Indoor charger plug temp 166f, dangerous?

[MadMatt]

So, long story is my old indoor garage charger failed when I had my 2017 focus, the plastic of the wall plug itself split and the charger stopped working. The plug prongs and socket had burn marks in I of course replaced both.

fast forward to the new socket and charger, it can go as high as 240/40amp.

the photo was taken at 32amps after about 1 hour and 45 minute of charge in a 70f garage.

is 168f something to be worried about? Setting it to 40amps will drive the temp even higherI’ve run it at 40a a couple times when I needed as much charge as possible in a short time but never for more than an hour or 2.

I normally have it set at 20amps. The charger plug barely gets warm this way. If I’m going to charge overnight I’m more comfortable this way.

anyway, I realize your all not electricians and that would be the smartest/best advice to seek.

just curious if this is considered normal as far as you know.

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[Billyk24]

Rule #1, try with another instrument to check such a high number. Does not appear normal as if something is wrong.

 

[Teslaeata]

Is that outlet really rated higher than 40A?

looks no heavier duty outlet than a UK 3-pin socket for 13A plug.

 

[Maquis]

166F is right at the temp rating of the wiring terminations of the receptacle, which is 75C. This, along with the fact that you’ve already had a failure means that something is wrong. Your installation needs to be investigated by a qualified electrician.
Commenting on possible root causes would only be speculation.

 

[Bobcat17]

Seems really high at 168 degrees in a 70 degree garage temp. Is that a 220 or 110 electric line? My garage gets much hotter than 70 degrees as it does not have air conditioning and I have had no trouble for 4+ years with 220 line.

 

[MadMatt]

The socket is definitely 40amps. I’ve also never tripped the breaker even after hours of charging at full speed. The wire itself gets warm but not hot. I can grab it next to the fuse box.

anyway I’ll stick to 20amps. Fast enough for overnight. One day I’ll get the setup checked out properly.

 

[excitebike82]

All I’ll say is this. Not all plugs are created equal. I’ve held a 14-50R 50amp rated plug in one hand, and a Hubbell EV rated 14-50R plug in the other and they are not the same. You can buy a 15$ and a 100$ plug.

 

[RickMachE]

Is this a heavy duty EV outlet or a cheap $10 one?

 

[chuckles]

There is a substantive difference in connection quality with the less-than-$50 outlets. It doesn't take much resistance to cause a fire. My outlet is seldom 5° hotter than ambient even after hours of charging.

There were a spate of garage fires reported on this forum and others, and almost always the culprit was a cheap outlet.

 

[MadMatt]

Is this a heavy duty EV outlet or a cheap $10 one?

I will admit it is a cheap one,

which begs the question, how are these things being sold with a 40amp rating but they cause that kind of overheating

 

[SteveMach-ee]

The cheap outlets are not specified for a high frequency of insertions and for the extended load time of charging.

If your are experienced with wiring this is in-stock at most Home Depots:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/50-Amp-...k-Heavy-Duty-1450R-B0-R10-1450R-0B0/330996322

https://leviton.com/content/dam/lev...uct_bulletin/Product-Bulletin_1450R-1450W.pdf

It is the same build and specs as the Hubbell EV outlet mentioned but you can probably get it quicker. Use a torque wrench to 75 in lbs / 8.5Nm.

You will probably have to replace the old outlet cover for a 2.45" one:
https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Levit...Size-Type-430-1-pack-R50-SL701-000/332430687?

 

[E90alex]

I will admit it is a cheap one,

which begs the question, how are these things being sold with a 40amp rating but they cause that kind of overheating

They are originally meant for other 240V equipment like welders or other heavy machinery that are only on for short periods or may only draw full power briefly. An EV will draw full power for many hours continuously.

 

[bbhaag]

I will admit it is a cheap one,

which begs the question, how are these things being sold with a 40amp rating but they cause that kind of overheating

Because in the before times these types of receptacles were used for non continuous loads. Think clothes dryers, kitchen ranges, air compressors, welders, and RV's ect. Equipment that uses the electricity in short bursts not over a long period of time.

Ohms law can be a bitch sometimes but my advice is to get a higher quality receptacle and see if your temps get lower.

 

[Mach-Lee]

The socket is definitely 40amps. I’ve also never tripped the breaker even after hours of charging at full speed. The wire itself gets warm but not hot. I can grab it next to the fuse box.

anyway I’ll stick to 20amps. Fast enough for overnight. One day I’ll get the setup checked out properly.

Yes it's getting too hot, and you should try to take care of it sooner rather than later. Like call somebody this week. I would order a Hubbell or Bryant 14-50 receptacle and cover plate, and have that ready to hand the electrician.

 

[HuntingPudel]

I will admit it is a cheap one,

which begs the question, how are these things being sold with a 40amp rating but they cause that kind of overheating

The receptacle itself should have a 50A rating if it is a 14-50R. That said, common receptacles are designed to run on a lower duty cycle than the industrial receptacles (some of which now carry an EV symbol on them). The industrial/EV receptacles are designed to take a load all day, where the more common receptacles can transmit amperage a few minutes at a time. ??

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