AlpaChino
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- JB
- Joined
- May 4, 2021
- Threads
- 40
- Messages
- 745
- Reaction score
- 1,833
- Location
- Indiana
- Vehicles
- Mach-e Premium eAWD Ext Range, Rapid Red
- Thread starter
- #1
Before reading, please note that I recognize that I made dangerous assumptions and shortcuts that could have been disasterous. I'm sharing my learnings and shame here for your benefit.
TL;DR: Don't use a 14-50 extension of any kind when other options are available, especially inside your home, and especially not as a long-term solution. If you feel any connection point between your evse and 14-50 outlet getting hot, shut it down. Don't make assumptions.
When I installed my 14-50 outlet with the help of my father, due to its location I couldn't install my Grizzl-e EVSE close enough to make a direct connection with the preinstalled cord.
In an effort to make the installation as quick and easy as possible, I picked up a very short 14-50 extension (50 amp) rated for RV's, from my local Menards. Otherwise I would have had to dig further into the wall to add supports for the evse off of a stud, or relocated the outlet.
Fast forward a year. This past week I have received multiple "plugged in but not charging", "scheduled charging did not begin," you know, that shit.
I also noticed that the metal button on the evse handle, when plugged into the car, was hot enough on my thumb to make me question it. I chalked it up to it being summer in a hot garage, extra thermals from charging, no big deal.
Because of the charging errors I thought maybe something was screwy in my charge schedule and/or fordpass. I deleted the car, added it again and went to charge again today before a 2 hour interstate drive.
4 times in the matter of 6 hours I received the "plugged in but not charging" after adding 5 to 10 percent each time. I put my hand on the evse handle and it was just as hot as before. I decided to do a bit more investigating. I went to unplug the evse from the wall and I noticed that the plug was warmer than I remember it being before.
I followed it from the wall to the connection between the extension and the evse supply cord and I immediately spotted a big problem. I immediately unplugged it from the wall. I then seperated the extension and the evse cord. Well... I tried.
Huh... Looks okay.
Oh.... Oh shit.
Ooof
On a serious note, after prying apart the melted plastic with a small prying tool I had a chill down the spine, thinking this mistake could have burned down our house. Obviously I left it disconnected.
Tonight, on my way back home from the interstate drive I stopped and picked up a 6ft 50 amp range cord from Lowes. I was able to open the evse easily and replace the cord. Grizzl-e made this simple and accessible.
Please ignore the mess. I'll likely loop the extra length in the cord and zip tie them to clean it up a bit.
Lesson learned. Take the extra heat seriously. Don't use an extension inside your house. And yes, I realize the outlet install wasn't ideal, but I will likely be making additional modifications.
Since replacing the cord tonight I've been into the garage multiple times to check on the heat. The plug against the wall is slightly above room temp. The cord to the evse is actually cool to the touch, likely room temp. It was very warm before the discovery so this is a relief. J1772 plug is warm but not nearly as hot as before.
TL;DR: Don't use a 14-50 extension of any kind when other options are available, especially inside your home, and especially not as a long-term solution. If you feel any connection point between your evse and 14-50 outlet getting hot, shut it down. Don't make assumptions.
When I installed my 14-50 outlet with the help of my father, due to its location I couldn't install my Grizzl-e EVSE close enough to make a direct connection with the preinstalled cord.
In an effort to make the installation as quick and easy as possible, I picked up a very short 14-50 extension (50 amp) rated for RV's, from my local Menards. Otherwise I would have had to dig further into the wall to add supports for the evse off of a stud, or relocated the outlet.
Fast forward a year. This past week I have received multiple "plugged in but not charging", "scheduled charging did not begin," you know, that shit.
I also noticed that the metal button on the evse handle, when plugged into the car, was hot enough on my thumb to make me question it. I chalked it up to it being summer in a hot garage, extra thermals from charging, no big deal.
Because of the charging errors I thought maybe something was screwy in my charge schedule and/or fordpass. I deleted the car, added it again and went to charge again today before a 2 hour interstate drive.
4 times in the matter of 6 hours I received the "plugged in but not charging" after adding 5 to 10 percent each time. I put my hand on the evse handle and it was just as hot as before. I decided to do a bit more investigating. I went to unplug the evse from the wall and I noticed that the plug was warmer than I remember it being before.
I followed it from the wall to the connection between the extension and the evse supply cord and I immediately spotted a big problem. I immediately unplugged it from the wall. I then seperated the extension and the evse cord. Well... I tried.
Huh... Looks okay.
Oh.... Oh shit.
Ooof
On a serious note, after prying apart the melted plastic with a small prying tool I had a chill down the spine, thinking this mistake could have burned down our house. Obviously I left it disconnected.
Tonight, on my way back home from the interstate drive I stopped and picked up a 6ft 50 amp range cord from Lowes. I was able to open the evse easily and replace the cord. Grizzl-e made this simple and accessible.
Please ignore the mess. I'll likely loop the extra length in the cord and zip tie them to clean it up a bit.
Lesson learned. Take the extra heat seriously. Don't use an extension inside your house. And yes, I realize the outlet install wasn't ideal, but I will likely be making additional modifications.
Since replacing the cord tonight I've been into the garage multiple times to check on the heat. The plug against the wall is slightly above room temp. The cord to the evse is actually cool to the touch, likely room temp. It was very warm before the discovery so this is a relief. J1772 plug is warm but not nearly as hot as before.
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