NEMA plugs are used for many power transmission applications. They also come in a variety of types. Two notable ones are the NEMA 6-50 and 14-50. These plugs are especially popular because they are used for charging electric vehicles at home. So, if you consider NEMA 6 50 vs 14 50 – which is the better option for your electric vehicle home charger? The following article looks at the debate in depth:
Nema 6 50 Overview
The NEMA 6 50 is a connector that you can use for a variety of different power transfer applications. Like the 14 50, it features two hots and ground but there’s no neutral on it.
It works with a home circuit of 50 amperes at 240 volts. This plug is feasible for usage in appliances such as electric ovens or industrial applications such as plasma cutting and welding. A 6-50 is less pricey than a 14 50 plug.
Can You Use Nema 6-50 on a Tesla
Yes, you can. This adapter will allow a current of 32 amperes to pass through when you give it a voltage of 240 volts. You can get these gen 2 connectors from Tesla and it’ll be cheaper than the 14 50.
This is because the 14 50 comes with an extra wire. The downside is that the NEMA 6-50 is less widely available in places like RV parks. It is also less future proof as compared to the 14 50.
Nema 14 50 Overview
The NEMA 14 50 is a 240 volts plug with an amperage of 50 amperes. That means that it has to be installed in a household circuit of 50 amps as well.
This is a plug with two hots, one neutral, and one ground.
The NEMA 14 50 is widely the recommended choice of experts when it comes to charging your vehicle at home. This is largely due to its versatility and ability to handle higher power devices.
Is Nema 14-50 Good for Tesla?
Many people who are confused about EV adapters tend to ask this question, but the answer is rather simple. Considering that the adapter for its outlets used to be included with your new Tesla, it is.
That’s right, the 14-50 is the default plug recommended by Tesla themselves. This means that you can just get it and don’t have to make any changes when you’re going to start charging your car
How much does it cost to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet?
You can have a NEMA 14 50 plug installed in your house. For this, most companies will quote you around $400 if you don’t have a conduit for the wire in the wall in place.
But with the conduit you can expect to save around $150, depending on where you live. However, it is not recommended by Tesla that you install a new one. You’re better off getting an adapter from them.
Pros of the NEMA 6 50 over a NEMA 14 50
- It is cheaper than the 14 50 because it doesn’t need the neutral wire which adds to the price
- Its receptacle is also less pricey than the one for the 14 50
- Its cable has a smaller cross-section and it has more flexibility; so, installation is easier
- The setup contains fewer wires so which also eases the installation
Pros of the NEMA 14 50 over a NEMA 6 50
- The 14 50’s biggest advantage is that it’s future proof, as upcoming EVs may not have the 6 50 receptacle option
- 14 50 is also more common these days so you’ll be able to use it more on the road; the 6 50 isn’t always available
- In case you like to visit RV parks, you won’t be able to charge your Tesla there because the receptacle won’t work.
Conclusion
This was a tough one but there can only be one winner. The 14 50 is the recommended choice for the ideal Tesla plug. This is because it is more readily available whenever you may need to charge your car. It also has a solid future unlike the 6 50. If you want to save money, you can get the 6 50. It delivers the same amount of power and is easier to install. You just may not find its outlet in an emergency
