I figured I would do a quick write up on the NEMA 6-20 outlets I purchased as there is a major difference in quality. Many of us know that when purchasing a NEMA 14-50 outlet, you should ONLY use a Hubbell 9450A as the quality is vastly superior to any other brand. I decided to test this theory for the NEMA 6-20 outlets as well as there was a Leviton installed at my parents house. The 6-20 outlet only requires 12-2 ROMEX wire and will provide adequate charging for most peoples needs (250V, 16 amps, ~16 mph).
Both the Hubbell and Leviton are listed as "heavy duty industrial spec" grade. However, the quality seems night and day difference just like the 14-50 outlets. The Hubbell outlet is 41% heavier, most likely due to the full brass strap and larger, more robust build. I originally thought the Leviton seemed like a pretty good quality outlet until I purchased and felt the Hubbell branded one.
I am constantly reading on here about people skimping on their home charger installs after purchasing a $50,000+ car. You cannot buy a quality, long term EV charging solution outlet at your local big box store, regardless of what the packaging says. I personally have the Tesla Wall Connector at my house as it provides the fastest and safest charging speeds available and I did not have a spare 250V outlet in my garage that could've been reused/rewired. Even though I will only be using this NEMA 6-20 outlet for charging at my parents house, I did not want to risk any issues by skimping on the outlet quality. I have no doubt the Hubbell outlet will last for a long time for simply $10-$15 more.
TLDR: Don't be cheap. Buy a Hubbell industrial grade outlet.
Links:
Hubbell 5461W (5461 = model #, W = color white)
Leviton 5461W (5461 = model #, W = color white)
Cost:
Hubbell $30-$35 (color dependent)
Leviton $20
Weight:
Hubbell 3.10oz (41% heavier)
Leviton 2.20oz
Both the Hubbell and Leviton are listed as "heavy duty industrial spec" grade. However, the quality seems night and day difference just like the 14-50 outlets. The Hubbell outlet is 41% heavier, most likely due to the full brass strap and larger, more robust build. I originally thought the Leviton seemed like a pretty good quality outlet until I purchased and felt the Hubbell branded one.
I am constantly reading on here about people skimping on their home charger installs after purchasing a $50,000+ car. You cannot buy a quality, long term EV charging solution outlet at your local big box store, regardless of what the packaging says. I personally have the Tesla Wall Connector at my house as it provides the fastest and safest charging speeds available and I did not have a spare 250V outlet in my garage that could've been reused/rewired. Even though I will only be using this NEMA 6-20 outlet for charging at my parents house, I did not want to risk any issues by skimping on the outlet quality. I have no doubt the Hubbell outlet will last for a long time for simply $10-$15 more.
TLDR: Don't be cheap. Buy a Hubbell industrial grade outlet.
Links:
Hubbell 5461W (5461 = model #, W = color white)
Leviton 5461W (5461 = model #, W = color white)
Cost:
Hubbell $30-$35 (color dependent)
Leviton $20
Weight:
Hubbell 3.10oz (41% heavier)
Leviton 2.20oz
