How can we help you today?

Start a new topic
Discussions OpenEVSE Forums OpenEVSE Hardware

Substitute longer 14-50 input cable?

Hello, I have an advanced DIY kit on order. Should ship tomorrow. My 14-50 outlet was compelled by circumstances to be in a less than ideal location. I see that the standard input cable with the kit has an 18” usable length, so I’m wondering if there’s any reason why I couldn’t build my own longer one? It’ll be used indoors so I’m not too concerned about weather sealing on the male plug end itself. I have 5.5’ of 6/3 cable on hand leftover from the outlet install. I do note, however, that the picture of the input cable in the online store shows only three leads, not four, despite being a 14-50 connector. So I’m just trying to clarify those details and see if anyone has a definitive notion of if my idea will work. Thanks all!
3 CommentsSorted by Oldest First

It is possible but will violate UL standards. UL requires the input cable to be short because, the Input is not protected by all the safety features and shutoff like the cable beyond the charging station. A short input cable is less likely to be damaged.


Chris

Ok thanks Chris.  Duly noted.  I'm curious though, what happened to the fourth lead coming out of the 14-50 plug?  The assembly instructions only show the two hots and a single ground, which presumably is shared with neutral?

Neutral is not used at all so there is no need for the wire.  On our NEMA 14 - XX we remove the pin all together so the plug will fit NEMA 14-60, 14-50 and 14-30. 


For Level 2 charging on a NEMA 14 OpenEVSE uses 2 hots and ground.

Login or Signup to post a comment
More topics in OpenEVSE Hardware
See all 309 topics