EVSE Plug temprature - problem?

[Skip Towne]

I'm using a NEMA-14-30 circuit for my EVSE in my garage.

I noticed recently that the plug felt warm after use. So I confirmed all the connectors were properly torqued and that the receptacle is a Leviton Commercial grade unit. It was installed to code about 18 months ago.

Today, when the temprature in the garage was 45 deg F, I measured the plug temprature with a contactless IR gauge. After charging at 40 amps for 90 minutes I measured the plug temprature and found portions of it were as warm as 115 deg F. The rest of the cabling and connecters were all close to the ambient temprature.

I'm wondering if this is "normal" or fuel for the fire (pun intended) in the debate around the necessity to use an industrial grade receptacle.

What are other's experience?

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[hawkeye3point1]

I'm using a NEMA-14-30 circuit for my EVSE in my garage.

Did you mean 14-50?

 

[RickMachE]

14-30 circuit would be a big problem.

 

[Mach-Lee]

I'm using a NEMA-14-30 circuit for my EVSE in my garage.

I noticed recently that the plug felt warm after use. So I confirmed all the connectors were properly torqued and that the receptacle is a Leviton Commercial grade unit. It was installed to code about 18 months ago.

Today, when the temprature in the garage was 45 deg F, I measured the plug temprature with a contactless IR gauge. After charging at 40 amps for 90 minutes I measured the plug temprature and found portions of it were as warm as 115 deg F. The rest of the cabling and connecters were all close to the ambient temprature.

I'm wondering if this is "normal" or fuel for the fire (pun intended) in the debate around the necessity to use an industrial grade receptacle.

What are other's experience?

Yes, that's a bad connection that needs to be corrected. Anything more than a +45ºF temp rise should be considered a safety concern. You could have an issue with the plug or the receptacle.

I had a related experience: https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/a-warning-about-50a-range-cords.18389/

I also hope you meant 14-50 outlet (50A), and you aren't trying to use a 30A outlet with the mobile charger, because that would be your issue then (mobile charger requires a 40A circuit minimum).

 

[Skip Towne]

Yes - it is a 14-50. On a 50 amp breaker. Thanks to all who raised that issue. Typos like that explain why I don't do data entry for a living ;-)

I'll swap out the receptacle and remeasure. This is kind of an interesting experiment because I got those temp readings 12 hours after retorquing the screws, so I know the problem isn't the expected/typical loose connections.

I do like the report on the range cord experiment. Methodical and based on scientific measurement..

I'll report back

 

[Skip Towne]

UPDATE:

I've replaced the receptacle with an industrial grade unit - the Bryant Electric 9450FR one recommended elsewhere in the forum. That unit is more substantial than the commercial grade receptacle it replaced - - its bigger in diameter (requires a faceplate with bigger knockout) and extended deeper into the box by 3/8 inch or so.

BUT- it didn't change the outcome - the plug still heats up.

I contacted the EVSE manufacturer and 20 minutes later, I had a factory warranty swap/replacement started.

I'll report back on the end result. I'll wait to the end to name the manufacturer and (hopefully) sing their praises. Best to report on actions and not promises.

 

[Skip Towne]

Closure on this problem - the EVSE plug was the culprit. I have to say - the customer support was fantastic and everything you'd hope for when having a problem with a year-old product.

The supplier -- AmpRoad (sold by 4AutoLife Canada ) responded with a human within minutes of my report and started the preocess of product return and replacement, A few days of shipping later I had a new EVSE. The plug now doesn't seem to change temprature at all (at least to the touch) while charging at 40 amps.

FWIW, I'll recommend here as I've done elsewhere - the Amproad P9 is a great replacement for failing Ford Mobile chargers. The charge rate is adjustable, has limited wifi capability, is CE attested (not UL certified though), has a substantial cord, comes with a cable and cord nozzle hanger. It is a great value at the price.

https://www.amazon.com/AMPROAD-Charger-Adjustable-Versatile-Portable/dp/B09NPF2CL8?ref_=ast_sto_dp

 

[Skip Towne]

2 years later and another update on this product - in case anyone bought one on my recommendation:

The replacement one sent by customer service is now failing. The nozzle is overheating and stops the charge process even when dialed down to 32 amp charge in my 45 Deg F. garage.

This product is no longer for sale, and the company seems to be gone. But do check your nozzle for overheating. Mine was up to 120 degrees after 1 hour of charging.

 

[Mach-Lee]

I guess the lesson is don't buy off-brand Chinese chargers, they might not last more than a couple years and the company might not be around even a year from now. Stick to the trusted big brands.

 

[Space_Pony]

2 years later and another update on this product - in case anyone bought one on my recommendation:

The replacement one sent by customer service is now failing. The nozzle is overheating and stops the charge process even when dialed down to 32 amp charge in my 45 Deg F. garage.

This product is no longer for sale, and the company seems to be gone. But do check your nozzle for overheating. Mine was up to 120 degrees after 1 hour of charging.

Hardwiring would be a better option. I've had no issues with my hardwired Autel in the last 3 years.

 

[Garbone]

My Emporia has been flawless living outside for the last 2 plus years. Sorry to hear about your issues.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

My Emporia has been flawless living outside for the last 2 plus years. Sorry to hear about your issues.

Hardwired Emporia FTW. I have mine set to 40 amps but it can be set up to 48.

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