Jump to content

240V 30A vs 50A?


exrub

Recommended Posts

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question.  I saw that the 240V/30A with NEMA 14-50 is the outlet referenced to as an option for charging the Mach-E using the adapter that comes with the vehicle.  Is it good or bad to have a 240V/50A with NEMA 14-50 outlet installed?  Would this work properly for charging at home?

 

Thinking ahead with a Mach-E potentially in the future.

 

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 minutes ago, exrub said:

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question.  I saw that the 240V/30A with NEMA 14-50 is the outlet referenced to as an option for charging the Mach-E using the adapter that comes with the vehicle.  Is it good or bad to have a 240V/50A with NEMA 14-50 outlet installed?  Would this work properly for charging at home?

 

Thinking ahead with a Mach-E potentially in the future.

 

Thanks!

 

I've seen that 30amp reference, and honestly, it's got to be a typo.  There is no reason to use a 14-50 50amp capable socket with a 30amp breaker feeding it.  Here is the Ford data sheet for the included Mobile Charger.  I installed a 14-50 with a 50amp breaker.

 

HRG

Ford Mobile Charger Home_Install_Spec_Sheet_0831_FINAL-1.pdf

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, HotRunrGuy said:

 

I've seen that 30amp reference, and honestly, it's got to be a typo.  There is no reason to use a 14-50 50amp capable socket with a 30amp breaker feeding it.  Here is the Ford data sheet for the included Mobile Charger.  I installed a 14-50 with a 50amp breaker.

 

HRG

Ford Mobile Charger Home_Install_Spec_Sheet_0831_FINAL-1.pdf

Hey, HRG.

 

Yeah; I was scratching my head trying to see if that was right.  Thanks for the info.  I think I will go with the 50A.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

31 minutes ago, exrub said:

Hey, HRG.

 

Yeah; I was scratching my head trying to see if that was right.  Thanks for the info.  I think I will go with the 50A.

 

Here's some interesting reading on the difference between 14-50 receptacles.  https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/master-thread-definitive-14-50-nema-outlet-guide.140694/

 

FYI, if this is a new install for you, talk to your electrician, and discuss up-sizing the wire size to accommodate a potential 60amp feed, in the event you ever decide to up-grade to the permanently-mounted Home Connected Charger, to take advantage of the higher charging rate.  It would be simple to swap the 50 amp breaker out down the road, but heavy-AWG wire is expensive,,,

 

HRG

Edited by HotRunrGuy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

30A can get away with 10GA wiring, but for 50A you're gonna need 8, or even 6 for a long-distance run.  The actual thickness and maneuverability of the wire is not that big of a deal (pulling it thru' walls is not much different than Romex 12), but the price will kill you!   100ft of 10-3 will run you around $130 at the homey depot, while 8-3 is closer to $300.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
On 6/2/2021 at 9:14 AM, exrub said:

Hey, HRG.

 

Yeah; I was scratching my head trying to see if that was right.  Thanks for the info.  I think I will go with the 50A.

The one reason is when your subpanel cannot accommodate an additional 50A breaker. I ended up having to sacrifice a 15A 110V breaker to make space for the 50A breaker.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, mac123 said:

The one reason is when your subpanel cannot accommodate an additional 50A breaker. I ended up having to sacrifice a 15A 110V breaker to make space for the 50A breaker.


You can buy slim double breakers that give you 2 in one slot.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

If you are using the stock charger that came with the vehicle- it presents a 32A load

So a 30 A breaker will not work (as it will trip at 24 A - due to the 80% safety rating factor)

but a 40 A breaker will work just fine (40*.8=32) - if you can find one, actually two as it is a 240V circuit - 4 wire: 2 hots from different legs

I have been running mine w/ a 50 a breaker - and so far - no problems

 

Note: NEMA rating on Plug/Receptacle is a 'not to exceed' rating so giving the 14-50R a 40 A circuit is OK.

 

Lastly - to akirby - yes, and No - 

you can get slim profile breakers - but you will need a 4 pack with the two 40 / 50 A breakers tied together

THis will consume two spots - but that is what is needed so that you get the 240 VAC and tap into each hot leg of the distribution panel.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...