What Size Breaker for EV Charger (Level 2)?
A ev charger (level 2) requires a 50A breaker with 6 AWG wire on a 240V dedicated circuit. This is a continuous load — breaker rated at 125% of actual draw.
🔌 Wire Length & Voltage Drop Check
EV Charger (Level 2) Wiring Guide — NEC Requirements
EV chargers are continuous loads (charging exceeds 3 hours). A 40A EVSE requires a 50A breaker (40A × 125% = 50A). NEC 625.54 requires GFCI protection for all EV charging equipment.
Pro Tip
💡 For a 48A charger (most Tesla Wall Connectors), you need a 60A breaker and 6 AWG copper wire.
Why a 50A Breaker?
The ev charger (level 2) draws approximately 40A at 240V (9600W). As a continuous load (3+ hours), NEC 210.20 requires the breaker at 125%: 40A × 1.25 = 50.0A → 50A breaker.
Wire Sizing per NEC 310.16
For a 50A/240V circuit, 6 AWG copper is required per NEC Table 310.16 at 75°C. For runs over 75 feet, upsize to 4 AWG (runs over 50ft). Use our Wire Size Calculator and Voltage Drop Calculator.
Complete Parts List
To wire a ev charger (level 2) circuit: a 50A double-pole breaker, 6 AWG NM-B cable (Romex) for interior runs or THHN/THWN-2 in conduit for exposed runs, a NEMA 14-50 receptacle (or hardwired), cable clamps, and appropriate junction boxes.
Disclaimer: This guide is for reference only. All electrical work must be performed by or verified by a licensed electrician. Local codes may differ from NEC.