Level 2 Charger Outlets and Plugs: A Guide for EV Owners
The deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging systems involves complex technical considerations, with significant thresholds in power interface standardization and distribution safety. For property managers, building contractors, and corporate fleet managers, the wrong charging outlet can lead to equipment compatibility failures or electrical safety hazards, directly impacting user operational efficiency.
Currently, mainstream EVSE are divided into Level 1 (120V/15A) and Level 2 (240V/30-80A) based on their power levels, and their socket specifications, current-carrying capacity, and installation specifications need to strictly follow the requirements of NEC Article 625 and UL 2594 certification. Failure to match the appropriate power interface (e.g., NEMA 14-50 vs. 6-50), or neglecting the design of power distribution redundancy in multi-vehicle high-load scenarios, will lead to the risk of system overload and long-term operation and maintenance costs.
Types of 240 Volt Outlets
Next up is 240V outlets. Unfortunately, there are many different types of 240V outlets. For those of you with an electric dryer, range, welder, etc., you may have seen these before, however, for others, these outlets could look quite foreign.
The most popular 240V outlets are now the NEMA 14-30, 14-50, and 6-50. Like voltage, the more amps, the more power.
| Typical Use | NEMA Outlet | Amperage (A) | Miles of RangePer Hour ofCharging |
| Welder | NEMA 6-30 | 30A | 20 |
| Electric Dryer | NEMA 10-30 | 30A | 20 |
| Electric Dryer, EV Charger | NEMA 14-30 | 30A | 20 |
| Welder | NEMA 6-50 | 50A | 30 |
| Electric Oven | NEMA 10-50 | 50A | 30 |
| EV Charger, Range | NEMA 14-50 | 50A | 30 |
Heavy duty 240v appliances with corresponding NEMA outlets and EV charging speeds
Visual diagram of NEMA outlet types / Tesla
| Adapter | Model s | Model 3 | Model x | Model Y |
| 5-15 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 5-20 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 6-15 | 7 | 11 | 5 | 10 |
| 6-20 | 11 | 15 | 8 | 14 |
| 10-30 | 17 | 22 | 14 | 21 |
| 14-30 | 17 | 22 | 14 | 21 |
| 14-50 | 23 | 30 | 20 | 29 |
| 6-50 | 23 | 30 | 20 | 29 |
240 Volt NEMA Receptacle with Tesla Model Charging Speed / Tesla
The general rule of thumb for distinguishing between a 120V outlet and a 240V outlet is to look at the size of the outlet. In most cases, 240-volt outlets are larger.
It is important to note that gas appliances use 120V power and therefore cannot be converted to 240V.
Exploring the 120V Outlet Types
120V outlets are pretty standard in most households, but you might be surprised to learn there are a few different types. To make things easier, outlets are typically grouped by their voltage. For residential use, you’ll mostly find 120V or 240V outlets. The lower the voltage, the less power the outlet can supply.
120V Outlet: This is the go-to outlet for most of your basic household devices, like your TV, phone chargers, and kitchen appliances.
There are a number of 120V outlet options, but the NEMA 5-15 is by far the most common. NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. The “5” shows the design standard, and the “15” tells you it can handle 15 amps of current.
You probably use a NEMA 5-15 without even thinking about it – it’s the reliable outlet you use every day.
Best Electrical Outlets for Electric Car Chargers
For Level 2 electric car chargers, the best electrical outlets should be capable of handling the power requirements and ensuring safety. Here are some options commonly recommended for Level 2 EV chargers:
Level 2
The best 240-volt (Level 2) power outlets for electric vehicle chargers are NEMA 14-50, 14-30, 10-50, 10-30, and 6-50.
Depending on the amperage, a Level 2 charger can provide about 20-30 miles of range per hour.
A 50A circuit (such as a NEMA 14-50 socket) will provide approximately 30 miles per hour. A 30A circuit (such as a NEMA 14-30 socket) will provide approximately 20 miles per hour.
| Outlet Type | Voltage | Amperage | Usage |
| NEMA 14-50 | 240V | 50A | Fastest charging, commonly used for EVs |
| NEMA 14-30 | 240V | 30A | Older homes, slower charging |
| NEMA 10-50 | 240V | 50A | Older design, large appliances, EVs |
| NEMA 10-30 | 240V | 30A | Older dryers, slower charging |
| NEMA 6-50 | 240V | 50A | Reliable, suitable for EVs |
Remember–the numbering is simple, the first set of digits is the outlet class and the second set is the maximum current (amps) that can be drawn.
Level 2 chargers are way faster than Level 1. They can juice up your electric car to 100% overnight. That’s why most EV drivers go for Level 2 instead of Level 1. With Level 1, your car might not be fully charged by morning, but Level 2 will get the job done for sure.
But here’s the catch: Level 2 chargers aren’t included. You gotta buy them separately. And most garages don’t have an extra 240V outlet lying around. So, you’ll probably need to call an electrician to set up a new outlet and maybe even upgrade your electrical panel. That can cost you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Not cool!
The good news is, if you already have a 240V outlet in use, there’s a super smart and affordable solution. The NeoCharge 240V Smart Splitter can plug right into your existing outlet and give you two outlets. It can power both your appliance and your EV charger at the same time. The Smart Splitter is like a smart power strip for high-power devices. It automatically sends power to whatever needs it. Plus, it works with any EV model, charger, or 240V outlet. Check it out!
Electrical Outlets Not Suited Well for Electric Car Chargers
Electrical outlets may not always be suitable for charging electric vehicles (EVs), especially when it comes to the standard outlets found in most homes. Here’s why:
120V Outlets (Level 1 Charging)
While 120V outlets are commonly available, they aren’t ideal for charging electric cars efficiently. For Level 1 charging, 120V outlets can work in a pinch, but they offer very slow charging speeds. Due to this, most EV owners seek better options for faster charging.
240V Outlets (Level 2 Charging)
For faster Level 2 charging, you’ll need a 240V outlet. However, not all 240V outlets are suitable for EV chargers:
NEMA 1-15: This is an outdated outlet without a ground conductor. Since EV chargers require a ground for safety, this type of outlet isn’t compatible with electric car charging.
NEMA 6-15: Often used for appliances like window air conditioners, this outlet doesn’t provide enough amperage (current) for efficient EV charging. While it may work, it won’t charge the car as quickly as a higher current outlet, such as the NEMA 14-50, which can handle 50A.
Solutions for Improper Outlets:
If you have one of these non-standard outlets and need to make it suitable for EV charging, there are two options:
Replace the Outlet: You can hire an electrician to replace the existing outlet with one designed for EV charging. The electrician will ensure the new outlet matches the circuit’s amperage, and the right breaker is in place for safe, efficient charging.
Use a NeoCharge Smart Splitter: This device can be plugged into your existing outlet and split the power to two separate charging stations. It’s a cost-effective alternative that doesn’t require electrical work or an electrician. The Smart Splitter adapts to your current outlet and allows for faster, more convenient charging at home.
Conclusion
Ensuring that the right type of outlet is used and making the necessary electrical modifications is the first step in charging an electric vehicle, while innovative devices such as smart dispensers offer an affordable and convenient solution to help owners increase charging efficiency and reduce installation costs while maintaining safety.