Hardwiring EVSE vs plug-in option

[Maquis]

It’s mostly the wire. That’s thick gauge wire that needs to be run for the 60A. The 50A wire is no slouch either, but you’re more likely to already have that run. (For example, I had a 50A outlet for an electric stove run across the basement from the breaker box to the kitchen/garage wall. I just pulled that out of the kitchen and rerouted it through the garage wall to install a 14-50 outlet. If I wanted to hardwire on 60A, an electrician would have to come out, run probably thousands of dollars in cable, and then wire it up.)

If the circuit is run in conduit, the wire size is the same for 50 vs 60A. Only NM cable would require larger wire for 60A.

Sponsored

 

[JohnnyForensic]

If the circuit is run in conduit, the wire size is the same for 50 vs 60A. Only NM cable would require larger wire for 60A.

Conduit? That’s like…a professional job!

 

[Maquis]

Conduit? That’s like…a professional job!

I’ve seen some PVC conduit runs that were definitely not done professionally. ?
A real giveaway is when it’s run outdoors without expansion joints. On really hot days, it sags like a wet noodle!

 

[phidauex]

One “hybrid” option is to run MC (Metal Clad) cable. It is THWN cable pre assembled in a metallic jacket. It can get the better ampacity rating, but doesn’t require you to mount and pull conduit, you can just attach as you go. It also has the benefit of being able to be surface mounted, rather than NM/Romex which has to be in the wall or otherwise protected.

It takes a little practice to pull MC tight so that the runs look clean (not “floppy”) but it is nice to work with. Very popular in industrial environments for that reason.

 

[Maquis]

One “hybrid” option is to run MC (Metal Clad) cable. It is THWN cable pre assembled in a metallic jacket. It can get the better ampacity rating, but doesn’t require you to mount and pull conduit, you can just attach as you go. It also has the benefit of being able to be surface mounted, rather than NM/Romex which has to be in the wall or otherwise protected.

It takes a little practice to pull MC tight so that the runs look clean (not “floppy”) but it is nice to work with. Very popular in industrial environments for that reason.

And due to crazy supply chain issues, I’ve seen places where MC costs less than NM.

Sponsored