NEMA 6-50 vs 14-50 – Which One is Right for You?

Michelle Point
March 22, 2023

Are you wondering which EV charger plug outlet is the right fit for your car? You may be wondering about the differences between NEMA 6-50 and 14-50 plugs. In this article, we’ll break down the different specs of these two popular types to help you make a more informed decision. We’ll also explain whether direct wiring or simply plugging into an existing wall outlet is required by certain utility providers in order to be eligible for rebates. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which EV charger plug outlet is best suited for your electric car!

What is a NEMA Plug?

NEMA plug, or National Electrical Manufacturers Association plug, is an electrical power plug design standardized in the United States and used in many North American countries. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications. NEMA plugs are identified by their specific pinout configuration and can either be two or three-wire designs.

Some common uses of a NEMA Plug are for appliances such as washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, ovens, dryers, electric vehicle charging stations, and other household devices. They are also used in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants or construction sites where heavy machinery may require additional voltage requirements. Depending on the type of appliance or equipment, different NEMA plugs may be required.

Comparing NEMA 6-50 vs 14-50: What EV Home Charging Outlet to Get?

When you choose to purchase an electric vehicle, there’s plenty of research to be done before you set off on your EV journey. In particular, you’ll need to consider how and where to charge your car. During this process, it’s likely that you’ll hear two plugs being mentioned a lot: NEMA 6-50 and 14-50.

Depending on your circumstances, hard-wiring your Level 2 EV charger into the wall might also be an option for you – many EV owners prefer this method, and electrical utility providers may even require it if eligible for a rebate. Check out what works best in your situation – choosing the right charging setup can help maximize convenience and cost savings!

So what’s the difference between NEMA 6-50 vs 14-50? In this article, we’ll walk you through what distinguishes between the two and help guide you through your decision process. By the end of this article, you’ll be less shocked about which one is the right charger plug outlet for your EV.

What does NEMA 6-50 mean?

NEMA 6-50 is a type of electrical plug and receptacle configuration. It is used for appliances that require higher power, such as stoves, dryers, and welders. The NEMA 6-50 plug has two straight blades and a round grounding pin. It is rated for 50 amps and 250 volts.

The NEMA 6-50 plug is different from the NEMA 14-50 plug in that it does not have a neutral connection. This means that the two “hot” wires are connected directly to the appliance, while the ground wire provides an additional layer of protection against electric shock.

If you look at both the 6-50 and 14-50 plugs side-by-side, you’ll notice that one of them lacks a neutral. The neutral is the fourth hole at the bottom just under the “hots” – the hole you won’t see in a 6-50.

By contrast, the 14-50 comes with a neutral. This means that the 14-40 has four holes (the two hots, a neutral, and ground) while the 6-50 only has three.

What are the Pros and Cons of using a NEMA 14-50 vs 6-50?

Electrical outlets are a vital part of powering our homes and businesses. NEMA 6-50 and 14-50 are two types of electrical outlets commonly used for various types of appliances, tools and equipment. When it comes to choosing between these two plugs, there are pros and cons to consider. Understanding the differences between the NEMA 6-50 vs 14-50 plugs will help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.

Pros of NEMA 14-50 outlet:

Can handle higher loads of power.
Commonly found in commercial and industrial settings.

Pros of NEMA 6-50 outlet:

Requires less prongs, which makes it easier and slightly more affordable to install.
Can be used for residential settings as well as commercial applications.

Cons of NEMA 14-50 outlet:

Does not work with three-pronged plug devices.
Slightly more expensive than a NEMA 6-50 outlet.

Cons of NEMA 6-50 outlet:

Not able to handle larger loads of power like the NEMA 14-50 outlet can.
Not considered safe to use on newer appliances due to its lower rating.

Home EV Charging Made Easy

WattLogic is here to guide you in the process of getting your home EV charger installed so that it is easy and painless. We understand that transitioning to the new technology and lifestyle can be a bit overwhelming, so it’s important for us to help you out at every step. Complete our FREE installation quote tool and we’ll send you a no obligation estimate.

Get the Best EV Charger Installed with Professional Help

If you are looking to install a Chargepoint Home Flex, Tesla wall connector, EnelX Juicebox, or a WallBox EV charger – you’ll want to ensure you pick the best one and get it installed properly.

If you’re in the market for an EV charger, you want to make sure it is of high quality and set up correctly. Here at WattLogic, we understand that the installation of an EV charging station can be a daunting task, so we are here to help with our comprehensive knowledge and dedication to providing North America with swift and efficient installations. Let us help take away the stress and confusion of home EV charger installations with our tailored approach. We guarantee that once we’re finished, you’ll have the perfect EV charger up and running quickly and safely.

Learn more about our unique EV charging process and how you can get a no obligation EV charger installation quote today!

We hope this article helped clear up any confusion you had about NEMA 6-50 vs 14-50 plugs. As always, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions related to getting an EV charging station. We’re here to help!