Timer plug to use with standard level 1 charger?

[MaybeEVconvert]

Hi, does anyone have recommendations for heavy duty timers to use behind the standard level 1 charger ("Ford Mobile Power Cord") to force the MME to only charge during specific hours (e.g. utility's discounted rate hours)? Needs to be standard 3-prong outlet, not the T / 5-20 plug, and from what I understand it needs to be rated min 15A resistive.

2 options I found via web search, but both seem kinda flimsy:
Intermatic TN311C
BN-LINK heavy-duty digital timer

TIA for any input.

p.s. I wish Ford would change the stupid "preferred" charging times functionality to add a HARD charging hours limit option. Or at a minimum modify the % target charge to 5% increments, instead of 10%.

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[ReverendPete]

I think the reason that it isn't a hard limit, especially on Level 1 charging, is that the car's first priority is to get your car to the configured target charge level. If it doesn't have time to do it within your preferred charging times, it will start early (outside of your preferred times) to try to get you there.

So there are tradeoffs. If you have a plug timer, then you could end up being stuck without the desired charge. think Ford decided that it's better to cost you a bit more money to charge outside of your desired window than potentially strand you somewhere.

You might be able to lower your charge target to keep it from pulling power outside of your preferred charge times, but then you'd have to manually tell it to charge beyond your target on times that you wanted that.

Sorry I can't help you with any heavy duty plug timers, but make sure whatever you get can handle a sustained 12 Amp draw. (Ideally higher)

 

[ReverendPete]

Another potential option would be to get a L1 EVSE that has it's own built in timer, like this one: https://ev-lectron.com/products/lec...-app-control-120v-12-amp-nema-5-15-16-ft-cord

 

[Mach-Lee]

I would personally not charge an EV through a timer, you'll probably melt something eventually (a fire would bad). You will be at the current limit of that Intermatic TN311C.

Just get a 240V outlet or EVSE installed, then your car will be able to finish charging in the off peak windows without this issue. Second to that is a smart Level 1 EVSE (then you can set the schedule on the EVSE instead of needing a timer).

FYI Level 1 charging is less efficient than Level 2, you will pay more in electricity if you only have Level 1.

 

[R/L]

I use one of these to power 1400W of walkway snow melting heaters:

https://www.legrand.us/wiring-devic...ut-plug-with-wi-fi-matter-enabled/p/ps-wwmp31

Works with a variety of smart home devices (Amazon Alexa, Apple Seri etc).

 

[MaybeEVconvert]

Thank you! (and for the smart level 1 charger reco). I understand the point behind "preferred" charging hours, just wish there was an option to set hard limits for those of us who don't need the charging priority in the 'preferred' limit setup.

From what I read the "15 resistive" means that it could sustain up to 15 Amp continuous draw -- but I think I also read you should (or must?) only use an 80% max of the rating?. Either way, those little timers still look a little flimsy even if they do claim to be indoor/outdoor, 'heavy duty'. I think I'd feel better with a smart level 1 charger plug like you shared.

I think the reason that it isn't a hard limit, especially on Level 1 charging, is that the car's first priority is to get your car to the configured target charge level. If it doesn't have time to do it within your preferred charging times, it will start early (outside of your preferred times) to try to get you there.

So there are tradeoffs. If you have a plug timer, then you could end up being stuck without the desired charge. think Ford decided that it's better to cost you a bit more money to charge outside of your desired window than potentially strand you somewhere.

You might be able to lower your charge target to keep it from pulling power outside of your preferred charge times, but then you'd have to manually tell it to charge beyond your target on times that you wanted that.

Sorry I can't help you with any heavy duty plug timers, but make sure whatever you get can handle a sustained 12 Amp draw. (Ideally higher)

 

[MaybeEVconvert]

I would personally not charge an EV through a timer, you'll probably melt something eventually (a fire would bad). You will be at the current limit of that Intermatic TN311C.

Just get a 240V outlet or EVSE installed, then your car will be able to finish charging in the off peak windows without this issue. Second to that is a smart Level 1 EVSE (then you can set the schedule on the EVSE instead of needing a timer).

FYI Level 1 charging is less efficient than Level 2, you will pay more in electricity if you only have Level 1.

Thanks for the input!
Swapping the outlet or installing a level 2 charger isn't an option where I live right now -- but I knew this going into the EV purchase. I drive less than 5 miles a day most days, so I knew the level 1 charger would be sufficient for my use most of the time.

 

[RickMachE]

I successfully used these for years - https://amzn.to/4bPIut6

It pulls 12 amps. Outlet is rated for 15 amps. My Fusion Energi charged with this from day 1 for 3 years. My Mach-E used it for the first weeks. I have been recommended them for years.

 

[MaybeEVconvert]

I successfully used these for years - https://amzn.to/4bPIut6

It pulls 12 amps. Outlet is rated for 15 amps.

Thanks.
We have some extra Eve smart plugs, I thought about trying those. The continuous draw just made me nervous.

 

[RickMachE]

Thanks.
We have some extra Eve smart plugs, I thought about trying those. The continuous draw just made me nervous.

If they are rated for 15 amps, it's a non-issue. 12 amps is the pull.

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