Outdoor NEMA 14-50 setup

[Iatros786]

Hello everyone,

I had a generic "Outdoor RV NEMA 14-50 outlet" which proceeded to overheat and melt one of the terminals after a year of constant use. Proper wiring, no plugging-unplugging EVSE, etc.



Can only point to the non-commercial (Hubbard etc..) style 14-50 plug being the source of faullt

Can anyone point me to an outdoor NEMA 14-50 outlet with an upgraded industrial type outlet?

I'd like to keep the outlet available for other uses, so was trying to avoid hardwiring if possible

I'm reading that the industrial strength ones are a bit larger than the standard Home Depot 14-50 outlets, so I would not be able to swap one out in that metal housing..

Thanks for your help!

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[Christopher]

Get the Hubbell HBL9450A 14-50r, a standard 2 gang box and an in-use outdoor cover.

Here's everything:

https://www.kitchenpowerpopups.com/products/hubbell-hbl9450a-outdoor-kit

 

[Aardvark]

I concur with @Christopher I've been using the Hubbell 14-50 socket for my Tesla X since 2016. At a 102,000 miles on the car, the Hubbell still only barely gets warm when charging. I had the budget Home Depot version installed first but quickly swapped it out after reading a number of horror stories.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

It sounds like your knowledge on the 14-50 and are looking for industrial grade outlet I have seen folks also recommend the Bryant unit.

I always recommend an EV charger be hard wire for multiple reasons. If one needs a 14-50 available I would have a seperate 14-50 for use when needed. The EV will draw a lot of power continuously for potentially a long period of time. Any permanent home charging setup should be hard wired for best possible results.

 

[kozak79]

Just be aware that depending on the plug, you may need to rotate the receptacle. I had to do that when switching from JuiceBox to ChargePoint chargers. I have the same one in your picture.

 

[Iatros786]

Thank you all for your responses... I've had more and more people convince me to hardwire the charger especially since it is outdoors.

Just from my research, if someone is to set up an outdoor 14-50 outlet:

1. Purchase an industrial strength one (Hubbell etc..) see link above.
2. Periodically check torque on connections to factory specs bc of expansion/contraction from heating
3. Turn down the amps you charge at, if you can, to reduce heat on system
4. Unplug evse occasionally to visually inspect plug and socket
5. ANY type of faults or finicky behavior should lead to a full inspection of your setup
6. Really consider professional installation... if not, make sure you torque properly, cut JUST the right amount of insulation off, use the correct gauge and type of wire, test and periodically inspect your connections, and also consider load calculations on your panel.


Good luck and stay safe!

 

[Gray73]

Get the Hubbell HBL9450A 14-50r, a standard 2 gang box and an in-use outdoor cover.

Here's everything:

https://www.kitchenpowerpopups.com/products/hubbell-hbl9450a-outdoor-kit

Have you (or anyone else here) installed this kit? Any issues with wiring?

 

[Christopher]

Have you (or anyone else here) installed this kit? Any issues with wiring?

Yes, I installed the Hubbell HBL9450A 14-50r inside a 2-gang box. It's the only 14-50r I'd trust.

 

[Gray73]

Get the Hubbell HBL9450A 14-50r, a standard 2 gang box and an in-use outdoor cover.

Here's everything:

https://www.kitchenpowerpopups.com/products/hubbell-hbl9450a-outdoor-kit

Just wanted to let everyone know that an electrician came and said that the gang box is not deep enough; no room for the wires, so I was unable to use this kit.

 

[Christopher]

Just wanted to let everyone know that an electrician came and said that the gang box is not deep enough; no room for the wires, so I was unable to use this kit.

You're certainly able to use it.
If he can't fit it in a standard box then for $8 you can get a box extension such as https://www.amazon.com/Hubbell-Bell-5407-0-Weatherproof-Extension-32-Inch/dp/B003A44Z3G or https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerc...-Weatherproof-Extension-Box-WDE000G/300846434 he should have known that.

 

[Gray73]

You're certainly able to use it.
If he can't fit it in a standard box then for $8 you can get a box extension such as https://www.amazon.com/Hubbell-Bell-5407-0-Weatherproof-Extension-32-Inch/dp/B003A44Z3G or https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerc...-Weatherproof-Extension-Box-WDE000G/300846434 he should have known that.

He installed this. I hope it doesn't melt. If it does, I'll have to do as you suggested.

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