A NEMA 14-50 is a 50-amp, 125/250-volt, four-prong outlet used in North America for electric ranges, RV hookups and, increasingly, Level 2 EV charging. On a 50 A circuit it can supply a portable or plug-in EV charger at up to 40 A, which is 9.6 kW at 240 V, or roughly 25–35 miles of range per hour. “14-50R” means the receptacle (outlet); “14-50P” means the plug.
What It Looks Like
A NEMA 14-50R has four openings: two straight vertical slots for the hot conductors, an L-shaped or flat slot for neutral at the bottom, and a round or U-shaped ground opening at the top. It is larger than a household outlet and is usually mounted in a single or double gang box.
Key Facts
| Item | NEMA 14-50 |
|---|---|
| Rating | 50 A, 125/250 V |
| Conductors | 2 hot, 1 neutral, 1 ground |
| Supply | Single-phase (split-phase), not three-phase |
| Maximum continuous EV charging | 40 A (80% of 50 A) |
| Charging level | Level 2 |
It is not three-phase; see is NEMA 14-50 three-phase. For comparisons with 6-50 and 5-15 outlets, see NEMA 14-50 vs 6-50 vs 5-15.
Is NEMA 14-50 Level 2?
Yes. Any 240 V charging is Level 2. A NEMA 14-50 is the most common plug-in route to Level 2 at home and at RV parks.
Chargers With NEMA 14-50P Plugs
EVDANCE chargers with NEMA 14-50P plugs include the EVDANCE EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger, EVDANCE EV-ACS3210T 32A NACS portable charger, EVDANCE EV-AC04001U 40A J1772 portable charger and the plug-in version of the EVDANCE EV-ACT5006T 48A Level 2 wall charger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NEMA 14-50R mean?
R stands for receptacle, the outlet in the wall. P is the plug.
How fast does a NEMA 14-50 charge an EV?
Up to 9.6 kW at 40 A, about 25–35 miles of range per hour.
Is a NEMA 14-50 the same as an RV outlet?
The 50 A RV outlet at campgrounds is usually a NEMA 14-50.
Related Reading
- NEMA 14-50 vs 6-50 vs 5-15
- Does a NEMA 14-50 Need a Neutral?
- How Much Does a NEMA 14-50 Cost to Install?
- Is a NEMA 14-50 a Fire Hazard?
Key Takeaways
- NEMA 14-50 is a 50 A, 125/250 V four-prong outlet.
- It supports Level 2 EV charging up to 40 A (9.6 kW).
- It is single-phase (split-phase), not three-phase.