hardwired charging stations can be more expensive due to the cost of the charger itself, its size, and the more labor-intensive installation.

As the name suggests, plug-in charging stations offer the possibility of plugging your EV supply facility (EVSE) directly into a 240 volt socket.

These outlets are not designed to allow you to plug and unplug regularly, so you must keep the charging station connected at all times. If your home already has a 240-volt outlet, you can get a plug (NEMA 6-50 or 14-50) that will work with it.

With a 240 volt socket, you can simply mount the charging station and get started. If you don't have a 240-volt outlet, an electrician can install an outlet that matches your chosen plug type. If you plan to use an outdoor plug-in charging station, you will need a "while-in-use" weatherproof cover installed over the 240 volt outlet and a GFCI for it.

This is a good option if you need to charge outdoors but don't want to invest in a hardwired charging station. In total,Plug-in charging stations are cheaper and can be more convenient. However, they deliver lower current and are not well suited for outdoor use.

Deciding between a wired or plug-in EV charger really comes down to personal preference and what benefits you the most.While a hardwired charging station isn't portable and costs more, it offers a solid connection and excellent charging strength. A plug-in charger is much more convenient but has a slightly more limited utility.

Final Thoughts

As you can see by now, there are a multitude of decisions you need to make regarding your EV and your charging experience.

When it comes to choosing NEMA plugs, 6-50 and 14-50 are both safe, modern and powerful options that will allow you to charge your electric vehicle at home much faster.

The main deciding factor for most EV owners is versatility, with NEMA 14-50 being the more common nationally. Now that you know which type suits your needs, you can use the button below to make an informed purchase.