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Tesla wall connector vs NEMA 14-50
- Thread starter Tobin
- Start date
Its the UMC itself that is the limiter. I presume someone decided that 18 feet of 48 amp capable wiring would be too bulky or unbending and went a size or two down. Either that, or the big ass relays in the UMC got too big or too hot when they needed to handle 48 amps.
Gen1 UMC's could do 40 amps btw, and there's a new version of the UMC that is also 40 amp capable that does NOT have swappable pigtails(Its only 14-50)... Corded Mobile Connector
Gen1 UMC's could do 40 amps btw, and there's a new version of the UMC that is also 40 amp capable that does NOT have swappable pigtails(Its only 14-50)... Corded Mobile Connector
MLXXXp
Member
It's because a NEMA 14-50 plug can be on either a 50 amp or 40 amp circuit breaker. (The 14-50 for my electric stove has a 40 amp.) Since there's no way the UMC can determine whether you have a 40 or 50 amp breaker, it limits the current by assuming a 40 amp.
For the wall connector, you program it to match the current capability of the circuit you run it on.
(You can further limit the current with a setting in the car itself.)
For the wall connector, you program it to match the current capability of the circuit you run it on.
(You can further limit the current with a setting in the car itself.)
jdcollins5
Member
The standard UMC Gen 2 (shipped with the car) is limited to 32A, 80% continuous on 40A circuit. The plug in adapter connection is part of the limitation.
They sell a High Power UMC Gen 2 that is rated at 40A, 80% of 50A circuit. The 14-50 adapter is hard-wired to the UMC, removing the plug-in connection limitation.
They sell a High Power UMC Gen 2 that is rated at 40A, 80% of 50A circuit. The 14-50 adapter is hard-wired to the UMC, removing the plug-in connection limitation.
mrau
Authorized Driver
The LR AWD Model 3 has a 48 amp charger. The SR Model 3 has a 32 amp charger. That would be the limiting factor on the car side for AC charging.
And that's not new, by the way. The Corded Mobile Connector with that fixed attached plug was sold for quite a while alongside the Gen1 UMC long before they made the Model 3 and made the Gen2 UMC.
But yes, as far as where limits are, it's a lowest common denominator thing, where each piece of equipment can have a limit. The Gen2 mobile charging cord that comes with the car will only allow up to 32A max. The wall connectors can handle 48A max. And as @mrau mentioned, depending on the model of car, it may have a 32A onboard charger for the smaller battery cars, or the 48A charger included in the bigger battery cars.
Jeremy3292
Active Member
NEMA 14-50 Tesla Response | Seahurst Electric
Q: How does Tesla respond to NEMA 14-50 questions? A: While an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet will work to charge the car, you would need to purchase the $35 adapter from Tesla to make it work, they are not provided with the vehicle. Tesla does not recommend installing a new NEMA 14-50 outlet to...
www.seahurst.com
I found this article interesting. Thinking of going with the wall connector myself now
That needs a much longer answer that will be very off topic in this thread. I'll message you.
So maybe someone can tell me if this makes sense, between a wall charger vs a 14-50 plug:
Wall charger - $500 + $40 parts
Nema plug - $35 adaptor+ 220 parts (GFCI breaker, nema 14-50 plug of industrial strength, wires, box) + $35 wall holder (optional I know)
With 30% tax credit the wall charger is : ~$380
The nema plug is ~290
Doesn't it make sense to go for the wall charger then.
Wall charger - $500 + $40 parts
Nema plug - $35 adaptor+ 220 parts (GFCI breaker, nema 14-50 plug of industrial strength, wires, box) + $35 wall holder (optional I know)
With 30% tax credit the wall charger is : ~$380
The nema plug is ~290
Doesn't it make sense to go for the wall charger then.
But it looks so badass and can help manage load-shedding with Powerwalls. That's like worth infniity-bucks.
Kimmi
Member
mrau
Authorized Driver
The 14-50 adapter for UMC has been $45 instead of $35. I think that certainly tips it in favor of the Wall Connector.
Also, you can keep your UMC kit neatly stored in your car at all times. One less thing to pack when traveling.
Also, you can keep your UMC kit neatly stored in your car at all times. One less thing to pack when traveling.
snikt
Member
I opted for the NEMA 14-50 since it was cheaper and more universal. I just use the UMC that came with the car and didn't have to purchase the $500 wall connector.
Charging speed is more than enough, I actually dial the amperage down a bit too to reduce load
Charging speed is more than enough, I actually dial the amperage down a bit too to reduce load
My understanding, mostly from reading here, is that when using a 14-50 outlet you should not be plugging in and out from it. They are meant for semi-permanent connections, like a dryer that never gets unplugged until getting a new one. In practical Tesla usage then it limits you with using your UMC for on the road as it should just stay plugged in, and getting a second UMC will cost you $300. Personally I wouldn't want to be messing with a high power plug on a regular basis in any case.
Jeremy3292
Active Member
If you already have a spare 14-50 or 14-30 outlet in your garage then just using that is a no brainer. My argument has always been if you are starting from scratch, it makes more sense to just get the wall connector. Plus see article below about 14-50 vs wall connector:
www.seahurst.com
NEMA 14-50 Tesla Response | Seahurst Electric
Q: How does Tesla respond to NEMA 14-50 questions? A: While an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet will work to charge the car, you would need to purchase the $35 adapter from Tesla to make it work, they are not provided with the vehicle. Tesla does not recommend installing a new NEMA 14-50 outlet to...
www.seahurst.com
This sounds pretty good advice to me. I am also considering reading the IRS code for if 14-50 can be considered tax rebateable expense for EV Charging Infra (Alternative Fuels Data Center: Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit)If you already have a spare 14-50 or 14-30 outlet in your garage then just using that is a no brainer. My argument has always been if you are starting from scratch, it makes more sense to just get the wall connector. Plus see article below about 14-50 vs wall connector:
NEMA 14-50 Tesla Response | Seahurst Electric
Q: How does Tesla respond to NEMA 14-50 questions? A: While an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet will work to charge the car, you would need to purchase the $35 adapter from Tesla to make it work, they are not provided with the vehicle. Tesla does not recommend installing a new NEMA 14-50 outlet to...
That might change my math above to make the plug install slightly cheaper (30% off to 300*.7 = $210)
Jeremy3292
Active Member
This is directly from the IRS website:This sounds pretty good advice to me. I am also considering reading the IRS code for if 14-50 can be considered tax rebateable expense for EV Charging Infra (Alternative Fuels Data Center: Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit)
That might change my math above to make the plug install slightly cheaper (30% off to 300*.7 = $210)
Qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property is any property (other than a building or its structural components) used for either of the following:
- To store or dispense an alternative fuel (defined below) other than electricity into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle propelled by the fuel, but only if the storage or dispensing is at the point where the fuel is delivered into that tank.
- To recharge an electric vehicle, but only if the recharging property is located at the point where the vehicle is recharged.
- You placed the refueling property in service during your tax year.
- The original use of the property began with you.
- The property isn’t used predominantly outside the United States.
- If the property isn’t business/investment use property, the property must be installed on property used as your main home.
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