Advice needed: NEMA 14-50 outlet install

[davewill]

I am using the bosch powermax 30A charger. I forgot the exact model number but it is the common one on amazon.com

Then, yes, you need a minimum 40a circuit. That will require 8awg for wire in conduit or 6awg for romex, and a 40a breaker in the panel.

 

[brucet999]

When the electrician said "double up" presumably he meant swap out some breakers for double density ones? If that's what he meant, then that's a good way to go. Price sounds good.

The second electrician just quoted a different way of doing the work that is more expensive.

Sub-panel or no, "doubling up" would still be necessary since there must be a 2-pole breaker in the main to feed the sub. Advantage of sub panel is easier to add additional outlets later, if necessary.

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I had 2 electricians come to give me quote. My panel is full, all breakers used. Only other heavy load is electric dryer, my range is gas. No a/c. Panel to outlet would be about 40-50 feet. One electrician says he can most likely double up and not need sub panel. Other one quotes with sub panel. Quotes could not be more disparate. 1st one is $500 and the other one is $1325. How can they be so different?

Are you using the 30A dryer outlet? If not, then you could replace that breaker with a 50A and pull new 6AWG wire to feed a 14-50 without replacing four other breakers with 2 tandem breakers to make room. Tandems are pricey.

 

[FlasherZ]

Then, yes, you need a minimum 40a circuit. That will require 8awg for wire in conduit or 6awg for romex, and a 40a breaker in the panel.

#8 NM (Romex) works for 30A charging load, which requires 37.5A circuit rating. #8 NM is good for 40A circuit rating (60 deg column).

It's a 40A charging load (50A circuit rating) that requires #8 THHN-in-conduit or #6 NM.

Also note that your panel must be rated/listed to use tandem breakers - many older ones are not. If listed for it, it's the easiest way to go.

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Sub-panel or no, "doubling up" would still be necessary since there must be a 2-pole breaker in the main to feed the sub. Advantage of sub panel is easier to add additional outlets later, if necessary.

Not necessarily. When provisioning a sub-panel, you can redirect a couple of circuits from the main to the sub through the raceway between them and place their breaker in the sub.