Ford mobile charger - does it need a neutral wire?

[AKgrampy]

just had that conversation with myself I've started a return on the receptacle and ordered the Emporia. Buy once, cry once - do it right the first time. After all its really my most important 'accessory' for the vehicle.

Just had to switch my priorities up and gotta say seeing the responses pushing me to reconsider ... well, made me reconsider lol!

Thanks!

No matter what you will not regret it. Enjoy your new ride!

Sponsored

 

[Fixbear]

yep, all good comments.
The charger is $699+ taxes in Canada, so later.
3c vs 2c cable is $250 more for the run I need.

Temporary install till fall.
Even a used breaker at $50 - lucked out there.
Also factored code regulation for receptacle being 2.5M above grade not needing a $275 gfi.

All those bits add up, when the end requirement is to hardwire a 2c, and not need a gfci.

Just want the mobile charger to work in the interim. Suppose if it doesn't, then the home charger gets moved up the priority list.

However if I needed the receptacle, I agree with all the comments.

Final installation will be inspected this fall, doing it all code with the minor exception of a 2c for a few months. Still waiting till July for the Mach to arrive. Meanwhile floor mats and a few other acc's to get in interim. Only so many loonies to go around

You could legally install a 6-50 and purchase a EVSE with that plug. I know it was a option with Grizzl-e and they are below $500. They are in Montreal area.

 

[HammerStar]

Install a 6-50 outlet with planned 6-2 cable. Amazon sells a pigtail 6-50 male to 14-50 female converter, the ratings are good - specifically with owners using it with the Ford charger. From the comments the lack of a neutral is of no consequence to the Ford charger.

https://www.amazon.ca/6-50P-14-50R-...lja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

 

[Maquis]

The 14-50 outlet needs a neutral wire to meet code.

Can you cite the code section that spells this out? I can’t find it, NEC or CEC.

 

[TheVirtualTim]

Thanks ,,, I tried to find documentation on it, but its pretty well hidden.

Still, think I'll get the home charger now vs later. But thats good intel in the event the home charger croaks at some point.

I met the Ford engineer who handles chargers and asked him about this. None of their chargers use the "neutral" wire. But if you were to have a NEMA 14-50 outlet installed ... it might be required to pass inspection. Often Neutra

Can you cite the code section that spells this out? I can’t find it, NEC or CEC.

I'll start this reply with I am not an electician. But I did talk to the Ford engineer who handles their chargers ... and asked about the need for the neutral wire. That's how I was able to confirm that the "neutral" wire is not used (it will use L1, L2, and Ground).

However (not being an electrician) I was told two things (1) while the EVSE doesn't use the Ground, the Ground MIGHT be needed to comply with code. And (2) ... I am told that Neutral and Ground (often?) go to the same place on the service panel. (Maybe a real electrician can confirm?)

On a NEMA 14-50, if you connect to L1 & L2 you have 240v power. But if you connect to either L1 -or- L2 .... to the Neutral ... then you have 120v power. This means a NEMA 1450 can supply 240v and/or 120v simultaneously.

 

[Maquis]

I met the Ford engineer who handles chargers and asked him about this. None of their chargers use the "neutral" wire. But if you were to have a NEMA 14-50 outlet installed ... it might be required to pass inspection. Often Neutra


I'll start this reply with I am not an electician. But I did talk to the Ford engineer who handles their chargers ... and asked about the need for the neutral wire. That's how I was able to confirm that the "neutral" wire is not used (it will use L1, L2, and Ground).

However (not being an electrician) I was told two things (1) while the EVSE doesn't use the Ground, the Ground MIGHT be needed to comply with code. And (2) ... I am told that Neutral and Ground (often?) go to the same place on the service panel. (Maybe a real electrician can confirm?)

On a NEMA 14-50, if you connect to L1 & L2 you have 240v power. But if you connect to either L1 -or- L2 .... to the Neutral ... then you have 120v power. This means a NEMA 1450 can supply 240v and/or 120v simultaneously.

Plugging an RV into a 14-50 that doesn’t have a neutral would be a disaster. I wouldn’t install one without a neutral, but I can’t find anything in the NEC that requires it.
I saw a discussion on a code panel forum about requiring neutral-less receptacles be labeled “EVSE use only”, but I don’t think it’s made it even to the proposal stage.

Edit: The NEC is behind the curve and playing catch-up in the area of EVs.

Sponsored