How to Wire a 60A, 125V/250V – NEMA 14-60 Receptacle

Electrical Technology

How to Install a NEMA 14-60 Receptacle with Breaker/GFCI for Heavy-Duty EV Chargers and Connectors

A NEMA 14-60R is a type of electrical receptacle, or outlet, designed for high-power applications. They are typically found in industrial equipment, commercial settings and some electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

NEMA 14-60 is a 3P, 4W receptacle and capable to handle 60-amps at 125/250V, single phase power supply. The industrial grade 60-amp receptacle is also suitable for high-wattage residential equipment, industrial welding and large machinery.

In this wiring tutorial, we will show you how to wire a NEMA 14-60 receptacle using both ordinary and GFCI breakers, along with the correct breaker and wire size for high-wattage applications and EV charging.

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The NEMA 14-60 Receptacle

The NEMA 14-60R is a 125/250V receptacle with grounded neutral, used with 14-60P plug. As the name suggests, the “60” in the 14-60R indicates the maximum amperes of current, while the “R” stands for “Receptacle, outlet, or socket”. Similarly, the “P” in the NEMA-14-60P indicates “Plug”, with “60” denoting the maximum current in amperes.

NEMA 14-60 comes in a 3-pole, 4-wire configuration which means it requires a neutral wire. It has two vertical slots slots (for Hot 1 and Hot 2), a horizontal slot for neutral, and a round ground (U-shaped) slot for EGC.

Warning: NEMA 14-60 and NEMA 14-20 receptacles have almost identical slot configurations. Be careful not to confuse them when plugging in 14-60P or 14-20P plugs. Always verify the nameplate marking of voltage and current rating on the outlet before use.

Terminals

There are four terminals in a 14-60R receptacle in accordance with UL 498 and CSA:

G (U) Shaped Terminal – Green Screw: Connects to the Ground (G) for EGC (⏚) – Bare or Green Wire.
X Terminal – Vertical Slot (I) – Brass Screw: Connects to HOT 1 (Line 1) – Black Wire
Y Terminal – Vertical Slot (I) – Brass Screw: Connects to HOT 2 (Line 2) – Red Wire
W Horizontal Slot (➖) – Silver Screw: Connects to the Neutral wire – White or Grey Wire.

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Electrical Ratings & Specifications

NEMA: 14-60R – Straight-Blade Receptacle
Poles: 3-Poles, 4 Wires – Grounding – with Neutral
Wires: Four Wires – Hot 1 & Hot 2, Neutral and Ground
Voltage: 125V – 250V Single-Phase AC Supply – 60 Hz
Breaker / GFCI: 60A
Current: 48A – 60A
Wattage: 14,400 W
Wire Size: #4 – #10 AWG (Copper Only)
Temp. Rating: -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F)
Dielectric-strength: Withstand 2kV Min.
Grade & Material: Industrial Grade – Heavy Gauge Galvanized Steel with Thermoplastic/Composite)
Mounting: Flush / Screw Mounting
Outdoor Box: 2-gang outdoor box – NEMA 3R rainproof enclosure
Wiring: Hardwired / Dedicated Circuit
Service Disconnect: May or may not be required according to your local area codes.

Good to Know: For EV charging, it is recommended to use an industrial-grade, EV-rated outlet instead of standard receptacles. According to the NEC 80% continuous load rule, a 60A circuit can supply up to 48A of continuous load. Standard outlets are generally limited to this 48A threshold, while industrial-grade EV outlets are specifically designed to handle the full 60A continuous load for extended periods (such as EV charging) without overheating or deteriorating.

Wiring NEMA 14-60 Receptacle with a GFCI

A NEMA 14-60R receptacle can be installed either as a plug-in or hardwired connection for EV charging applications. If ground-fault protection is not already built into the charger, the NEMA 14-60 must be protected by a GFCI breaker to prevent safety hazards.

As shown in the figure, connect the two hot wires (Hot 1 (black) and Hot 2 (red)) from the 2-pole, 60A, 120/240V GFCI breaker to the X and Y terminals of the NEMA 14-60 receptacle. Next, connect the neutral wire (white) to the W terminal, and the ground wire (bare copper or green with yellow stripe) to the G terminal. For proper operation, don’t forget to connect the built-in white wire in the GFCI to the neutral busbar in the 120/240V main panel.

Although the NEMA 14-60 receptacle can accept wire sizes from #12 AWG to #4 AWG, the recommended conductors for this application are #4 AWG or #6 AWG, depending on the current requirement and installation conditions.

For outdoor installations, use a NEMA 3R weatherproof (rainproof) 2-gang enclosure to provide adequate protection against moisture and environmental exposure.

Good to Know:

NEC Article 625.54 specifies that receptacles installed for the connection of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) must be provided with ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel.
According to NEC – 210.8(A)(1) through (A)(11), an outdoor receptacle must be installed downstream of a GFCI breaker, in accordance with Articles 426.28 or 427.22.
As per NEC – 625.41 for electric vehicle branch circuit, each electric vehicle charging outlet must be supplied by a dedicated branch circuit with no other outlets connected.
Required by NEC – 625.54, receptacles installed for the connection of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) must be GFCI protected for personnel.
Nuisance tripping may occur if both the EV charger and the receptacle are GFCI protected.

The following wiring diagram illustrates how to install a NEMA 14-60R, 60-amp heavy-duty receptacle using a 2-pole, 60A GFCI breaker.

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Good to Know:

Tighten terminal screws to approximately 75 lb.-in (8.5 N·m) using a 3/16″ Allen wrench.
Strip each conductor 11/16″ or refer to the stripe gage on mounting plate.

Wiring NEMA 14-60 Receptacle with a Breaker

The wiring configuration of a NEMA 14-60 receptacle with a 60A, 120/240V, 2-pole standard breaker is the same as that used with a 2-pole GFCI breaker.

Using a standard breaker for this installation helps prevent unwanted tripping, especially when the EV charger already has built-in GFCI protection (as most modern chargers do).

The following wiring diagram shows how to connect a NEMA 14-60, 60-amp receptacle using a 2-pole, 60A standard breaker for RVs or other high-power appliances.

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FAQs:

Should I Use a GFCI or Standard Breaker with NEMA 14-60 Receptacle ?

You should use a standard 2-pole 60A breaker unless your local electrical code requires GFCI protection. Many EV chargers already have built-in GFCI protection, and double protection can cause nuisance tripping. If GFCI is required by NEC (e.g., in garages or outdoors), use a 2-pole 60A GFCI breaker.

For instance, If you are in a state which adopted the NEC – 2020 or 2023, you have the following options:

Install a GFCI prior the NEMA 14-60 receptacle to work with the mobile connector and plug adapters.
Replace the existing socket outlet with a disconnect switch and hard wire the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment “EVSE”.

Note: NEC – 210.8(A)(1) through (A)(11) and 625.54 in accordance with Articles 426.28 and 427.22 specifies that outdoor receptacles installed for the connection of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) must be provided with ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection.

How Many Amps Can NEMA 14-60 Receptacle Handle Safely?

A NEMA 14-60 receptacle is rated for 60 amps maximum. For continuous loads (3+ hours, such as EV charging), NEC requires derating to 80% of breaker rating (also known as 125% rule) specified in 210.19(A)(1) and 210.20(A), so it can handle up to 48 amps continuously.

Continues Load: 60A × 80% = 48-Amp
Non-continuous Load: 60-Amp

In the case of an industrial-grade 60-amp receptacle, it is designed to safely handle a continuous load of 60 amps for extended periods of time.

These ratings comply with NEC Sections 210.19(A)(1), 215.2, and 230.42(A) for continuous and non-continuous loads, and 110.14(C) for ambient temperature.

Which Breaker Size is Suitable for 14-60 Receptacle ?

For continuous load, we will use the 80% rule (which shows only 80% of the load should be connected to the rated circuit breaker). In addition, the size of the OCPD (fuse or circuit breaker) should handle 125% of the load circuit as per NEC 210.20(A) & 210.21.

Continues Load of 48A × 125% = 60-Amp
Non-continuous Load = 60-Amp

Based on NEC 210.19(A)(1), 210.20(A), and 210.23(E), the correct breaker size for 60-amp receptacle (NEMA 14-60) is a 2-pole 60A breaker or GFCI at 240V.

How Many Watts Can a 60A, 14-60 Receptacle Hold?

At 240V, a 60A receptacle can supply:

Maximum: 60A × 240V = 14,400 watts
Continuous load (80% rule): 48A × 240V = 11,520 Watts

What is the Correct Wire Size and Cable Type to Use with NEMA 14-60?

As mentioned before, the 60-amp receptacle can be used for 48A continuous and 60-amp non-continuous load, (industrial grade can be used for 60-amp continuous).

The suitable wire size for 60A circuit is determined using NEC tables. For this ampacity, the #6 AWG copper can carry 55A at 60°C (140°F), 65A at 75°C (167°F) and 75A at 90°C (194°F) which is suitable wire size for NEMA 14-60 receptacle according to NEC Table 310.16) and CEC Table 2.

Similarly, for a circuit of up to 60-amp protected by OCPDs, the ground conductor can be smaller than the non-grounded conductors. Hence, ground wire (EGC) can be #10 AWG as per NEC Table 250.122.

Copper conductors: Minimum #6 AWG THHN/THWN in conduit
EGC (Ground Wire): Min #10 AWG
Aluminum conductors: Minimum #4 AWG (Not recommended)
For indoor NM-B cable, #6/3 with ground is acceptable. Always follow NEC ampacity tables and adjust for distance, ambient temperature, or conduit fill.

Can I Use NEMA 14-60 Receptacle on a 50A Breaker?

NO/YES

No, a NEMA 14-60 receptacle must be protected by a 60-amp breaker. Using it on a 50A breaker is a code violation because the receptacle’s rating must match or exceed the breaker size.

Yes, if you need to draw a maximum of 48–50 amps of continuous current for charging purposes, you may use a NEMA 14-60 receptacle on a 50A breaker. However, the load must not exceed 48A for continuous use, in accordance with the 80% rule for continuous loads. This is because the breaker rating (not the receptacle rating) ultimately determines the maximum allowable load on the circuit. Exceeding this limit will cause the breaker to trip, leaving the vehicle uncharged.

For this reason, a NEMA 14-60 receptacle should be protected with a 60A breaker when the intended continuous load is above 48A.

Can You Install NEMA 14-60R in 120V AC Circuit?

No, a NEMA 14-60 is designed for 240V, 4-wire circuits (2 hots, 1 neutral, 1 ground). This configuration is not feasible in single phase 120V supply (1 Hot + Neutral + Ground).

While technically, it can be installed on a 120V where only 120V will be available between one hot leg and Neutral, but Installing it on a 120V circuit is unsafe and non-compliant. This is because someone may connect 240V device in this 120V circuit which may damage the device. Therefore, Use a properly rated 120V receptacle instead.

Instructions, Precautions & Codes

If your main purpose for installing the 14-60R receptacle is for EV charging, use an industrial-grade, EV rated device.
It is recommended to hardwire instead of plug-in a 60-amp receptacle especially for EV charging.
Install the 14-60R near the vehicle charging port, a maximum of 15 feet (4.5 meters) away.
The recommended height of the outlet is 4 ft (1.2 meters) above the floor.
If the installation location is near the main panel and you want to install it in the lower portion, a minimum height of 18 inches (45 cm) above the ground is suitable.
The 14-60R should not be used with single-gang wall boxes. Use a 2-gang outdoor box and NEMA 3R rainproof enclosure, especially for outdoor applications.
According to the NEC Table – 310.16 and 210.24.(1), the correct Breaker and Wire size for a 60-Amp, 14-60 outlet is #6 AWG copper.
Use #6-3 wires (including 2-hot, 1 neutral and 1 ground) for 240V, 60-Amp breaker and outlet/receptacle.
Longer runs (when the distance is more than 50 ft (15.25 meters) require an upgrade and larger wire gauge size to compensate for voltage drop.
A standard 60-amp outlet can be used for a 48-amp continuous load and a maximum 60-amp non-continuous load (210.19(A)), 215.2, and 230.42(A). However, the industrial grade can be used for 60-amp continuous load.
It is against the code to use a 60-amp outlet to draw 60-amp on a 50-amp breaker.
It is against the code to use smaller gauge wire sizes (e.g., using 10, 12 AWG) instead of 6 AWG wire with a 60-amp breaker and outlet.
According to the NEC – 310.16, add 20% of additional ampacity for every 100 feet (30.50 meters) of distance (for example between main panel and subpanel) to counter the voltage drop. For distance and ambient temperature rating (Refer to 110.14(C), 310.15(B)(2)), 310.16 and 240.4(A).
60A, 240V outlet can be installed on 60 amp breaker/GFCI only.
60A, 240V outlet can only be used as dedicated circuit for single unit.

Warning

Always disconnect the power supply by switching OFF the breaker in the main service panel before performing any electrical work.
If you are not confident or qualified, consult a licensed electrician to ensure the installation is performed safely and in compliance with local electrical codes.
The author assumes no responsibility for any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Electricity is extremely dangerous! please exercise caution and never attempt wiring unless you fully understand the process.