Eric_C_Boston
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Eric
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2021
- Threads
- 51
- Messages
- 554
- Reaction score
- 740
- Location
- North Shore, MA, USA
- Vehicles
- 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD ER
- Occupation
- Retired Software Engineer
- Thread starter
- #1
I wanted to build my own EVSE and use a 45 foot J1772 cable, but pieces have been out of stock for months. I finally decided on an external NEMA 14-50 Outlet and use my Ford Mobile Charger with a 50 Amp RV extension cord. I installed it today using parts from Home Depot and it worked out fairly well. I used an outdoor 50 AMP RV outlet, 3/4 inch flexible non-metallic conduit, a push in conduit bushing for the box, three 5/16x3' lag screws, and wire that has two AWG 6 conductors (Line), and two AWG 8 conductors (Neutral and Ground). I already had an existing 50 Ampere 220 breaker to repurpose for the project. I turned off the breaker and checked for no voltage before working on the project.
A trick to drill a hole in vinyl siding is to use the reverse direction on the drill with the spade bit. I used a long spade bit to get through everything. The house does not have a sill and a narrower rim joist, it is a big thick piece of wood on top of the brick foundation. I totally discharged a battery dead when I was about three quarters of the way through. I finished with a backup battery.
I used the recommended three 5/16 inch lag screws and the box is solidly mounted. I wired up the outlet as a full 4 conductor NEMA 14-50, put it together, turned on the breaker, and checked the voltages. It works. Unfortunately the pull tabs on the RV extension cord prevents the lid from closing completely, but I think it will work over the winter.
A trick to drill a hole in vinyl siding is to use the reverse direction on the drill with the spade bit. I used a long spade bit to get through everything. The house does not have a sill and a narrower rim joist, it is a big thick piece of wood on top of the brick foundation. I totally discharged a battery dead when I was about three quarters of the way through. I finished with a backup battery.
I used the recommended three 5/16 inch lag screws and the box is solidly mounted. I wired up the outlet as a full 4 conductor NEMA 14-50, put it together, turned on the breaker, and checked the voltages. It works. Unfortunately the pull tabs on the RV extension cord prevents the lid from closing completely, but I think it will work over the winter.