Nema 14-50 Ground Pin Orientation

[Hour123]

NEMA 14-50 was installed with the ground pin at 3 clock. Electrician said its easier to zip tie the mobile connector to the horizontal conduit instead of dangling it. However, Tesla's installation instruction say the ground pin should be at the top position of the outlet. Will this be an issue?

 

[TexasEV]

Yes. Tell him to install it as per Tesla’s instructions as has been done literally tens of thousands of times. If you zip tie the UMC to the conduit, it won’t be very mobile, will it?

 

[davewill]

It can work like he says, but putting it at 12 o'clock is more flexible. It you want to attach the UMC to the wall, probably better to get one of the bicycle water bottle holders that some people use than zip tying to the conduit.

 

[ewoodrick]

The orientation isn't really optional. There should be code covering it. Up or down may be debated, by sideways is definitely bad. If something falls between the plug and socket, that's 240V of unadulterated electricity.

It should be oriented with the UMC hanging downwards.

 

[davewill]

There's nothing inherently dangerous about mounting it sideways. My EVSE specified my 6-50 plug be sideways, and that's about the only orientation that really works well.

 

[ZOMGVTEK]

There’s nothing wrong with it being sideways. To the best of my knowledge there’s no code specifying receptacle orientation, even though it would make things easier if there was. It’s not dangerous, but in the case where the plug is partially unplugged but still making contact, the side will have 120V present with respect to earth. It’s still lower risk than a regular 5-15 plug without ground when partially unseated since the earth and neutral are farther away and not in the same plane.

 

[mrau]

Safety wise you should be OK as long as the UMC is secured and not tugging on the plug. But if you use zip ties it will be harder to pack up the UMC to take with you.

If the UMC is hanging straight down, you can add a hanger bracket for support. The UMC just rest in the bracket by gravity and is not attached. It also keeps the UMC from swinging around when you plug into your car. Makes for easy removal if you decide to take the UMC with you on a trip.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I always do mine ground on top.

 

[Hour123]

I have asked for changing the orientation to 12 o'clock. Will be ordering the bicycle water bottle holder and Tesla cable organizer. Thanks for pitching in, I was concerned about safety which y'all addressed. Cheers!

 

[Need]

Maybe the electrician ran the horizontal conduit too close to the ground and if you hang the Mobile Connector with ground up, it will sit on the floor?

 

[mrau]

BTW, there are a lot of UMC brackets/holders for sale on eBay. Here is a link to one just as an example so you know what to search for. Probably on Amazon too. Most are made by a 3D printer and some have Tesla logo on the side.

Tesla UMC Plug Mount Cable Holder Tesla Model X S and 3 UMC Fits Gen 1 2 | eBay

 

[Hour123]

Yep! The mod was done. It's been moved to a stud as well. Bought a bike bottle holder from Walmart. Delivery is Friday. Thanks for suggestions!