Difference Between Dumb Charger and Wall Plug…,

[hydbob]

I’ve always heard this too.

But why don’t 14-50 outlets at campgrounds fail? Are they designed to a different standard that household ones?

It's most likely due to the weight pulling down on the cables plugged in causing extra wear and tear on the outlet itself. There are a plethora of people who won't mount their mobile chargers and let it hang from the outlet. Whereas campground plug are just extension cables or the like. Just a guess!

 

[DeaneG]

Another thing to keep in mind is that outlets will only allow about 80% of the rated amps. So a 15A charges at 12A to avoid overload.

So when you plug in to a 32A 240v 14-50 with a plug you only get 80% of that. (Max is 7.68 kW and you will get 6.1 kW). If you hardwire the charger you get 100%.

A 14-50 outlet is legal in the US with either a 40-amp breaker (charges at 32A) or a 50-amp breaker (charges at 40A).

 

[DeaneG]

HUBBELL HBL9450A GRD RCPT NEMA14-50R | Gordon Electric Supply, Inc.

HUBBELL HBL9450A Receptacle, 3P4W, 50A 125/250V, 14-50R

www.gordonelectricsupply.com

vs:

ELEGRP 50 Amp 125/250V, NEMA 14-50R Flush Mount Power Outlet, Single Straight Blade Range and Dryer Outlet Grounding, Black 2106S - The Home Depot

ELEGRP's power outlet are built to provide unparalleled quality and superior performance in the most severe industrial settings. ELEGRP's devices combine the best materials available with superior production

www.homedepot.com

 

[Sandvinsd]

A 14-50 outlet is legal in the US with either a 40-amp breaker (charges at 32A) or a 50-amp breaker (charges at 40A).

yes. If you are installing one, make sure you have a 50 amp circuit.

 

[borski]

Many campgrounds have 14-50 outlets you can plug into using the mobile cable charge from (for a fee). It would be a last resort compared to using a public charger, but some really serious road trippers do this on occasion to make a trip that would otherwise be impossible - usually around remote state and national parks.

Ah, that's a good point. RV chargers are all 14-50 plugs, so you can use any RV charger as well, and those are usually just receptacles at RV parks or campgrounds.

 

[Adnillien]

Another thing to keep in mind is that outlets will only allow about 80% of the rated amps. So a 15A charges at 12A to avoid overload.

So when you plug in to a 32A 240v 14-50 with a plug you only get 80% of that. (Max is 7.68 kW and you will get 6.1 kW). If you hardwire the charger you get 100%.

Even hardwired you can only use 80% of what the circuit is rated for. Hardwiring allows you to get above a 50A circuit but the same 80% rule applies.