• Have you tried out dark mode?! Scroll to the bottom of any page to find a sun or moon icon to turn dark mode on or off!

diy solar

diy solar

New EV rated 14-50 outlet, rated for 50A EV use

Supervstech

Administrator
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Sep 21, 2019
Messages
13,758
Location
Belmont, NC
Looks like leviton has taken notice of their common outlets catching on fire, and have released hugher rated ones with an EV logo on them...

I am picking up one to test out.20250908_152132.jpg

It is 4 times the price of the normal outlet, but about half what hubbel charges

Around $40

I might tear it open and post pics of it.
Compared to the $1217573597917572392771242494438245.jpg17573598026406027059013466849300.jpg version
 
Am I correct in thinking the 'duty rating' is more the susceptibility of the 'plastic' to melting, than the actual contacts/components? I wonder what material is used in this unit...
 
Nope, nope, nope. You can have my Hubbell 50 amp outlet when you pry it from my cold dead fingers. I tossed the POS Leviton outlet in the trash so nobody else could use it.

I thought I was going to have to replace all the wiring to my EV because the Leviton outlet was getting hot. I did replace the Nissan EVSE thinking that might be the problem. Once I switched to the Hubbell, the system was nice and cool.

I will be reluctant to use anything Leviton in the future.
 
If your EVSE must carry 50A continuous then may as well hardwire it. For better connection you can wear-in your outlet and plug contacts by repeatedly inserting and removing the plug and leaving it just a hair pulled out to land the contacts on worn area. This should increase contact area and reduce contact resistance. But those 50A blade contacts are fundamentally lousy design. I'd like to see NACS sockets used as AC wall socket and dual NACS plug cable (on both ends) for connecting to EV. You could dump 200A through that one easy. But no EV supports that kind of AC charging rate.
 
Here's my idea for an EV socket, (stolen from the ZIF socket from ye olde tymes): Build a 50A socket with a lever that clamps the plug connection in place. No power until clamp is activated. Price may be slightly (lots) higher than existing outlets. I'll leave you to work out the details. :cool:
 

Attachments

  • zif.png
    zif.png
    151.4 KB · Views: 9
There are locking connectors like NEMA L6-30 & L14-30, but those are only for 240V 30A. I'm a bit surprised there are no NEMA standard Locking 240V 50A connectors/receptacles.
The real issue is that once you get past about 32A you really should be hardwiring the 40A+ connections, if continuous full loads like in the case of EV charging.
 
I made this to charge my Nissan Leaf (I'm in Italy). the socket is IP67 and it cannot be powered unless the connector is plugged (and you can't disconnect unless you switch off)
There are 2 version of this one: 16A and the 32A (this one) and both are single fase (blue) but there is also the three fase socket that is red. Those are industrial grade socket and very durable.
https://www.gewiss.com/it/it/prodotti/product.1000002.1000076.GW66315N

Also here in IT there are Schucko socket ("ghe german one") rated for 32A (single phase) but I do not trust them like this one... that is used with heavy machinery in many workshops and the only one with all the certification. there are also some version with fuse or circuit braker.
There is any plug like this one in US?
 

Attachments

There are locking connectors like NEMA L6-30 & L14-30, but those are only for 240V 30A. I'm a bit surprised there are no NEMA standard Locking 240V 50A connectors/receptacles.
The real issue is that once you get past about 32A you really should be hardwiring the 40A+ connections, if continuous full loads like in the case of EV charging.

Theres the option of NEMA SS2-50:

61sNX1fy+BL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.webp

71cLvZBaUWL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.webp
 
Nice @Brucey didn't think about ship-to-shore stuff. This would probably work just great - and has the added benefit of being intentionally used in outdoor/wet environments, although I could see there being some AHJ inspectors who may not like them...

FWIW, AI said this to me when inquiring about NEC 2023 compatibility for residential applications:

The NEMA SS2-50 connector is a 50A, 125/250V locking connector commonly used in marine and RV applications. It is mentioned as a specialized connector for those uses rather than general residential purposes.

Regarding the 2023 NEC (National Electrical Code), there is limited direct mention of the SS2-50 connector classification. The NEC 2023 has articles for marinas and boatyards (Article 555) which include requirements for shore power and related receptacles, but it does not specifically list or mandate the SS2-50 as a general residential receptacle type. The SS2-50 is recognized as a NEMA standard connector type but is primarily specified for marine/RV environments rather than typical residential electrical distribution.

For residential installation, the NEC typically requires receptacles to comply with the standard NEMA types specified under Article 210 (branch circuits for dwelling units), such as 5-15, 5-20, 14-50, and similar common household and appliance receptacles. The SS2-50 can be UL listed and compliant for certain uses and might be allowed if it meets all code requirements (voltage, current, grounding, GFCI protection if required), but is generally not listed as a standard residential receptacle by NEC.

In summary:

  • The SS2-50 connector is recognized for marine and RV use and appears in NEMA standards.
  • The 2023 NEC does not explicitly designate SS2-50 for residential receptacle installations.
  • Installing an SS2-50 receptacle at a residence might not strictly violate code if it meets all the installation and protection requirements (such as grounding and GFCI where applicable), but it is not a typical or standard residential receptacle type per NEC.
  • It is advisable to consult the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for approval since local amendments or interpretations might differ.
References for the SS2-50 spec and related NEC residential receptacle rules come from NEMA standards, NEC Article 210, and NEC Article 555 for marine, along with product datasheets and installation guidelines.
 
My thought was to mount the ss2-50 receptacle outside. Then can connect generator, portable inverter on dolly/in trailer or inverter in powershed to house that way. I don't believe portable systems are within the purview of NEC.

I don't see the difference between an L14-30R and an SS2-50R as a "generator inlet" in terms of code. And then a sliding breaker interlock so you can't have main grid breaker and ss2-50R inlet powering your panel at the same time. Potentially need a second outlet with 14-50R on outside of house to provide for grid charging if needed.
 
For those charging and getting hot, is this 49 amps continuous or less?

AFIK for a home 🏠 battery installation, 48 amps is the max charge rate. I’m not sure how much powerful it should be for 200 amps or less residential service.

I’m also not sure it outlets get derated for continuos output like wires do.
 
Out of principle I refuse to give them a cent after their dangerous garbage previous unit.
But it might have been ok for the 80% rule and periodic 5 minute usage!
 
The SS2-50 connector is recognized for marine and RV use and appears in NEMA standards.
Take a look at UL-listed CS6364, CS6365, and CS6375 connectors, inlets, and outlets.
 
For those charging and getting hot, is this 49 amps continuous or less?

AFIK for a home 🏠 battery installation, 48 amps is the max charge rate. I’m not sure how much powerful it should be for 200 amps or less residential service.

I’m also not sure it outlets get derated for continuos output like wires do.
Max EV charging connector should be set to 40 amps on a 50 amp circuit. 48 amp charging requires 60 amp circuit and hardwired.
 
using 50A receptacles and then designing EVs to charge at 48A is the dumbest crap.
why are they not using nema 14-60R?
why is it never spoken of or used, instead everyone is always uhh just charge at 32A or whatever
 
using 50A receptacles and then designing EVs to charge at 48A is the dumbest crap.
why are they not using nema 14-60R?
why is it never spoken of or used, instead everyone is always uhh just charge at 32A or whatever
Not that it is dumb but is rather a NEC violation and will not pass a proper inspection.

Even when setting the charge equipment it will ask for the circuit rating a derate to 80% for max charging. The charge equipment communicates to the vehicle to limit power by design.
 

diy solar

diy solar
Back
Top