An L1 charging question.

[dolvio]

So right now I use the Ford supplied charger when at home if needed. Mounted, etc. just the Level 1. At work my wife and I both use the Besenergy Brand one on Amazon. This one pulls 13-14amps constantly and not 11-12 like the Ford one. The Amazon one creates a fair bit of heat if I need to use an extension cord (at the plug) even using a 12 gauge extension on a 20amp circuit.

If I plug in directly to the wall on a 15amp circuit it doesn’t seem to generate the same heat at the outlet. Not sure if the extension cord is what causes it to create more heat.

We don’t have access to a L2 charger and don’t seem to need it. Putting one in my home is a big deal as I have to dig an 80 foot trench etc.

Any advice what to possibly do?

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[Maquis]

A Ford will never draw more than 12A when connected to L1. How are you measuring the current?
Heat at the cord connection indicates a less than ideal contact between the plug and receptacle. Since it doesn’t do it when plugged into the wall, the issue is likely with the female cord end. Stop using it before you ruin the male plug on your EVSE.

 

[dolvio]

A Ford will never draw more than 12A when connected to L1. How are you measuring the current?
Heat at the cord connection indicates a less than ideal contact between the plug and receptacle. Since it doesn’t do it when plugged into the wall, the issue is likely with the female cord end. Stop using it before you ruin the male plug on your EVSE.

App shows 1.4kw. I haven’t measured the voltage but if it’s 120v it’s under 12amps. You are correct. Bad math.

The female ends of extensions get hot which I can’t understand because they are brand new cords and it’s a tight fit. Maybe the weakest part of the run from the outlet to car and that’s what gets hot?

 

[rhougey]

So right now I use the Ford supplied charger when at home if needed. Mounted, etc. just the Level 1. At work my wife and I both use the Besenergy Brand one on Amazon. This one pulls 13-14amps constantly and not 11-12 like the Ford one. The Amazon one creates a fair bit of heat if I need to use an extension cord (at the plug) even using a 12 gauge extension on a 20amp circuit.

If I plug in directly to the wall on a 15amp circuit it doesn’t seem to generate the same heat at the outlet. Not sure if the extension cord is what causes it to create more heat.

We don’t have access to a L2 charger and don’t seem to need it. Putting one in my home is a big deal as I have to dig an 80 foot trench etc.

Any advice what to possibly do?

Do not use any EVSE that draws a constant 13-14 amps on a 15 amp circuit, even if it is the only thing on there!
15 amp circuits are generally only for lighting. I am sure the manufacturer warned of that, although I’ve never heard of Besenergy. I am sure Ford built theirs the way they did to make it idiotic proof.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Bad extension cord female end, the internal connections must not be perfect. You maybe got a defective one. Return it and try a different brand of 12 gauge extension cord.

 

[dolvio]

Do not use any EVSE that draws a constant 13-14 amps on a 15 amp circuit, even if it is the only thing on there!
15 amp circuits are generally only for lighting. I am sure the manufacturer warned of that, although I’ve never heard of Besenergy. I am sure Ford built theirs the way they did to make it idiotic proof.

Actually in my calculation I wasn’t using 120v so I am getting about 12-12.5amp la of draw.

 

[dolvio]

Bad extension cord female end, the internal connections must not be perfect. You maybe got a defective one. Return it and try a different brand of 12 gauge extension cord.

That’s the thing… 2 different cords both very expensive get very very hot and one burnt. So it’s got to be the actual EVSE….

 

[Mach-Lee]

That’s the thing… 2 different cords both very expensive get very very hot and one burnt. So it’s got to be the actual EVSE….

But you said it’s fine in a wall outlet? Did the prongs get bent? Or is the plug body getting too hot as well?

If something melted it’s strongly suggested that you replace both sides of the connection. That’s means the plug on the EVSE and the outlet or extension cord.

 

[Maquis]

That’s the thing… 2 different cords both very expensive get very very hot and one burnt. So it’s got to be the actual EVSE….

Are both cords the same brand? If so, maybe poorly designed.

 

[dolvio]

Are both cords the same brand? If so, maybe poorly designed.

Nope different. One being a type we use at work for heavy duty commercial use. It’s probably the EVSE because the Ford one doesn’t get hot at all but is 40% slower…

 

[dolvio]

But you said it’s fine in a wall outlet? Did the prongs get bent? Or is the plug body getting too hot as well?

If something melted it’s strongly suggested that you replace both sides of the connection. That’s means the plug on the EVSE and the outlet or extension cord.

Everything is good shape. Plug body is a bit warm also but no heat at the car plug. Mostly on the female connector of the extension cord.

Maybe I’ll either switch to a Ford (or any brand) EVSE or stop using an extension cord.

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