Install 50amp breaker in 100 amp subpanel with 60amp breaker in main

[slave0418]

I have been charging with 110V outlet for a month now. It's ok for range since I drive 40 miles daily. but it took about 10 hours to charge back to 80% each day. I'm trying to install 14-50 220v outlet myself. My subpanel is 100 amp, but the breaker for it in the main is 60 amp. My question is, can I install the 50 amp breaker in the subpanel? The subpanel currently has a 30amp breaker for AC and a couple of 20 and 15A ones.
Thanks!

I am afraid, you will likely OVERLOAD your house wiring (need at least 200 Amp and thicker wires).

 

[gilscales]

I finally decided to get an electrician instead of DIY. He said I can't install 14-50 since the cable going in the subpanel can only handle 80A. He installed 30A. But he put in 10-30 outlet. I forgot that it's obsolete and paid. He did use a metal box and ground it. Will 10-30 outlet work? I saw some people had issues. Is it safe or legal to install 10-30? Should I ask him to replace with 14-30? Thanks!

He may have used a 10-2 Romex to save money on material, the 10-30 is safe for your purpose but it is as stated not to code

 

[davewill]

I finally decided to get an electrician instead of DIY. He said I can't install 14-50 since the cable going in the subpanel can only handle 80A. He installed 30A. But he put in 10-30 outlet. I forgot that it's obsolete and paid. He did use a metal box and ground it. Will 10-30 outlet work? I saw some people had issues. Is it safe or legal to install 10-30? Should I ask him to replace with 14-30? Thanks!

The 10-30 will work fine, but as noted above, it's obsolete and not supposed to be installed on new circuits. In your shoes I'd switch it out for either the 6-30, or, if he ran the extra neutral wire, a 14-30.

One thing that people overlook in these situations is that a 40a circuit can be run to a 14-50 and works just fine with the Gen2 mobile connector at the full 32a charging rate. Sure, a 50a circuit would be preferable, but if it's all that you have capacity for, it's a great option.

 

[user212_nr]

I finally decided to get an electrician instead of DIY. He said I can't install 14-50 since the cable going in the subpanel can only handle 80A. He installed 30A. But he put in 10-30 outlet. I forgot that it's obsolete and paid. He did use a metal box and ground it. Will 10-30 outlet work? I saw some people had issues. Is it safe or legal to install 10-30? Should I ask him to replace with 14-30? Thanks!

Probably easier for you just to install the 14-30 outlet yourself, if you were considering DIY before. Its much better and the same price as an adapter.

 

[hg46038]

Thanks for the responses. He did run extra neutral. I just asked him to replace it with 14-30. if he can't come by in a week or so (he's an hour away), I'll do it myself. All 4 wires are in the box already.

 

[gilscales]

One thing that people overlook in these situations is that a 40a circuit can be run to a 14-50

On an outlet that can be used for multiple purposes that is not allowed, only in a fixed installation such as an electric range for instance the code allows this

 

[gilscales]

Thanks for the responses. He did run extra neutral. I just asked him to replace it with 14-30. if he can't come by in a week or so (he's an hour away), I'll do it myself. All 4 wires are in the box already.

You might as well get a high quality outlet as well for $36, this outlet has huge V shaped lug terminals with Allen head screws that provide a much improved termination as well as having much heavier contacts for the plug

Bryant 30A 4W Single Receptacle 125/250VAC 14-30R BK 9430FR | Zoro.com

just look at the specs on this beast, 30, 50 and 60 all built with these heavy duty specs, well worth the extra money

https://hubbellcdn.com/literature/Bryant_BSS57.pdf

if you do go this route you also need a different cover plate as the diameter is larger than the cheaper outlets. Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems Single Receptacle Plate, 2 Gang, Silver SS701 | Zoro.com

 

[davewill]

On an outlet that can be used for multiple purposes that is not allowed, only in a fixed installation such as an electric range for instance the code allows this

Or an EV charging station...

 

[gilscales]

Or an EV charging station...

Only a hardwired one though

 

[davewill]

Only a hardwired one though

That doesn't even make sense considering a hardwired EVSE wouldn't HAVE a receptacle. Anyway, there are TONS of 30a EVSEs with 40a breakers on 50a outlets. It's a very popular way to install the classic 30a EVSE. I have a 40a circuit with a 6-50 on my main EVSE, and I assure you it's fully code compliant

 

[Ladyjade3]

As a real estate agent, I implore you not to do your own electrical work, especially if you have to ask these kinds of questions.

 

[doghousePVD]

Probably easier for you just to install the 14-30 outlet yourself, if you were considering DIY before. Its much better and the same price as an adapter.

In the USA, I do not think you can legally install a 40 amp breaker for a 14-50. In Canada, it's legal.

I would install a 30 amp circuit if the main breaker in only 60A. Either a 14-30 if a neutral was installed, or a 6-30 if not.

 

[Rocky_H]

In the USA, I do not think you can legally install a 40 amp breaker for a 14-50. In Canada, it's legal.

It has been covered here many MANY times before. That is very specifically written into NEC as an allowed case, because there is no other appropriate outlet for a 40A circuit. So it does specify that 50A outlet types are for either 40 or 50 amp circuits.

 

[doghousePVD]

It has been covered here many MANY times before. That is very specifically written into NEC as an allowed case, because there is no other appropriate outlet for a 40A circuit. So it does specify that 50A outlet types are for either 40 or 50 amp circuits.

Thanks for the update. Can you point me to the NEC code that says that?

 

[Rocky_H]

Thanks for the update. Can you point me to the NEC code that says that?

Yes. Here is a link to my comment on another thread where I posted some articles that point out the NEC tables that discuss it. It is in NEC section 210 where it discusses what receptacles go on what ratings of branch circuits.
Nema 14-50 on 20A Breaker?

 

[user212_nr]

As a real estate agent, I implore you not to do your own electrical work, especially if you have to ask these kinds of questions.

His questions don't qualify for the "these kinds of questions" label.

 

[doghousePVD]

Yes. Here is a link to my comment on another thread where I posted some articles that point out the NEC tables that discuss it. It is in NEC section 210 where it discusses what receptacles go on what ratings of branch circuits.
Nema 14-50 on 20A Breaker?

Thanks!