How High to Install Outlet/Mount Charging Station?

[Jimrpa]

I have what is arguably on one the smallest garages known to man, which is rather ironic, given that my house was built in 1980 - the era of barges like LTDs and Grand Marquis. It may have technically been possible to get one of those behemoths into my garage, but you weren’t opening the doors!

Anyway, I’m thinking that I want to install my 240V outlet and ultimately my charge station ABOVE the height of my Mustang Mach E’s mirrors, to avoid any interference and allow the driver’s door to open without knocking into either. What height do people suggest so that I’m sure I clear the mirrors?

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[RonTCat]

I don't have the dimensions, but 48 inches is likely safe.

 

[highland58]

I have what is arguably on one the smallest garages known to man, which is rather ironic, given that my house was built in 1980 - the era of barges like LTDs and Grand Marquis. It may have technically been possible to get one of those behemoths into my garage, but you weren’t opening the doors!

Anyway, I’m thinking that I want to install my 240V outlet and ultimately my charge station ABOVE the height of my Mustang Mach E’s mirrors, to avoid any interference and allow the driver’s door to open without knocking into either. What height do people suggest so that I’m sure I clear the mirrors?

The electrical codes will specify this, typically the receptacle is supposed to be about 20" above the floor. There are some exceptions I think, it's been a while since I looked at my Black and Decker complete guide to wiring book. If you are using conduit I think there are fewer restrictions.

 

[sockmeister]

Have you considered leaving the car parked outside, and routing the EVSE cable through a pass-through in the wall so you can charge outside too? Might be easier than trying to squeeze that all inside the garage.

 

[Fat Mach]

Don't forget most charging stations that I've seen for home use have the cord draped down below the box itself. I agree with parking it outside if you feel like it. That's what I do with my FFE. I mounted the unit inside the garage and drilled a hold in the wall for the cable to go out and hang on a holster in a quasi carport.

 

[Maquis]

The electrical codes will specify this, typically the receptacle is supposed to be about 20" above the floor. There are some exceptions I think, it's been a while since I looked at my Black and Decker complete guide to wiring book. If you are using conduit I think there are fewer restrictions.

The NEC has no such requirement. Some local codes have some special protection required below certain heights.

For example, San Francisco has this for garages:

300.4(I) Add this section as follows:
(I) Subject to Physical Damage. Premises wiring systems installed less than 2.44 m (8 feet) above a walking surface or finished floor are considered subject to physical damage.

The phrase "subject to physical damage" will prohibit certain wiring methods, but will not preclude installation of receptacles in that location.

There may be other local codes I'm not aware of that may specify further limitations.

 

[Jimrpa]

Thanks everyone! The car definitely is not going to be parked outside - it does snow here, and it could be subject to door dings from my neighbors who park in their driveway, extremely close to my driveway. It will stay in a nice, warm garage, protected from the elements, birds, and careless neighbors ? I’m not sure whether the electrician will run conduit. I’ll explain to him that I want the outlet mounted high, and why, and go with his judgement, since he’s the one responsible for ensuring it is all compliant with code.

 

[quitepossibly]

Make sure you have the charger you want to install on hand. Most chargers have really short cords to comply with the NEC. Also, it will help determine whether the ground pin needs to be in the up or down position.

 

[Jimrpa]

Make sure you have the charger you want to install on hand. Most chargers have really short cords to comply with the NEC. Also, it will help determine whether the ground pin needs to be in the up or down position.

So, my game plan is to put in the outlet so I can use the mobile charger that comes with the car until I get the Ford Connected Charging Station (which hopefully will come in sometime in the 21st century ) I'm not going to be mounting the mobile charger permanently, so that's not an issue. My electrician will be running the correct wiring for the Ford Connected Charging Station, but only putting in a 50A breaker (which is the maximum permitted for an outlet). Once the Ford Connected Charging Station comes in, he'll come back, remove the outlet, install the Ford Connected Charging Station, and swap the breaker for a 60A breaker.

 

[eltonlin]

So, my game plan is to put in the outlet so I can use the mobile charger that comes with the car until I get the Ford Connected Charging Station (which hopefully will come in sometime in the 21st century ) I'm not going to be mounting the mobile charger permanently, so that's not an issue. My electrician will be running the correct wiring for the Ford Connected Charging Station, but only putting in a 50A breaker (which is the maximum permitted for an outlet). Once the Ford Connected Charging Station comes in, he'll come back, remove the outlet, install the Ford Connected Charging Station, and swap the breaker for a 60A breaker.

Sounds like a good plan. Be sure to confirm that he uses the right gage wire to support the 60A breaker.

 

[DBC]

I’m not sure whether the electrician will run conduit. I’ll explain to him that I want the outlet mounted high, and why, and go with his judgement, since he’s the one responsible for ensuring it is all compliant with code.

He'll run conduit. Would probably be helpful for him if you have a picture of the Connected Charging Station or, even better, a schematic of the install (might be available online).

 

[Jimrpa]

He'll run conduit. Would probably be helpful for him if you have a picture of the Connected Charging Station or, even better, a schematic of the install (might be available online).

I have that two page installation guide from the Ford website (the link was posted here earlier). It specifies wire gauge for the Ford connected charge station. It also specifies the type of outlet for the mobile charger and shows the mobile charger plugged into the outlet. My panel is on one side of my garage (passenger side) and the outlet will be on the driver’s side, so he’ll have to run conduit.

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