NEMA 10-30 to 14-50 adapter and extension cord

[xAgyex]

Hey all, I am a Tesla lover, don't own one yet, but have rented a few and noticed that there was not too much information and images on the NEMA 10-30 and 14-50 adaptors and extension cords. I was able to get an average of 22 miles per hour charging rates at home in my garage, at about 35 feet away from the actual wall outlet.

3Prong NEMA 10-30P Dryer Plug to 14-50 Amp Electric Vehicle Adapter Cord:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XGPVVXG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

14-50 Amp RV Extension Cord, 6/8-Gauge, 30ft:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024ECIP0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

L6-30 to 14-50 Amp AC Adapter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07611WWN6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[SMAlset]

Home Charging Installation

I've seen threads on people using extension cords but Tesla does not recommend them. At the bottom of the section about the adapters: "The Mobile Connector automatically detects the attached adapter and communicates the correct charging current level to the vehicle to ensure an easy and seamless charging experience. The adapter should always plug directly into the outlet, do not use third party converter plugs, extension cords or other similar accessories."

 

[Cosmacelf]

Using extension cords and adapters is fine, but you gotta do it right. The problem I see in the OP posting is that you are charging at 30A from a 30A receptacle. That could cause nuisance tripping of the breaker. NEC codes say that for continuous loads (like EV charging), you should charge at no more than 80% of the breaker rating, or 24A in this case.

Nice pictures, Btw!

 

[gaswalla]

Yep... Max Amp should be 24 amps
The car sees the 14-50 and gives option for max 49 amps, which could be dangerous. OP wisely did not accept 40 amps, but 30 is still pushing it.

 

[Tazman]

Hey all, I am a Tesla lover, don't own one yet, but have rented a few and noticed that there was not too much information and images on the NEMA 10-30 and 14-50 adaptors and extension cords. I was able to get an average of 22 miles per hour charging rates at home in my garage, at about 35 feet away from the actual wall outlet.

3Prong NEMA 10-30P Dryer Plug to 14-50 Amp Electric Vehicle Adapter Cord:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XGPVVXG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

14-50 Amp RV Extension Cord, 6/8-Gauge, 30ft:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024ECIP0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

L6-30 to 14-50 Amp AC Adapter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07611WWN6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have been using this exact setup for 1.5 years. No issues. I always worry a bit after a software upgrade that tesla will accidentally wipe the amp setting at 24 but no issues thus far.

 

[brkaus]

One can always purchase the 14-30 adaptor from Tesla and cut off the neutral. It isn’t used by the car and it would allow it to be plugged into a 14-50 and limit the current to 24a.

 

[xAgyex]

Home Charging Installation

I've seen threads on people using extension cords but Tesla does not recommend them. At the bottom of the section about the adapters: "The Mobile Connector automatically detects the attached adapter and communicates the correct charging current level to the vehicle to ensure an easy and seamless charging experience. The adapter should always plug directly into the outlet, do not use third party converter plugs, extension cords or other similar accessories."

Thank you SMAlset, that info was very helpful and yes I have seen that before.

 

[xAgyex]

Yep... Max Amp should be 24 amps
The car sees the 14-50 and gives option for max 49 amps, which could be dangerous. OP wisely did not accept 40 amps, but 30 is still pushing it.

gaswalla, thanks for the heads up will do.

 

[xAgyex]

One can always purchase the 14-30 adaptor from Tesla and cut off the neutral. It isn’t used by the car and it would allow it to be plugged into a 14-50 and limit the current to 24a.

brkaus, I think I will do just that when I purchase my Model S.

 

[xAgyex]

Finally got my MS and had the 240 outlet installed:

 

[Nguyenning]

Wait why wouldn't you just buy the Teslas 10-30 adapter?

Gen 2 NEMA Adapters

 

[S142jzkillaV10]

Cords will get hot and infuse the wires. It's not a good outcome. Be careful using extension cords.

 

[Ostrichsak]

Cords can get hot and infuse the wires. It's not a good outcome. Be careful using extension cords.

Edited for accuracy. If your extension cord has the proper conductor for the required draw it shouldn't get hot. If you use an extension cord that isn't rated for the draw the resistance will create additional heat that could become dangerous. This is by no means a certainty from using an extension cord though so "can" is the word that should be used. It's important to understand the limitations of the cord you're using though and stay within a safe range while using it to avoid potential issues.

 

[jlv1]

Wait why wouldn't you just buy the Teslas 10-30 adapter? Gen 2 NEMA Adapters

You've sent the link to the Gen 2 adapters, but the picture in the OP shows a Gen 1 mobile connector.

 

[headcase]

Wait why wouldn't you just buy the Teslas 10-30 adapter?

Gen 2 NEMA Adapters

I was wondering that as well. Much better solution.

 

[xAgyex]

Wait why wouldn't you just buy the Teslas 10-30 adapter?

Gen 2 NEMA Adapters

So the regular Tesla mobile connector is way too short. And could not reach my laundry room which was over 30 feet away. I also wanted to get an extension cord that was thick enough for 50 amp usage for when I travel.

To date I have not used this setup anymore at home as I have the 50 amp receptacle in my garage now. I guess if I ever go on a camping trip or to someones home that may have a laundry 30 feet from garage I could use this.

Honestly this may not be the best solution, but I wanted to share that this did work for me, in-case others needed a similar solution. Charging worked well and had 0 issues.

 

[gsl120]

Wow, I got a post from 2019 that helped me. I believe, based on what I read here, I can but the gen2 10-30 adapter and the mobile connecter (cart below) and just plug and set the Amp to 24. I also ready many posts that suggest not unplugging on a continuous basis. Would it hurt if I leave the mobile connector hooked at all times?

 

[terranx]

It should work fine. Though it might be worth seeing if you could find an “industrial” version of the outlet since EVe tend to put more continuous loads than what was planned for when these things were installed for dryers and such

 

[gsl120]

nk you @terranx. According to Tesla, https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/charging_docs/gen_2_umc/Gen2_UMC_Manual_en_US.pdf, the mobile connector is recommended to be left plugged.
I plan on getting a few electricians giving me quotes this week. If installation cost isn't prohibitive, I'll get them install the plug. I'm so excited, it's like an iphone on wheels lol.

 

[Cosmacelf]

Wow, I got a post from 2019 that helped me. I believe, based on what I read here, I can but the gen2 10-30 adapter and the mobile connecter (cart below) and just plug and set the Amp to 24. I also ready many posts that suggest not unplugging on a continuous basis. Would it hurt if I leave the mobile connector hooked at all times?

Looks good - leaving it plugged in all the time would be preferred. You won't have set any amp rate, the Mobile Connector will advertise a 24A maximum amp rate to the car with that 10-30 adapter.