This guide will walk you through understanding the different types of electric vehicle charger adapters, covering key aspects such as selecting the right electric vehicle adapter when purchasing your EV charger, and ensuring your electric vehicle charger adapter is compatible with your NEMA outlet type and its plug-in EV charger circuit configurations.
We have written this guide for prospective EV owners, or EV owners looking forward to purchasing a plug-in EV charger/ portable EV charger, and have learned that plug-in EV chargers come in different electric vehicle charging adapters, and now they want to know about the various types of electric car charger adapter, to figure out which is the right adapter for them.
So if you know someone looking forward to purchasing a plug-in EV charger or a portable EV charger, share this guide with them, sharing information is safety – you can often improve EV charging situations and prevent potential risks.
Table of Contents
- What is an Electric Vehicle Charger Adapter?
- Types of Electric Vehicle Charger Adapter
- NEMA 5-15 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
- NEMA 5-20 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
- NEMA 6-15 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
- NEMA 6-20 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
- NEMA 10-30 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
- NEMA 14-30 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
- NEMA 14-50 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
- NEMA 6-50 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
What is an Electric Vehicle Charger Adapter?
An electric vehicle charger adapter (also known as NEMA EV charger adapter) is an EV charging accessory that enables EV charging by connecting a plug-in EV charger or a portable EV charger to an EV charging outlet.
Types of Electric Vehicle Charger Adapter
There are different types of electric vehicle charger adapters that you can choose when purchasing an EV charger, different adapters provide different current and power outputs. factors that would determine the type of electric vehicle charger adapter that is right for you are based on compatibility with the EV charger and its power output, current, voltage, and your electric vehicle branch circuit outlet type.
There are two types of electric vehicle charger adapters based on voltage, 120 volts electric vehicle charger adapters are mainly used on Level 1 EV chargers, and 240 volts electric vehicle charger adapters are mainly used on fast-charging Level 2 EV chargers, Then there are different types of adapters based on EV charging outlets.
To summarize the different types of electric vehicle charger adapters based on voltage and EV charging outlets, we have created the table below as a quick guide, and a quick summary of this guide.
| Types of Electric Vehicle Charger Adapter | NEMA Outlet | Circuit Volts (Volts) | Dedicated Circuit Breaker (Amps) | NEMA Outlet Wire Size (AWG) | NEMA Outlet Ground Wire Size (AWG) | EV Charger (Level) | EV Charger Current (Amps) | EV Charger Power (kW) |
| NEMA 5-15 Adapter | NEMA 5-15 Outlet | 120V | 15A | 14AWG | 14AWG | Level 1 | 12A | 1.3kW |
| NEMA 5-20 Adapter | NEMA 5-20 Outlet | 120V | 20A | 12AWG | 14AWG | Level 1 | 16A | 1.7 kW |
| NEMA 6-15 Adapter | NEMA 6-15 Outlet | 240V | 15A | 14AWG | 16AWG | Level 2 | 12A | 2.8 kW |
| NEMA 6-20 Adapter | NEMA 6-20 Outlet | 240V | 20A | 12AWG | 14AWG | Level 2 | 16A | 3.8 kW |
| NEMA 10-30 Adapter | NEMA 10-30 Outlet | 240V | 30A | 10AWG | 12AWG | Level 2 | 24A | 5.7 kW |
| NEMA 14-30 Adapter | NEMA 14-30 Outlet | 240V | 30A | 10AWG | 12AWG | Level 2 | 24A | 5.7 kW |
| NEMA 14-50 Adapter | NEMA 14-50 Outlet | 240V | 50A | 6AWG | 8AWG | Level 2 | 40A | 9.6 kW |
| NEMA 6-50 Adapter | NEMA 6-50 Outlet | 240V | 50A | 6AWG | 8AWG | Level 2 | 40A | 9.6 kW |
NEMA 5-15 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
A NEMA 5-15 electric vehicle charging adapter connects a Level 1 EV charger with a 12-amp plug on one end to a NEMA 5-15 outlet on the other, providing up to 1.3 kW of charging power.
The NEMA 5-15 electric vehicle charging adapter is commonly used with plug-in Level 1 EV chargers, such as the Lectron Level 1 EV charger, and is compatible with circuits operating at 125V. For example, the Tesla mobile connector also includes a NEMA 5-15 adapter, allowing users to connect the Tesla mobile charger to a 120V circuit for Level 1 EV charging.
A NEMA 5-15 adapter plugs into a standard NEMA 5-15 outlet, which features a two-pole, three-wire grounding design. The standard wire color scheme includes green for ground, white for neutral, and black (or red) for hot.
For safe and efficient charging, the NEMA 5-15 outlet should be connected to a dedicated and properly grounded circuit, rated for at least 15A.
Best NEMA 5-15 Outlets We Tested
Our handpicked selection of the best NEMA 5-15 outlets, is evaluated for superior performance when used with a 12A Level 1 EV charger and durability when exposed to long hours of Level 1 EV charging continuous loads.
EV Chargers with NEMA 5-15 Adapters
Here are some EV chargers optimized for use with NEMA 5-15 adapters, offering flexibility and convenience for home and travel charging.
NEMA 5-20 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
A NEMA 5-20 electric vehicle charging adapter connects a Level 1 EV charger with a 16-amp plug to a NEMA 5-20 outlet, providing up to 1.7 kW of charging power.
This adapter is typically used for plug-in Level 1 EV chargers operating on circuits rated for 125V. For example, the Lectron Level 1 EV charger and other similar models can use this adapter for home charging. It is also compatible with Tesla’s mobile connector when paired with the appropriate NEMA 5-20 adapter, allowing users to charge their Tesla from a 120V outlet.
The NEMA 5-20 adapter plugs into a NEMA 5-20 outlet, which features a two-pole, three-wire grounding design. The wire color scheme follows standard electrical codes, with green for ground, white for neutral, and black or red for hot.
To ensure safe charging, the NEMA 5-20 outlet should be connected to a properly grounded circuit protected by a 20-amp circuit breaker.
NEMA 6-15 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
A NEMA 6-15 electric vehicle charging adapter connects a Level 2 EV charger with a 12-amp plug to a NEMA 6-15 outlet, providing up to 2.8 kW of charging power.
This adapter is commonly used for Level 2 EV chargers on circuits rated for 240V, offering a faster charging rate compared to standard 120V outlets like the NEMA 5-15. The NEMA 6-15 outlet, typically found in residential and commercial locations with 240V service, allows for efficient and reliable charging, adding approximately 12-16 miles of range per hour depending on the charger and vehicle. While it provides faster charging than 120V outlets, it is still slower than higher-amperage outlets like the NEMA 6-20 or NEMA 14-50.
The NEMA 6-15 adapter plugs into a NEMA 6-15 outlet, which features a three-prong configuration with two hot wires (black and red) and a ground wire (green or copper). The wiring layout includes two hot connections for the 240V supply and a ground connection, ensuring a safe and effective charging experience.
For optimal safety, the NEMA 6-15 outlet should be installed on a dedicated, properly grounded circuit with a 15A circuit breaker and 14AWG wire size, ensuring it can safely handle the power requirements.
NEMA 6-20 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
A NEMA 6-20 electric vehicle charging adapter connects a Level 2 EV charger with a 16-amp plug to a NEMA 6-20 outlet, providing up to 3.8 kW of charging power.
This adapter is designed for use with Level 2 EV chargers on 240V circuits, offering faster charging compared to lower-powered 120V outlets such as the NEMA 5-15. The NEMA 6-20 outlet is commonly found in residential and commercial settings, where 240V service is available. This outlet allows for quicker charging, adding approximately 16-20 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger and vehicle.
The NEMA 6-20 outlet features a three-prong configuration with two hot wires (black and red) and a ground wire (green or copper). These two hot connections supply the 240V power to the charger, while the ground wire ensures safety by protecting against electrical faults.
For safe operation, the NEMA 6-20 outlet must be connected to a dedicated circuit with proper grounding, rated for at least 20 amps. It should be wired with 12 AWG wire and protected by a 20A circuit breaker to ensure safe and reliable charging.
Best NEMA 6-20 Outlets We Tested
Our top picks for NEMA 6-20 outlets have been rigorously tested with more than 5 EV chargers with NEMA 6-20 outlets for quality, efficiency, and long-lasting reliability.
EV Chargers with NEMA 6-20 Adapters
These EV chargers are specifically engineered to pair with NEMA 6-20 adapters, ensuring easy compatibility with NEMA 6-20 outlets;
NEMA 10-30 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
A NEMA 10-30 electric vehicle charging adapter connects a Level 2 EV charger with a 30-amp plug to a NEMA 10-30 outlet, providing up to 5.7 kW of charging power.
This adapter is commonly used with older electrical systems that have NEMA 10-30 outlets, typically found in residences with older 240V circuits. These outlets were once used for electric dryers but are still compatible with EV charging, though they lack a dedicated ground wire, unlike newer outlets such as the NEMA 14-30. When used with a Level 2 EV charger, the NEMA 10-30 outlet provides faster charging, adding approximately 20-30 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger and vehicle.
The NEMA 10-30 outlet features a three-prong configuration with two hot wires (black and red) and a neutral wire (white). There is no dedicated ground wire in this configuration, so it is important to ensure that the EV charger or installation has an alternative grounding method for safety.
For safe use, the NEMA 10-30 outlet should be connected to a dedicated 240V circuit with a 30A circuit breaker and 10 AWG wire to ensure proper current handling. Though NEMA 10-30 outlets are still used in some locations, they are less common for new installations due to safety concerns, and it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer NEMA 14-30 or NEMA 6-50 outlet for added safety.
NEMA 14-30 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
A NEMA 14-30 electric vehicle charging adapter connects a Level 2 EV charger with a 30-amp plug to a NEMA 14-30 outlet, providing up to 5.7 kW of charging power.
This adapter is ideal for use with newer electrical systems that feature the NEMA 14-30 outlet, commonly found in residential settings with 240V circuits. Unlike older NEMA 10-30 outlets, the NEMA 14-30 outlet includes a dedicated ground wire, enhancing safety for EV charging. When used with a Level 2 EV charger, the NEMA 14-30 outlet offers faster charging capabilities, adding approximately 20-30 miles of range per hour depending on the charger and vehicle.
The NEMA 14-30 outlet has a four-prong configuration with two hot wires (black and red), a neutral wire (white), and a ground wire (green or copper). This four-wire setup ensures safer operation, providing both the necessary power and a reliable grounding connection.
For optimal safety and performance, the NEMA 14-30 outlet should be connected to a dedicated 240V circuit with a 30A circuit breaker and 10 AWG wire. The use of this outlet ensures compliance with modern electrical standards, providing a secure and efficient charging experience.
NEMA 14-50 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
A NEMA 14-50 electric vehicle charging adapter connects a Level 2 EV charger with a 50-amp plug to a NEMA 14-50 outlet, providing up to 9.6 kW of charging power.
This adapter is commonly used for higher-power EV charging, as the NEMA 14-50 outlet is designed to handle 240V circuits with a 50-amp capacity, providing the fastest Level 2 charging option available for home and commercial installations. When used with a Level 2 EV charger, the NEMA 14-50 outlet can add approximately 30-40 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger and vehicle.
The NEMA 14-50 outlet features a four-prong configuration, including two hot wires (black and red), a neutral wire (white), and a ground wire (green or copper). This four-wire system ensures a safe and efficient charging connection, delivering both the required power and a reliable grounding method.
For safe and optimal performance, the NEMA 14-50 outlet should be connected to a dedicated 240V circuit with a 50A circuit breaker and 6 AWG wire. The NEMA 14-50 outlet is commonly found in residential garages, commercial locations, and RV parks, making it a versatile option for various EV charging needs.
Best NEMA 14-50 Outlets We Tested
A curated list of top-performing NEMA 14-50 outlets, tested for durability, compatibility, and reliable performance.
EV Chargers with NEMA 14-50 Adapters
These EV chargers are designed to work seamlessly with NEMA 14-50 adapters, providing versatile charging options for your electric vehicle.
NEMA 6-50 Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter
A NEMA 6-50 electric vehicle charging adapter connects a Level 2 EV charger with a 50-amp plug to a NEMA 6-50 outlet, providing up to 9.6 kW of charging power.
This adapter is designed for use with high-power Level 2 EV chargers, ideal for locations requiring fast EV charging. The NEMA 6-50 outlet is a 240V outlet capable of handling 50 amps, offering one of the fastest charging rates available for home and commercial installations. When used with a Level 2 EV charger, it can add approximately 30-40 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle and charger specifications.
The NEMA 6-50 outlet features a three-prong configuration, with two hot wires (black and red) and a ground wire (green or copper). Unlike the NEMA 14-50 outlet, the NEMA 6-50 does not have a neutral wire, as it is designed for appliances that do not require a neutral connection. However, for EV charging, this configuration is perfectly suited to provide the necessary 240V power and ground for safe and efficient operation.
For optimal performance and safety, the NEMA 6-50 outlet should be connected to a dedicated 240V circuit with a 50A circuit breaker and 6 AWG wire. This outlet is commonly used in garages, commercial locations, and industrial settings, where high-power EV charging is required.
Best NEMA 6-50 Outlets We Tested
Our review of the best NEMA 14-50 outlets, tested with 40-amp plug-in EV chargers, ensures they don’t overheat under continuous loads and provide a perfect fit for NEMA 14-50 outlets.
EV Chargers with NEMA 6-50 Adapters
Here are some EV chargers designed for use with a NEMA 6-50 outlet, utilizing a NEMA 6-50 adapter for connection.
About the Author: James Ndungu
James Ndungu, founder and editor-in-chief of Electric Vehicle Geek, brings over five years of hands-on experience in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) selection, permitting, and installation. He specializes in assisting businesses and homeowners in the United States with a seamless transition to electric vehicles.
As a certified EV charger installer and holder of advanced certifications, including the EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program), Diploma in Electric Vehicle Technology, and Diploma in Engineering Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles, I provide expert guidance and in-depth reviews on the latest EV charging equipment.
