Nema 14-50 plug temperature?

[ye3hawp0ny]

Testing the temperature of nema 14-50 receptacle, do these temperatures seem normal running 40amps? Left side is registering almost 20 degrees warmer. Using a Hubble plug now after 2 failed leviton burned plugs so now I'm just a lil cautious and maybe paranoid . Electrician mentioned that the 6 gauge wire i have installed can handle up to 180F, and the Hubble plug is rated for 70C. Could also be the grizzl-e plug. Any similar stories? I know hard wired is the best route to go

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[dradam]

I believe your numbers are within the rating of your set up but I would double check that your wire and breaker are correctly spec'd. (they probably are). It is also important that the connections at the plug and breaker are torqued correctly. Did your electrician use a torque screwdriver ?. Poor connections can lead to resistance and heat.

If all is correct then finally you might consider charging at a lower rate if it does not impact your needs. I am hardwired, and while I can charge at 48A I usually charge at 30. Overnight for me I still wake up with a full charge even though it takes more time.

Hope this helps.

 

[Joe Hoffman]

I’m using the Rivian portable charger with a Nema 14–50 plug but I never see that high of a temp. The warmest component is the Rivian portable charger tail plug which is about 109deg. The outlet plug and the breaker are about 2degrees above ambient ( 86 today).

But I only charge at 32A, i’m using the Rivian portable charger which is limited to 32/34A.

 

[SwampNut]

A friend who is a former electrician said he is "very concerned" with the breaker temp, and the others seem high. One can lead to the rest. Breakers can wear over time and have heating issues; I scan my panel for that on occasion. I'd replace it.

 

[HaveBlue]

My breakers get pretty warm like that as well. Both the main and the 50A that supplies the car get warm but not untouchable hot. The cable from the charger to the car gets a little warm as well. Lots of juice for a long time going in there.

If you've gone through two 14-50 receptacles, you should inspect the plug for damage. A poor connection will take out your new receptacle.

 

[GogglesPisano]

6awg is good enough for a 48amp hardwired charge setup on a 60amp breaker. Surprising it's heating up for your setup.

Was this existing or installed for you. If installed, is the wire aluminum or copper? Is it a continuous run or was it spliced in a junction somewhere? What's the brand of the outlet?

 

[ye3hawp0ny]

6awg is good enough for a 48amp hardwired charge setup on a 60amp breaker. Surprising it's heating up for your setup.

Was this existing or installed for you. If installed, is the wire aluminum or copper? Is it a continuous run or was it spliced in a junction somewhere? What's the brand of the outlet?

Newly installed, after 2 failed plugs. Copper wires, continuous run and the plug is now a Hubble plug. Lowered the amperage to 32 instead of 40 now to be on a safer side.. Note these measurements were on a warm day on a not insulated garage.

 

[GogglesPisano]

Newly installed, after 2 failed plugs. Copper wires, continuous run and the plug is now a Hubble plug. Lowered the amperage to 32 instead of 40 now to be on a safer side.. Note these measurements were on a warm day on a not insulated garage.

Sounds like everything is done correctly then. Might just be the hot day. Probably wouldn't hurt to re-torque the connection lugs as they can loosen over time with use and temp changes.

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