Converting the Ford Connected Charge Station to NEMA 14-50P?

[vincektan]

I am wondering if I can convert the Ford Connected Charge Station 48amp (hardwired) to a 40amp NEMA 14-50P. I already have a NEMA 14-50R that I am using with my mobile charger. The circuit is a dedicated circuit connected to the panel via 25ft 6/3 wire to a 50 amp breaker.

I know that I can just replace the breaker to a 60 amp and remove the 14-50R outlet and wire that directly to the charge station. But I like the flexibility of knowing that if my charger dies, I can easily plug in the mobile charger. I also do not need the quick 48amp charging since 32amp charging with the mobile charge is already quick enough for me. 40 amp will be super quick already. I like the idea of controlling the charger thru Ford Pass.

It looks like it is not a big deal to just wire it with the right size cable with a 14-50P. Some of the other chargers out there allow you to go plug or hardwire depending on your requirements. I am wondering if anyone here went that route and if so, any suggestion on the wire/plug to use?

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[Scooby24]

I believe these are hardwired because the receptacle is the limiting factor ..so converting to 14-50P will put you at risk unless you are able to limit the station to 40 amp. At which point why not go with a cheaper EVSE?

I went with openevse and I haven't even bothered with wifi on it ..I just set up charging in the car and plug in or don't. Fordpass is slow and annoying with all the refreshes and waiting to get info.

 

[generaltso]

Sure, a 14-50 pigtail for an electric range would work fine. But as @Scooby24 mentioned, you'd want to make sure you set the EVSE to 40A max. But I also agree that if you haven't bought the Ford Connected Charger yet, there are better options that come with the plug. I personally recommend the ChargePoint Home Flex.

 

[Nklem]

It’s In the spec sheet. It can be converted to a plug if you want.

 

[vincektan]

Sure, a 14-50 pigtail for an electric range would work fine. But as @Scooby24 mentioned, you'd want to make sure you set the EVSE to 40A max. But I also agree that if you haven't bought the Ford Connected Charger yet, there are better options that come with the plug. I personally recommend the ChargePoint Home Flex.

I got one when I bought the car, otherwise, I would definitely go buy a ChargePoint or Juicebox.

 

[vincektan]

I believe these are hardwired because the receptacle is the limiting factor ..so converting to 14-50P will put you at risk unless you are able to limit the station to 40 amp. At which point why not go with a cheaper EVSE?

I went with openevse and I haven't even bothered with wifi on it ..I just set up charging in the car and plug in or don't. Fordpass is slow and annoying with all the refreshes and waiting to get info.

Yep, hardwire can go up to 48 amp but with the 14-50P, you can go up to 40 amp which for me is not a big deal. The reason for using the Ford is because I got it as a promo when I bought the car.

I might just buy the plug/wire set from openevse since I'm sure it is the right size cable and outlet for 40 amp. It is actually cheaper than if I were to assemble one myself.

 

[nvabill]

As long as you set it's limit to 40 amp you will be fine.

 

[skiingj]

Didn't read the entire thread...Just hardwire it and you can always go back to a plug. Get the full 48A and feel safer...

 

[generaltso]

Didn't read the entire thread...

Seven posts were too much to get through?

 

[skiingj]

Seven posts were too much to get through?

Lol Yes, I was multitasking and it was New Years lol HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

[HuntingPudel]

Why not rough in two 2G boxes? One for a 14-50R and one for hard-wiring. Keep the finished 14-50R covered and labeled to not be used unless the EVSE is not in use. If the EVSE ever dies, then you can uncover and use the 14-50R to connect your mobile charger. ?‍?

 

[JeffGo]

Why not rough in two 2G boxes? One for a 14-50R and one for hard-wiring. Keep the finished 14-50R covered and labeled to not be used unless the EVSE is not in use. If the EVSE ever dies, then you can uncover and use the 14-50R to connect your mobile charger. ?‍?

You mean other than a code violation...

 

[Maquis]

You mean other than a code violation...

Can you elaborate? What section is violated?

 

[JeffGo]

Can you elaborate? What section is violated?

Several, depending on what state. You cannot have a plug-in outlet and a hardwired charger or any device on the same circuit; you cannot have a 60A breaker feeding a 14-50 outlet (max current is 50A and therefore the maximum breaker size must be 50A; 40A breaker is also allowed as there is no 40A outlet); outlets must be protected by GFCI breakers if they are installed in garages or outside, regardless of whether the plug-in device has a built-in GFCI (you have to check the adoption of which version of the NEC your locality has decided upon and what clauses are excluded).

 

[TheVirtualTim]

Sure ... the wiring for it has wire lugs that screw down with an Allen key wrench. Get a short NEMA 14-15P plug with sufficient wire gauge to handle 50 amps. Then set the DIP switches in the FCCS to limit the charge rate to 40 amps (80% of what the circuit can handle).

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