HubbellWiring Device-Kellems 50 A, Industrial, Receptacle, Black, No Tamper Resistant HBL9450A - 1 Each

After discovering the hard way that my previous NEMA 14-50 outlet was damaged from prolonged EV charging, I decided to upgrade to the Hubbell HBL9450A. My old outlet, a cheaper brand from a local hardware store, showed signs of overheating and melting after months of continuous use with my Tesla charger. This prompted me to research a more reliable option, and the Hubbell came highly recommended for its industrial-grade build.Pros:Durability: The Hubbell is built like a tank. Its heavy-duty thermoplastic construction and brass terminal screws feel solid and inspire confidence. After a month of daily charging at 40 amps, it barely gets warm, a stark contrast to my old outlet.Safety: Rated for 50 amps and 12,500 watts, it meets UL and CSA standards, making it ideal for Level 2 EV charging. The clamping mechanism secures wires tightly, reducing the risk of loose connections that can cause overheating.Performance: My charger now delivers consistent power without any warnings or throttling, which I experienced with the damaged outlet. The installation, done by a licensed electrician, was straightforward, though it requires a larger faceplate than standard outlets.Peace of Mind: Knowing this is a trusted brand for EV owners, I feel much safer charging overnight.Cons:Price: At around $60-$80 on Amazon, it’s significantly more expensive than generic outlets like Leviton, which cost $10-$15. However, the investment is worth it to avoid fire hazards or damage to my charger.Size Compatibility: The outlet is larger than standard 14-50 receptacles, so I had to purchase a specific Hubbell faceplate and ensure my electrical box was deep enough. This added a bit to the cost and complexity.Amazon Concerns: There are reports of counterfeit or defective Hubbell outlets on Amazon, so I made sure to buy from a reputable seller with verified reviews. Double-checking the part number (HBL9450A) upon arrival was a must.Experience:I learned my lesson with the cheap outlet, which started failing after about a year of heavy use. The Hubbell has been a game-changer. My electrician torqued the wires to the recommended 75 in-lb, and the outlet has handled my 32-amp charging sessions flawlessly. The plug fits snugly, and there’s no sign of wear despite daily use. I also appreciate the EV-specific design, which is built for the continuous load of EV charging, unlike residential-grade outlets meant for intermittent use like stoves or dryers.Recommendation:If you’re setting up a home EV charging station, skip the budget outlets and go straight for the Hubbell HBL9450A. It’s pricier, but the safety, durability, and performance justify the cost. Just ensure you buy from a trusted Amazon seller and have it installed professionally to avoid any issues. For anyone who’s had a scare with a melted or damaged outlet like I did, this is the upgrade you need.Note: Always have a licensed electrician install high-amperage outlets and check local codes for compliance. Hardwiring your charger is another great option to consider for even fewer failure points.

This is a great nema 14-50 plug. It’s heavy duty for EV chargers. It has the Allen lugs for getting wires really tight, which is critical for fire prevention. You don’t want to be pumping 50 amps through loose terminal connections!!I did find it a bit cgsllenging to find an outlet plate that fits this socket. I finally found one locally. I have the metal box with 4 screw holes in the corners. So I needed a plate that attaches to that. This socket has the larger bore size. So when your buying a plate ge wary, not all of them have the same bore size. The plate I sourced locally has a 2 15/32 bore, and fits perfectly. It was called 4 in. Pre-Galvanized Steel Square Electrical Box Surface Cover. They may sell them on Amazon, but I needed it today, so I opted to buy local. The plate suggested by Amazon would not have fit my box, so I did not buy it. My box does not have the 4 holes that a light switch or small outlet would attach to. I’d need a separate mud ring for that. Amazon gives a warning that this socket is frequently returned, I suspect it’s more related to compatibility with the plate and boxes. People probably get frustrated trying to figure it out and buy something else. This is a great plug. It’s what a licensed electrician would use. It’s worth the hassle to get it all right!

Good quality compared to the basic ones at Home Depot, it looks and feels more durable and industrial

I didn't realize how different build quality varied. This is much better quality than the equivalent at Lowe's/Home Depot. It's shocking how much heavier this is but it hasn't had the same issues (primarily melting) like those you can get at a local hardware store.

As several other reviews have said, this is the receptacle you want for an EV charger. I originally cheaped out and bought a Leviton outlet. After about a year of use, I started getting warning messages from my car that the outlet was overheating. Apparently, the Tesla charger plug has a built-in temp sensor.I don't unplug the charger often, so the issue wasn't caused by repeated removal and re-insertion of the plug.This outlet was easy to install, but I wouldn't recommend this as a DIY job unless you are familiar and comfortable with working on 240V circuits.I read a couple of reviews complaining that the "wires don't fit tight" into the socket. The wires are held in place with very effective clamps on each conductor. You will need a 3/16" Allen wrench to tighten them properly. You can't just stick the wires into the clamps without tightening them, unless you want create a fire hazard.It's difficult to pay 4X the price of the other receptacles, but this is a quality piece that crosses "burning down the house" off your list of things to worry about. (Apologies to Talking Heads!)

This is a super-simple to install and beefy upgrade for the cheaper NEMA plugs you can get locally at most big box stores. The wiring follows the standard for other plugs of this kind and the unit is very well documented and labeled. The conductor quality is superb!Only reason to remove a star is that this unit is way overpriced! You'll have a very hard time finding any high quality NEMA 16-50 plug right now, due to the rush on EVs and lvl-2 chargers. The global supply chain is also strained. Still, this is a VERY expensive plug that is enjoying massive markups right now.Be warned: there are lots of counterfeit/fake plugs out there that list UL and CSA certifications. Be careful - if you end up with a cheap plug, you could end with a safety issue. So...you might pay through the nose to get one of these quality plugs, but it'll be cheaper than if something bad happens b/c of a poorly manufactured knock-off.