voiceexp said:Can I charge my Leaf at a friends home using an Evsa cable connected to an extension?
You can use the portable EVSE that comes with the car, connected to an extension cord to charge the LEAF. I've done that many times. Just make sure you have a heavy-duty extension cord. I have a 50' 12-gauge, rated for for 20A. Cost me $50 at Lowe's.voiceexp said:Can I charge my Leaf at a friends home using an Evsa cable connected to an extension?
Not exactly. Make sure the outlet isn't experienciong any load from other appliances on the same circuit. Lots of garage wiring is simply cobbled off another circuit that already feeds a bunch of stuff in the house ... ESPECIALLY homes built prior to early 1970's. I've lost track of how many times I've taken out my sister-in-law's kitchen electricity.RonDawg said:Also make sure the outlet you are plugged into can handle a continuous 12 amp load.....snip...............
RonDawg said:or worse starting a fire.
Valdemar said:RonDawg said:or worse starting a fire.
I'm currently trying to deal with aluminum wiring in my new home. It is no joke
Lasareath said:What about installing a new Circuit with new copper lines?
I'd rip all the Aluminum out and redo the house.
But if you can't do that then just run one new circuit with copper and you'll be golden.
RonDawg said:Valdemar said:RonDawg said:or worse starting a fire.
I'm currently trying to deal with aluminum wiring in my new home. It is no joke
I just found out my circa-1981 townhome has aluminum wiring Even though I've been living with L1 charging since I got the car in January, I'm not sure the tax credit for installing a charging station will again be renewed for 2014, plus I found out my municipality has a $200 rebate for installing an L2 EVSE.
So I had an electrician come out and take a look. When he pulled off the panel surround, he told me that my place has aluminum wiring. He said if you don't touch it, and don't overload it, I'm OK.
The circuit I'm currently plugged into is a 15 amp circuit that was meant for a central vac system that is no longer fully functioning (there is a leak somewhere) and as best I can tell there are no other circuits off that breaker.
LeftieBiker said:Just make sure that any outlets or switches that were replaced after the house was built are compatible with aluminum wiring. It's common to use normal outlets with copper -compatible contacts, and this can cause problems. I've alse read that just normal use can cause aluminum wiring connections to loosen...
Source: http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/118856/516.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;The other repair recommended by the industry is to use switches and receptacles labeled “CO/ALR.” These devices are intended for direct connection to aluminum wire, although they can be used with copper or copper-clad wire. CO/ALR devices perform better with aluminum wire than non-CO/ALR devices when installed carefully and according to best electrical practices. However, CO/ALR wiring devices have failed in laboratory tests when connected to aluminum wire typical of that installed in existing homes.
Valdemar said:Interesting, I'm obviously not an expert but based on my reading about this subject I was under the impression than Al wiring was pretty much phased out by the end of the 70's. The good news is that your wiring is almost likely done with a 8000 series alloy which is said to be less susceptible to problems attributed to aluminum wiring than the older 1350 wiring used prior to circa 1972.
As for the EVSE tax credit, double check you can claim it. If you pay AMT there is a good chance you cannot.
Lasareath said:What about installing a new Circuit with new copper lines?
I'd rip all the Aluminum out and redo the house.
But if you can't do that then just run one new circuit with copper and you'll be golden.
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