hodad66 said:
Some FAQ that was sent to me from ev-chargeamerica:
Hello,
I am interested in your EV2104 home EVSE, but I have a few questions.
Maybe you can email a Spec Sheet that answers all of them, or just note the answers and Reply. Please
-- EV-Charge America has a detailed technical "cutsheet" we can supply to you for your evaluation, if our answers below need to be supplemented.
1. Does the "Plug-and-Play Design" mean that it comes with a standard type AC plug ready to plug into an existing wall socket (and, if so, what type plug)?
-- No, you can't plug these units into a standard household outlet. They are 240 volt, not 120 volt and therefore not at all compatible. It is strongly advised, from a safety and fire hazard standpoint, not to ever attempt to use a 240 volt appliance with any type with of 120 volt outlet, or vice versa.
However, these units are designed to plug into a 240 volt wall outlet, (similar to a electric clothes dryer or air conditioner). This special type of 240 volt outlet should be available within approximately 12 inches of where you would like to install your Charge@Home unit.
Further, "Plug and play" means the unit just starts itself up and starts working. You don't have to program anything, configure anything, or take any special technical steps to get it working.
The new electric vehicles also have a standard 120 volt connection included that you can use if you need to charge at a location that does not have 240 volt fast charging service with a J1772 connector.
2. Or, is this L2 EVSE "listed" for hard-wired use only? -- Per above. At least, for right now, the national electrical code (NEC) rules and regulations states that it is against the law, and most local fire codes, to have a detachable cord (an extension cord) for fast charging, 240 volt service. That is why it is necessary to have a 240 volt outlet to plug the Charge@Home unit into, or you can wire the unit directly to the service if you don't think you'll be moving it later.
(Some are really wanting a "portable", plug-in EVSE, like the Leviton L2
models.)
-- Today, portable, detachable units are only allowed and available with standard, household 120 volt current, slow trickle-charge models. The Leviton model you cite is a slow-trickle charge unit that will take up to 18 hours to charge your vehicle, regardless of where it is plugged in.
3. Can the user change the "max-current" setting, depending upon the amp rating of the circuit or breaker breaker (15, 20, 30, 40, 50
amps) that the user will connect it to? (max current would then be 12, 16, 24, 32, or 40 amps)
-- It's recommended that you have a dedicated 40 amp double pole circuit breaker installed to support your EV charging. Anything short of that would be a significant sub-optimization of your vehicle's charging potential.
4. Is the EV2104 outdoor-use "listed"?
-- Yes
5. Does the "outdoor" use of the EV2104 require hard-wiring?
-- You can hard wire it if you like, per above.
6. If desired, can one disable the need for the RF-ID, so that the EVSE is "always" available? (for example, if I install in my private garage, using the RF-ID each time I charge, is an inconvenience.)
-- For safety purposes, it is recommended that an activation method be used to turn on the high voltage power only when it is needed. We do have other means of turning on the juice that does not require an RFID tag or smart card as an option.
7. Is this EVSE for 32A maximum output (when used on a 40A circuit), or 40A max output when used on a 50A circuit?
-- The former.
Steve, these units are available to ship today. We also accept credit cards to expeditite your order.
Dwight Dagenais
EV Charge America
702-204-7099