Weather Resistant vs Standard EV Receptacle
Short answer
Both are heavy duty receptacles built for the continuous load an EV represents, which is the important part. The weather resistant version adds corrosion resistant materials and construction intended for damp and wet locations, and codes generally require a weather resistant receptacle in those locations, used with an in use cover. Which you need is decided by where it goes.
At a glance
| Leviton 1450R heavy duty EV receptacle | Leviton 1450W weather resistant EV receptacle | |
|---|---|---|
| Duty rating | Heavy duty, EV rated | Heavy duty, EV rated |
| Weather resistant construction | No | Yes |
| Suitable for damp or wet locations | No | Yes, with the correct cover |
| Requires an in use cover outdoors | Not applicable | Yes |
| Cost difference | Around 10 dollars | Around 10 dollars |
| Installation | Licensed electrician | Licensed electrician |
Choose the Leviton 1450R heavy duty EV receptacle if…
Use the standard heavy duty receptacle only in a genuinely dry indoor location. It is already a far better choice than an ordinary appliance receptacle, which is the more important upgrade. If there is any doubt about whether the location counts as damp, and an attached garage often does depending on the code and the inspector, the weather resistant version is the safer specification.
Check Leviton 1450R heavy duty EV receptacle on Amazon
Choose the Leviton 1450W weather resistant EV receptacle if…
Use the weather resistant receptacle outdoors, in a carport, or in any garage that gets wet, and pair it with an in use cover that closes over the plug. The cost difference is about ten dollars, which is trivial against the installation, and installing the wrong one in a wet location is a code failure as well as a corrosion problem waiting to happen.
Check Leviton 1450W weather resistant EV receptacle on Amazon
Related
- Electrical safety and what needs an electrician
- Permits and inspection
- Dedicated circuit requirements
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
What counts as a damp or wet location?
The code defines these terms and the practical application is for your inspector to confirm. Outdoors is wet. A carport is generally wet or damp. An attached garage may be considered damp depending on the code edition and local interpretation. This is one of the reasons the installation is permitted and inspected rather than decided from a product page.
What is an in use cover?
A cover that closes over the plug while it is inserted, keeping water off the connection during use rather than only when nothing is plugged in. Outdoor receptacles that are in use for hours at a time generally require one. It is a separate item from the receptacle and should be specified as part of the same job.
Should I hardwire instead?
For a charger that stays put, hardwiring removes the receptacle, the cover and the plug connection entirely, along with their maintenance and their failure modes. It also allows a higher amperage. The hardwired against plug in page on this site works through the whole trade including portability and resale.
How often should a receptacle be checked?
Look at it periodically for discolouration, scorching or a plug that has gone loose, and feel the faceplate after a charging session. Any heat, smell or discolouration means stop using the circuit and call an electrician. Terminations can also loosen over time, which is a reason some owners have the connection re torqued at a service visit.
Getting your own panel and load numbers ready for an electrician? The EV Home Charging Install Planner is the paid version of these pages: 8 printable worksheets you fill in with your own numbers, plus the full PDF, $29.
How this page was researched
Specifications come from manufacturer documentation, listed safety certifications and verified owner reviews. We do not perform hands-on product testing and never claim to. Figures are researched planning information, not professional electrical advice. Last reviewed 2026-08-17.