Outlets · Our pick
Best outlet for Level 1 EV charging
Our pick is the Leviton 5361-W, a heavy-duty 20 A single outlet, installed by an electrician.1 Tesla and Chevrolet say not to use extension cords or adapters, and a 2017 Ford recall letter says the same. None names an outlet brand, so the pick is our judgment.2–4
Our picks
Best outlet for a dedicated charging spot
Leviton 20 A industrial single receptacle 5361-W
A heavy-duty, industrial-grade 20 A single outlet with a 10-year limited warranty, so nothing else can plug in beside the charger.1
$7.90 on AmazonThe outlet we picked and two to skip
This table shows our pick next to two results that show up in an EV outlet search but do not fit Level 1. The car makers do not name an outlet brand, so there is no maker-approved list to compare.
| Product | Type | Size | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leviton 20 A industrial single receptacle 5361-W1 | Single outlet | 20 A | Industrial, heavy duty | $7.90 |
 POWRUI 3-sided outlet extender, 5 outlets, 4 USB5 | Plug-in extender | Not applicable | Not applicable | $14.99 |
 RVGUARD 50 A NEMA 14-50R EV receptacle6 | 240 V outlet (NEMA 14-50) | 50 A | Not applicable | $22.99 |
Prices on Amazon, November 2, 2026.7
Two results that do not fit Level 1
POWRUI 3-sided outlet extender, 5 outlets, 4 USB
Tesla says not to use a multi-outlet adapter, a multi-plug or a power strip to plug in its charger. Some results in an EV outlet search are extenders and strips like this one.5
RVGUARD 50 A NEMA 14-50R EV receptacle
This is a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet. Chevrolet says that larger plug is for Level 2 charging, and that Level 1 uses the standard three-pronged 120-volt plug.6
What outlet does Level 1 charging need?
Chevrolet says you can use the standard three-pronged 120-volt plug (NEMA 5-15) for Level 1 charging at home, at up to 1.4 kW.4 Tesla says to use a wall outlet on a dedicated, properly grounded circuit, with an outlet rated for at least 15 A.2
Tesla also says not to plug into a damaged, loose or worn outlet.2 Chevrolet says the outlet should be clean, dry and in good condition.4 Ford's 2017 recall letter says not to use the charge cord with a loose, worn or damaged wall outlet.3 None of the car makers we read names a receptacle brand or grade.
Can I use an extension cord or power strip?
No. Tesla says not to use an extension cord, a multi-outlet adapter, a multi-plug, a conversion plug or a power strip.2 Chevrolet says not to use wall adapters or extension cords of any kind.4 In a recall letter for the 2017 Fusion, Ford said the charge cord should not be used with a loose, worn or damaged wall outlet, an extension cord, a surge protector, a timer or any other adapter.3
That rules out plug-in extenders, like the POWRUI result in the table.5
Does the outlet need its own circuit?
Tesla says yes, and adds that if possible you should use a receptacle with a single socket. If the receptacle has two sockets, Tesla says not to plug anything into the other one.2 Chevrolet recommends a dedicated individual branch circuit with a reliable ground.4 Ford says other appliances cannot be on the same circuit as its cord.8
That is why we pick a single outlet. It leaves no second socket for something else to plug into.1 Only an electrician can check that the circuit and the breaker are right. We give no wiring steps.
15 amp or 20 amp, and how fast is Level 1?
Tesla lists 12 A and 1.3 kW with its NEMA 5-15 adapter, and 16 A and 1.7 kW with its NEMA 5-20 adapter.2 Chevrolet says up to 1.4 kW on a standard 120-volt plug.4 The Leviton 5361-W is a 20 A single outlet.1 Check your charger's plug against the outlet shape, and let the electrician match them.
Do not try to go faster on this outlet. Chevrolet warns that faster charging can overload circuits and can potentially cause damage to the circuit or start a fire.4 A 14-50 outlet is a 240-volt Level 2 outlet, not a Level 1 upgrade.6
Why a heavy-duty outlet?
In the 2017 Fusion recall letter, Ford said the 120-volt cord may overheat at the wall outlet.3 A charger can draw power for hours, and a loose or worn outlet is where trouble starts. That is our reasoning, not a car maker's rule. No car maker names a heavy-duty, spec-grade or hospital-grade outlet for Level 1.
The Leviton 5361-W is described as industrial grade and heavy duty, and it has a 10-year limited warranty.1 It is our pick. Have an electrician install it and check the circuit.
Questions people ask
Does any EV maker say which outlet brand to buy?
No. Tesla, Ford and Chevrolet give rules about the outlet, the circuit and cords, but none names a receptacle brand or grade.2, 4, 8 The Leviton pick is ours.
Can I plug my EV charger into a power strip?
No. Tesla names power strips. Chevrolet says no wall adapters or extension cords. Ford's 2017 recall letter lists surge protectors and timers too.2–4
Do I need a 240-volt outlet for Level 1?
No. Level 1 uses a regular 120-volt plug. A 14-50 outlet is 240 volts and is for Level 2.6
Who should put in the outlet?
A licensed electrician. We give no wiring steps. Ask them to check the outlet, the circuit and the breaker before you charge.
Turn off the breaker before anyone works on an outlet. Have a licensed electrician check the outlet, the circuit and the breaker.
Sources
- Leviton 5361-W product page, read November 1, 2026. Quote: “20 Amp Single Receptacle/Outlet, Industrial Grade, Self-Grounding”
- Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Connector owner's manual, read November 1, 2026. Quote: “Use only a 120 volt, 208 volt or 240 volt AC supply, 50/60 hertz wall outlet that has a dedicated and properly grounded circuit, and is rated for at least 15A. If possible, use a dedicated receptacle with a single socket. If the receptacle has two sockets, do not plug any other items into the other socket. ... Do not use an extension cord, a multi-outlet adapter, a multi-plug, a conversion plug, or a power strip to plug in the Mobile Connector. Do not plug the Mobile Connector into a damaged, loose or worn power outlet. ... Charge-rate table at 120 V: NEMA 5-15 adapter, 12 A, 1.3 kW; NEMA 5-20 adapter, 16 A, 1.7 kW.”
- Ford recall 18V-592 owner letter (2017 Fusion), NHTSA, read November 1, 2026. Quote: “The charge cord should not be used with a loose, worn, or damaged AC wall outlet, or with an extension cord, two-prong adapter, surge protector, timer, or any other adapter.”
- Chevrolet: Dual Level Charge Cord, read November 1, 2026. Quote: “You can use the standard three-pronged 120-volt plug (NEMA 5-15) for Level 1 charging at your home (up to 1.4 kW). ... Do not use wall adapters or extension cords of any kind with the Dual Level Charge Cord. ... It is recommended that you use a dedicated individual branch circuit that has a reliable ground connection for EV charging.”
- Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Connector owner's manual, read November 1, 2026. Quote: “Do not use an extension cord, a multi-outlet adapter, a multi-plug, a conversion plug, or a power strip to plug in the Mobile Connector.”
- Chevrolet Dual Level Charge Cord page, read November 1, 2026. Quote: “the larger four-pronged 240-volt plug (NEMA 14-50) that provides Level 2 charging”
- Prices and photos: Amazon product data, read November 2, 2026.
- Ford: how to use the charge cord for your Ford electric vehicle, read November 1, 2026. Quote: “Other appliances cannot be connected to the same circuit as the Mobile Power Cord.”