Question on EV charger installation

[fastsvo]

Hey Guys,

Please help me understand if my electrician did this correctly or not.

In my garage, a 240v Nema 14-50 outlet was installed using a 1" conduit directly to the electrical panel outside using 6ga wire and a 60amp pull breaker (about 25ft in length I assume).

Do I need a sub panel at the outlet? The idea is to have the charger installed at the outlet and not touch it.

Thanks!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

why would you need a subpanel? The charger plugs into the outlet.

the breaker should be 50a however

 

[fastsvo]

why would you need a subpanel? The charger plugs into the outlet.

the breaker should be 50a however

I have seen some installations where they’ve mounted the subpanel right next to the plug. Not sure if it’s Supposed to act like a “safety switch” or
not?

Is the 50a calculated for 20% above the standard 40a charger?


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[nadogail]

IMHO, because the charging outlet is a dedicated circuit the charger doesn't need a sub panel, if it does the one I installed is wrong..

 

[wyliesdiesels]

the only thing the subpanel could be considered is a disconnect but the plug satisfies that requirement.

 

[pgray007]

I have seen some installations where they’ve mounted the subpanel right next to the plug. Not sure if it’s Supposed to act like a “safety switch” or
not?

Is the 50a calculated for 20% above the standard 40a charger?


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Yes on the 50A. For continuous loads you go down 20% of the rated wire capacity. I have a similar setup with a NEMA 14-50. No sub panel and I’m not aware of any requirement to have one. If you’ve seen them at other places where you live maybe call the local building department and ask if it’s required. If your electrician pulled a permit and had it inspected then you should be all set.


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[fastsvo]

Yes on the 50A. For continuous loads you go down 20% of the rated wire capacity. I have a similar setup with a NEMA 14-50. No sub panel and I’m not aware of any requirement to have one. If you’ve seen them at other places where you live maybe call the local building department and ask if it’s required. If your electrician pulled a permit and had it inspected then you should be all set.


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Ok sounds like I will replace that 60A breaker with a 50A. Thanks everyone.


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[wyliesdiesels]

can you post a pic of the nameplate on the charger please

 

[fastsvo]

can you post a pic of the nameplate on the charger please

I don’t have the charger yet nor an EV car, but added this line during my garage build out


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[dcg9381]

Ok sounds like I will replace that 60A breaker with a 50A. Thanks everyone.

That's right - breaker matches socket limit.

I was discussing this scenario with a master electrician just yesterday. Like the OP, I've spec'd a 50A outlet (Nema 14-50 - RV type) in my garage for a "future electric vehicle".

What he told me was that many of these chargers are high draw.. That is, they operate around peak limits for the breaker - he wires them all at 60A wire or above. He also pointed out that the Nema 14-50 sockets are rated for 50A, so people need to be careful if their chargers are pulling 60A - apparently that's a thing - it's not unusual to have to change the outlet to some twist-lock type rated for 60A.

The net of the recommendation was to wire these with 4-6GA copper, so you're good for 60A+ with the right outlet.

 

[Kevin Essiambre]

it's not unusual to have to change the outlet to some twist-lock type rated for 60A.

I mean, the 14-60R is a thing...

 

[wyliesdiesels]

That's right - breaker matches socket limit.

I was discussing this scenario with a master electrician just yesterday. Like the OP, I've spec'd a 50A outlet (Nema 14-50 - RV type) in my garage for a "future electric vehicle".

What he told me was that many of these chargers are high draw.. That is, they operate around peak limits for the breaker - he wires them all at 60A wire or above. He also pointed out that the Nema 14-50 sockets are rated for 50A, so people need to be careful if their chargers are pulling 60A - apparently that's a thing - it's not unusual to have to change the outlet to some twist-lock type rated for 60A.

The net of the recommendation was to wire these with 4-6GA copper, so you're good for 60A+ with the right outlet.

The ground wire does not need to be the same size as the ungrounded conductors.

#10 can be used up to 60a.

 

[jkeyser14]

As already said, no sub panel needed. I have a total of 8 different 14-50 outlets in my garage so the car can be charged in any bay, parked facing any direction. All wired with 6 gauge wire on 50A breakers.