60A Breaker -> 4 gage or 6 gage wire?

[Rocky_H]

I'm jumping on this thread, but I have to wonder why everyone is talking about, for the NM-B / Romex options, 4/3 or 6/3 instead of 4/2 or 6/2? You only need 2 power wires plus the ground wire. If you use 4/3, you are wasting one of the conductors and making the wire stiffer and harder to work with than necessary.

Yeah, I've wondered why this is so common too, but it's possibly just for what wire you can get easily or to prepare swapping over to a 14-50 outlet if people move and take the wall connector. But your follow up question would be, "Why don't people just put a 6-50 outlet on it then if it doesn't have the neutral?" Yes, that's certainly possible, but a lot of people think a 14-50 is more common/wanted/useful.

But for a 14-50 socket, I think it's wired differently and can't be used for a normal 14-50 application anyway?

No, the installation of a NEMA 14-50 outlet is a defined specification. You just say that's the outlet type you want, and the electrician knows how it's supposed to be done. It's not different for use by an EV or by anything else. That wouldn't make sense anyway, because Tesla picked that because campgrounds across the country already have those, so it was a pre-existing ad-hoc charging network for traveling before they had to build anything.

 

[tga]

Sure, I was thinking of the case where the next owner of the dwelling has a non-Tesla EV and requires a 14-50 socket (with Neutral) for their charge cord.

What non-Tesla EV requires (or even can use) a 14-50?

 

[mongo]

What non-Tesla EV requires (or even can use) a 14-50?

I have no clue. Hopefully in the future when they sell the house there is at least one car that can charge that fast or else the 40A ClipperCreek EVSE with 14-50 plug is just a waste...
40A Level 2 EVSE HCS-50P with NEMA 14-50 | ClipperCreek

 

[Ritz]

What non-Tesla EV requires (or even can use) a 14-50?

No idea, but when I'm not using mine to charge the car, I can use it for my large air compressor or my MIG welder.

 

[tga]

I have no clue. Hopefully in the future when they sell the house there is at least one car that can charge that fast or else the 40A ClipperCreek EVSE with 14-50 plug is just a waste...
40A Level 2 EVSE HCS-50P with NEMA 14-50 | ClipperCreek

Any Clipper Creek (including the HCS-50P) available with a 14-50 is also available with a 6-50, for the same price.

No idea, but when I'm not using mine to charge the car, I can use it for my large air compressor or my MIG welder.

But your compressor and MIG don't need the neutral. Your MIG probably came with a 6-50, anyway (my Lincoln did).

No matter how you slice it, running a neutral to a wall connector is just a waste of copper...

 

[Ritz]

Any Clipper Creek (including the HCS-50P) available with a 14-50 is also available with a 6-50, for the same price.

But your compressor and MIG don't need the neutral. Your MIG probably came with a 6-50, anyway (my Lincoln did).

No matter how you slice it, running a neutral to a wall connector is just a waste of copper...

I use this adapter for my welder.

https://www.amazon.com/ONETAK-Welding-Charger-Connector-Connecter/dp/B07M5CBXJW

I wasn't commenting on "the waste" as you put it....merely on what else I use that receptacle for when it isn't being used by the car.

Best,

 

[Rocky_H]

What non-Tesla EV requires (or even can use) a 14-50?

When I didn't think there were any others, people pointedly told me about a couple. Apparently the newer 2018 and onward Nissan Leaf and the Audi e-Tron do come with charge cords that have 14-50 plugs on them.

NEMA 14-50 is dead - all hail NEMA 6-50

 

[NINJ3RK]

Guys, why not just run #2 AL SER cable??

 

[NINJ3RK]

NVM... I see why. There is a solution, however. You can use dual rated mechanical splices to #6 THHN2 in the enclosures at each end (60A breaker and Tesla wall Connector . Rubber tape, super 33 layer and heat shrink over the splices. You'd save a buttload on the wire, and it's relatively easy to run/work with.

 

[mswlogo]

Guys, why not just run #2 AL SER cable??

I always try to avoid AL. So much harder to work with. But when it gets to big of a load you have no choice.

 

[Ritz]

I don't know why some people are interested in skimping here. Unlike most electrical loads in your home, your car is going to draw a significant load for hours at a time. Feel the temperature of that power whip to your car the next time it's been charging for a little while. That circuit is not really where I'd be looking to save a few dollars.

 

[Ejl80]

I don't know why some people are interested in skimping here. Unlike most electrical loads in your home, your car is going to draw a significant load for hours at a time. Feel the temperature of that power whip to your car the next time it's been charging for a little while. That circuit is not really where I'd be looking to save a few dollars.

It is interesting that people are willing to pay hundreds to change the color of the trim on their car (me included), but are upset at a few hundred for a safe wiring run in their home.

 

[Vines]

Wish i could change my post #44 to remove the AL option. I misspoke and was schooled later in the thread. HPWC aren't rated for Al wire.

Maybe a mod will help?

 

[All In]

Any recommendations on where to find 4/3 or 4/2 romex? 6/3 and 6/2 look redily available at your standard Home Depot and Lowes, but I'm only seeing 4 gauge in THHN.

 

[mongo]

Any recommendations on where to find 4/3 or 4/2 romex? 6/3 and 6/2 look redily available at your standard Home Depot and Lowes, but I'm only seeing 4 gauge in THHN.

One source:
NM-B Wire (Romex® Equivalents) | Wire & Cable Your Way