EVSE replacement question

[mr_raider]

So I need to replace the charger i my indoor garage after 8+ years. The NEMA 6-50 outlet melted and took the plug with it. The blades on the plug were severely corroded which is odd since I never plug/unplug the EVSE. My guess is indoor humidity in the garage gets pretty bad.


My choices are:

1. Replace with a 14-50 plug and get new EVSE

2. Delete the plug and go hardwired, and get a new (slightly) cheaper EVSE.

Any suggestions? I'm leaning towards option 2 so I don't deal with corrosion issues again, but option 1 will allow me to get NACS EVSE in a few years if I want, and just use the Ford supplied unit for now.


Also at equal pricing, would you get hardwired grizzl-e unit or chargepoint unit?

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[dalola]

I think it's generally accepted that a hardwire installation is preferred, unless you need portability of the unit.

You might also look at Emporia EVSE's, I've been very happy with mine, and it's at a very competitive price point.

 

[AZBill]

Consider an Autel hardwired unit. One of my ChargePoint units failed, and I replaced it with an Autel, which is cheaper and has a better app.

Plugs are just another failure point, I also had a 14-50 melt. Turned out to be a connection that had come loose in the wall plug.

 

[OldEVGuy]

I’ve also been very happy with my hardwired Emporia. I agree that hardwired is the way to go, unless you need portability. Check out Tom Moloughney’s YouTube channel, State of Charge, for his thorough reviews.

 

[hypersnake]

I'm an electrician and I hardwired mine.

I understand using a receptacle if you're a renter or plan on moving or changing the unit, but if you have the option to hardwire it, do it.

 

[DeusEx]

Why not go option 2 with the Tesla universal connector? It'll have the J1772 and NACS connections.

 

[mr_raider]

Why not go option 2 with the Tesla universal connector? It'll have the J1772 and NACS connections.

Isnt the "universal" part just a J1772 adapter that clips o the NACS?

I’ve also been very happy with my hardwired Emporia. I agree that hardwired is the way to go, unless you need portability. Check out Tom Moloughney’s YouTube channel, State of Charge, for his thorough reviews.

Does the Emporia go down to 32Amps in the hardwired model? Web site suggests 40A is minimum and my current unit is 32A I don't have the wiring for more.

 

[HuntingPudel]

While I have been using a 6-50 receptacle for almost 11 years, see no reason not to hard-wire. There is little difference in swapping an EVSE whether hard-wired or using a receptacle from my canine point of view. ??

EDIT: I am on my second EVSE. The current dumb Siemens has been there for over 8 years With zero issues. The prior EVSE died at just over 3 years. ??

 

[dalola]

Does the Emporia go down to 32Amps in the hardwired model? Web site suggests 40A is minimum and my current unit is 32A I don't have the wiring for more.

The Emporia smart chargers will scale down to 12A, up to 48A. It's all controlled in the app, and is password protected.

 

[DeusEx]

Isnt the "universal" part just a J1772 adapter that clips o the NACS?



Does the Emporia go down to 32Amps in the hardwired model? Web site suggests 40A is minimum and my current unit is 32A I don't have the wiring for more.

Yes it's just an adapter but it has a native NACS connector.

You can also consider a few other options:

You could get a Chargepoint Home Flex with the J1772 connection and then upgrade to NACS later on, but that is a $200+ swap.

You can get a NACS capable EVSE and then get a J1772 adapter like the A2z Stellar which would work for charging at hotels if you road trip often.

 

[ARK]

I’ve had a ChargePoint Home Flex for 3.5 years now, I’ve been very happy with mine. No issues. It is not hardwired. I keep it outdoors facing south, so a lot of sun in Los Angeles. All the material is holding up really well.

 

[rsas8991]

I have a 40A Juicebox and like it, but they are getting out of the US & Candian markets and are not supporting them anymore. Someone is offering me a FREE 48A Point Guard (not ChargePoint) EVSA. I am installing a Point Gurad whole home battery backup in my house so this will integrate well into the system. Is anyone familiar with the Point Guard EVSA and if so, what has your experience been? I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I still have to pay for the installation.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

Isnt the "universal" part just a J1772 adapter that clips o the NACS?

It’s an integrated adapter. So if you’re using nacs, the adapter will be embedded in the unit. If you’re using the j1772, it’s stuck to the plug. You cannot take the adapter off. I’ve been using one for a few months and am very happy with it. Plus can run up to 48 amps at the plug.

 

[Space_Pony]

I've been happy with my hardwired Autel. They have a great app.

 

[david_quick]

You may have answered your own question. You said you never unplug the unit. If that is the case just hard wire Under trees and be done with it. It is not difficult.

I had a plug in unit. When I built the garage I had it wired with a plug. That required a GFCI breaker. I had occasional problems with the GFCI in the Volt and the one on the panel interacting and tripping for no real reason. It was a pain to get to reset.

I finally decided I’m never going to move the charger so I had it hard wired. They just took the 14-50 plug off and installed a junction box , , heavy gauge cable, and non GFCI breaker. Interesting note the charger is a Lectron that came with a 14-50 plug. When the sparky open it it only had a 3 conductor cable the neutral was not there and thus not used.

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