NEMA 14-50 and 6-50 Outlet on Same 50amp Circuit

[jeffl012]

I'd like to have both a NEMA 14-50 and 6-50 outlet on the same 2 pole 50amp, 240v circuit. How can I prevent someone from trying to use both at the same time? I was thinking there could be some kind of knob switch, or a resetable circuit breaker to prevent it. These outlets would be outside. Any suggestions? Much appreciated.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Barring some form of lockout, you can't. As long as they're on a properly-sized circuit breaker, I probably wouldn't much care, either. I suppose some form of ganged 3-way switch could be used to swap between one or the other, but I feel like that's trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[iceworm]

Assumption: installation is per NEC 2017
NEC sections are 210.21 and 210.23

The short answer is to put in a DPDT 60A Switch, such as a generator transfer switch
example SQD DTU223RB List price is $1300
Residential example:
Home Depot 100A GE, Nema 3R
$140

You didn't ask, but there are issues with covers for damp/wet areas, and some require GFCI protections

(edit to add) And it matters if it is a dwelling or not


Harmless flakes working together can unleash an avalanche of destruction

 

[Compositepro]

You could mount them at 90 degrees from each other (on an inside corner), so that when there is a plug in one receptacle it blocks access to the other receptacle. Or have one sliding cover over the receptacles so that only one can be exposed at a time.

 

[waross]

Training.
In Canada we have been living for generations with more than one 15 Amp receptacle on a 15 Amp circuit.
The occupants eventually learn that plugging a toaster and an electric kettle into receptacles on the same circuit will trip the breaker.
They eventually train themselves to NOT overload the circuits.
If both are in use and the combined load is less than the breaker rating then there is no [roblem.
If the combined load is more than the breaker rating the breaker will trip.
That is the first step in a self training regime.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[jeffl012]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I really appreciate it. I'm going with an energy meter that has a relay and can be set to turn off a contactor when it hits a certain amperage reading (ie: 45amps).

 

[waross]

An "all in one" device was common about 50 years ago under the name "Load Miser".
They were used to give the electric range preference over electric hot water when both were installed on a 60 Amp service.
They are coming back into use to add electric vehicle charging to panels which otherwise do not have the needed spare capacity.
Link
DANDY LOAD MISER ENERGY DIVIDER CONTROLLER

EEMAC 3R enclosure
Specifically designed as a load saving device used where non-essential load is connected to an essential load circuit
The load saver cuts off power to the non-essential circuit only. Reducing load saves service upgrades.
Adjustable 5 to 50 amp of the circuit upstream rating
Easy to install for new and existing installations, simply connect in series of existing essential load
Ideal for energy saving or when system capacity is limited
Optional time of day clock prevents non-essential load from operation on/off hour, increasing energy savings and allowing non-essential load to operate on/off time energy availability
Sensing has adjustable 5 - 50 second time delay action to prevent rapid load cycling. Sensing is on only L1. To avoid nuisance tripping if loads are unbalanced add second phase current sensor option
CSA certified assembly
Option
Non-essential load time clock 24 hour - 15 minute increments - adjustable

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter