Charging from a Typical Dryer Plug

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latca

New member
Joined
Apr 8, 2012
Messages
1
Hi Everyone,

Is there such a thing as a standard for a dryer plug? I have an unused plug that is meant for a dryer since I have a natural gas powered dryer. From reading the boards, if I get a EVSE upgrade for the included charger I should be able to plug that into the dryer plug and get L2 charging right?

I'm wondering that since the plug was to be intended to be used for a dryer it would have the proper amperage and voltage to charge a leaf with the faster charging option? Or are there a bunch of different types of dryer plug and other variables to consider before knowing if it would be compatible.

Much Thanks!
 
take a picture of the socket/breaker and post it.. but I'm sure it will be perfect for an upgraded panasonic portable EVSE
 
latca said:
Hi Everyone,

Is there such a thing as a standard for a dryer plug? I have an unused plug that is meant for a dryer since I have a natural gas powered dryer. From reading the boards, if I get a EVSE upgrade for the included charger I should be able to plug that into the dryer plug and get L2 charging right?

I'm wondering that since the plug was to be intended to be used for a dryer it would have the proper amperage and voltage to charge a leaf with the faster charging option? Or are there a bunch of different types of dryer plug and other variables to consider before knowing if it would be compatible.

Much Thanks!


You can easily use an adapter or change the outlet. There is no standard plug for a dryer but that is not relevant to the capacity required in this case. If you read the outlet it will have a number on the plastic with the outlet designation. As mentioned earlier you can also check the breaker or just call EVSE Upgrade and they will help you. Regardless of the type of dryer outlet it will have more capacity than required by the EVSE Upgrade so you will be fine.
 
Take a look at available adapters.
http://www.evseadapters.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bill
 
I installed my Level 2 charger in my garage myself. I already had a dryer plug for my welder. When I bought my GE charger I made sure I got one with the dryer plug attached not a hard wired charger. The only problem I had was the cord and plug coming from the charger is very short. I had to get creative mounting the charger. :cool:
 
Not to hijack this topic, but why won't a simple 110 to 220V step-up transformer work ? Just searching Amazon, I am wondering if this would work ?

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...&field-keywords=4000+watt+step+up+transformer


Of course, I realize that if it is as simple then I am sure everyone would go for that, instead of the expensive 220V installations in their garage, but I thought I would ask:

thanks
Jay
 
mkjayakumar said:
Not to hijack this topic, but why won't a simple 110 to 220V step-up transformer work?
Jay, interesting idea, and this would indeed work if the outlet allowed a higher power draw. Unfortunately, it's likely limited to 15 amps, which translates to roughly 1.5 kW of continuos power. That means that you won't be able to use a 3.3 kW EVSE. Have a look at Quick 220 instead. There are older threads on the forum, which describe how to build and use your own Easy 220 adapter, but I can't seem to find them at the moment. Perhaps others can help with this.
 
Here is a thread on the DIY Quick 240.
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=4774" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
But, before ordering parts, make sure you have the L1 and L2 120 volt circuits readily available.

Bill
 
mkjayakumar said:
Not to hijack this topic, but why won't a simple 110 to 220V step-up transformer work ? Just searching Amazon, I am wondering if this would work ?

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...&field-keywords=4000+watt+step+up+transformer


Of course, I realize that if it is as simple then I am sure everyone would go for that, instead of the expensive 220V installations in their garage, but I thought I would ask:

thanks
Jay
Because you would need a 50 amp 120v circuit to supply the transformer. So as long as you are pulling new wire go with a 240v circuit.
 
With the transformer, the 120v side would need 32 amps if the 240v side used 16 amps.
So, that would blow most 120v circuits.

But, I use two 120v circuits (out of phase) all the time.
 
I wonder if the OP still cares/is still watching this thread... From their user info:
Last visited: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:09 pm
and their post count is still 1.

I think we can let this thread die unless we see further interest and info from the OP.
 
Does anyone know if adapters exist for older dryer outlets? I bought the charging adapter for my Leafs cable but it doesn't match the outlet I have for my dryer!
 
Is this what your dryer outlet looks like?
3-prong_dryer_outlet.jpg


Also, you said:
I bought the charging adapter for my Leafs cable

I don't know what that means...

Are you using the stock "charging cable", or have you purchased a new one? If the former, it only works on 120V receptacles (NEMA 5-15R). If the latter, then what exactly did you buy?
 
Ugh, I can't figure out how to upload an image. It looks like that but the bottom part is straight and not "L" shaped, it's an old outlet. Sorry I can't offer a very good description and thank you for replying!
 
That sounds like a NEMA 10-50R then, not a dryer outlet. Typically, those were used for electric stoves.

Do a Google Images search for NEMA 10-50R and confirm. Also, there should be some info printed on the face of the receptacle - post back with any info you find there...
 
You also haven't explained what you are trying to use with that receptacle. It's not going to work for the stock "charging cable " (EVSE).

You really need to provide some pictures...
 
I have an L6 30 P plug, the outlet looks like the 10-50r you suggested it might be, faceplate says 50a-125/250. I would love to include a photo but legitimately don't know how to share a photo in this thread, I don't see an option for uploading images. Apologies for my lack of technological know how.
 
So, did you pay to have your stock EVSE upgraded via evseupgrade.com? Guessing so, as that upgrade uses an L6-30p as standard...

See this post:

http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?t=15895

If it was me, I would have an electrician quote on replacing the 10-50R with a 14-50R.

NOTE: The EVSE doesn't use the neutral, only the 2 hots and a ground, whereas the 10-50R is 2 hots and a neutral with no ground. Without a proper ground, the EVSE likely will refuse to pass current to your Leaf's charger.

I'm no expert with electrical stuff, so wait for someone else to chime in, just in case I've given you bad advice
 
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