macchiaz-o
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- Jonathan
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There are a number of EVSEs on the market that include a NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 plug. Some of them support current limiting all the way down to 16A, just in case your circuit is only rated for 20A (for instance). Here's one of them: ChargePoint Home Flex
On some units, current limiting is configured via hardware, like dip switches, while in other cases, limits are set via software. ChargePoint says their unit is configured via app on your phone. Isn't it unsafe to have a plug designed for a higher rating than the circuit it connects to? I mean, the plug is designed for a 50A circuit, but we're allowed to use it on a 40A circuit instead? Or even lower in some cases, as implied by this text from the ChargePoint Home Flex marketing page:
Is this sort of thing addressed by the National Electric Code? I've been in hotel rooms where standard 15A outlets have a sticker on them saying "Max 2A" or something along those lines. Maybe that labeling is sufficient... Just trying to sort this out for myself.
I plan to connect Ford's mobile charger to either a 240V 20A or 30A circuit in my garage, but I'm doubtful Ford is including the NEMA plug for either of those. I'd prefer not to hardwire. At the same time, I don't want to "cheat" through 14-50 receptacles on a 30A circuit, if -- as I suspect but am unsure -- that is considered cheating.
On some units, current limiting is configured via hardware, like dip switches, while in other cases, limits are set via software. ChargePoint says their unit is configured via app on your phone. Isn't it unsafe to have a plug designed for a higher rating than the circuit it connects to? I mean, the plug is designed for a 50A circuit, but we're allowed to use it on a 40A circuit instead? Or even lower in some cases, as implied by this text from the ChargePoint Home Flex marketing page:
Note that on another page on their site, it says that for use under 40A, your electrician will need to hardwire... Anyway, to me, it seems irresponsible to market it this way. They're not alone, either. I've seen similar marketing on some other EVSEs, as well as products targetted mostly for RV owners while sometimes purchased by EV owners. For example, this 30M to 50F adapter:Have your electrician install it indoors or out using a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 plug, then set the appropriate charging speed in the app — up to 50 amps.
Is this sort of thing addressed by the National Electric Code? I've been in hotel rooms where standard 15A outlets have a sticker on them saying "Max 2A" or something along those lines. Maybe that labeling is sufficient... Just trying to sort this out for myself.
I plan to connect Ford's mobile charger to either a 240V 20A or 30A circuit in my garage, but I'm doubtful Ford is including the NEMA plug for either of those. I'd prefer not to hardwire. At the same time, I don't want to "cheat" through 14-50 receptacles on a 30A circuit, if -- as I suspect but am unsure -- that is considered cheating.
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