If you want to upgrade your EV charging station to level 2 there is no better alternative than the NEMA 14-50 outlet. But how much does NEMA 14-50 outlet installation cost you need?
The installation cost depends on several factors and can range between $500 to over $2000 depending on these factors.

NEMA 14-50 Outlet Installation Cost Breakdown
The installation cost can be divided into 3 parts which are the main materials for the outlet, the fees of the electrician installing the outlet, and whether you need a GFCI circuit or not.
Let’s break down the costs for a better understanding:
Materials Expenses
Materials costs usually include the outlet itself, wiring, junction boxes, conduit, and other electrical supplies.
A typical NEMA outlet only costs around $20-$50. Here are some options: Leviton, Hubbell, and Bryant Electric.
6-gauge copper wire and PVC or metal conduit encasing together typically cost under $5 per foot. Junction boxes and other electrical supplies like grounding clamps, and electrical tapes won’t cost you under $100.
The total material cost estimates come down to around $300.
Electrician’s Fees
The real cost of installation comes down to the fees the electrician will charge. Quotes can range from $200 to over $2000 and in extreme cases cross $5000 for installation.
The difference in cost comes down to the complexity of the job, the distance from the electric panel box to the plug, and the experience the electrician has.
You should always check for affordable quotes but beware that a higher price in this case almost always translates to better work done.
GFCI Circuit
For plugin installations, a GFCI circuit breaker needs to be installed as well. It will set you back an additional $250.
But if you are hardwiring it into a device like a dedicated EV charger you can save the cost of a GFCI breaker.
The total cost of installation comes down to around $1000. Some electricians may charge more or less depending on the factors of your installation and labor fees for their job.
Things to Keep in Mind While Installing NEMA 14-50 Outlet

There is no set-in-stone installation cost for a NEMA 14-50 outlet. You’ll get different quotes from different electricians and the cost may even depend on where you live.
Let’s see why the installation cost varies so much:
Electric Panel’s Condition and Capacity
Panel capacity for a typical household in the United States is 100 amps or 200 amps.
To install a NEMA 14-50 you’ll have to do a real load calculation to determine whether the current panel is capable of running additional load.
The NEMA 14-50 is rated at 50 amps maximum to run a 40-amp home EV charging station safely. So you’ll have to do the calculations and see if your current panel can run another 50 amps load.
Costs of electric panel upgrade to 200 amps can range from $2000 to $4000 depending on locality.
If you already have a 200 amp panel you may need modifications to install the outlet which will set you back around $350.
Wiring: Length of Circuit
Longer circuit runs mean more wiring. If the outlet is to be installed far away from the electric panel it will need more wire and conduit.
Wire and conduit together cost under $5 per foot. The NEMA 14-50 requires a minimum #6 or 6-guage wire set by the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Routing this wire through different parts of your house takes up more labor and electricians will charge you more for this extra work.
The type of conduit also plays a crucial role. Metal conduits include EMT which are more expensive but offer better protection to the wires. You’ll also have to use thicker gauge wires for extended runs.
In short, the more you need the higher the cost will be.
Outlet Installation Location
It is always a good idea to install the NEMA 14-50 as close to the electric panel as possible. By doing this, you will save yourself from a lot of trouble in the future.
If the wiring has to go through complex locations to reach the installation point, then that will heavily increase the cost of installation.
If the electrician has to penetrate walls, and ceilings and run the wire through the holes it will cost extra. They will take more time to navigate and connect the outlet to the panel.
You can install the outlet anywhere you like but try to keep the complexity of the location to a minimum.
Different Fee Quotes
The electrical work to determine whether you can run a NEMA 14-50 or the installation itself is not something to DIY. So hire an electrician for this sort of work.
Electricians charge hourly or a one-time job cost. For the NEMA 14-50 outlet installation cost they will charge you for the job.
Labor rates vary from place to place. Electricians from places with high cost of living will give you a higher price quote. Experienced ones will cost more and will provide safer installations.
So ask around for quotes and see what the average value is for installation in your area.
Related Post: How Many Amps to Charge a Tesla for Safe and Effective Charging?
NEMA 14-50 Outlet Installation: Common Mistakes to Avoid
As with every electrical component, you should treat the installation with utmost care for the overall safety of your household.
Try to avoid these common mistakes while installing a NEMA 14-50 Outlet:
- Use the right wires. The minimum requirements for NEMA 14-50 outlets are 6-gauge thick wires.
- Use a dedicated circuit for the outlet. Avoid overloading the circuit with multiple high amp appliances. It will trip the breakers and become a safety hazard.
- Properly ground the outlet to protect it against shocks. Follow local codes of grounding.
- Don’t neglect to calculate the assumed electrical load on the panel and get a permit for the installation.
- Use a GFCI breaker for outdoor or damp locations.
- Don’t skimp on quality materials. Cheap out and you will regret it sooner or later.
Don’t let your outlet become a safety hazard. Some options have a lid on top for child safety as well. Browse for the best outlet out there.
Related Post: Why Is Tesla Only Charging At 16 Amps? (Explained!)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the installation take for NEMA 14-50 outlets?
The installation work usually takes around 2-3 hours and then another hour to test and fix any related issues.
Does Tesla use NEMA 14-50 outlets?
Yes. Every Tesla car comes with a mobile connector and an adapter to plug into a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet.
Can you install a NEMA 14-50 outlet outdoors?
Yes. But you’ll have to heavily weatherproof the whole thing.