It's common to use a 30 amp breaker for a Clipper Creek HCS-25, and it would probably work ok for a 16 amp unit as well - the breaker is there to stop short circuits, after all. I agree, though, that a 50A breaker is too big - it might let the wires melt before it tripped. The obvious compromise is to have the heavy cable installed, but with an easily-swapped 20 amp breaker on it. That leaves 90% of the circuit ready for a larger unit later, but is still safe for now.
Best 240VAC charging cable for 2013 Leaf
- Thread starter JohnKuthe
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sdcoffeeroaster
Member
I just went with upgrading my existing 120v charger thru EVSEupgrade to 240v and 20A for about $270. I'm using the drying outlet turned from the laundry room to the garage side and I had to change the connector to a locking type L6-30R. The dryer already had 30A service and was not being used (gas dryer). Seems to work as advertised and I have not put gas in my Subaru Crosstrek since the beginning of Feb! I think it's on a half tank right now. I get about 64 miles on an 80% charge and have only charged to 100% twice when I knew I needed the extra margin. I really love my 2013 SL Leaf and so far it's been powered totally by the sun!
maini
Well-known member
JohnKuthe said:
Here is my Solution..
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=16948
It cost me $25 and it charges at 2.88KWh at 12A and 240V. You convert your existing EVSE.
I have been using this for over 3 years and no issues at all. 26K miles done on my car.
Cheers!!
And those who'd just as not DIY, there is a fellow MNL member who does the upgrade for people for a somewhat nominal fee. Note I'm not talking about the full-fledged $300 EVSEupgrade option but basically what your thread talks about.maini said:
jjeff said:
I had an electrician came over today and what this house really needs is a new inside panel and both 120V and 240V lines run in PVC pipe back to the garage. Extensive and expensive! But luckily I will have the money VERY soon! When I also buy this house, post electrical upgrade value of course!
John Kuthe...
davewill
Well-known member
I'd get a second opinion before I spent extra. I don't get why he would run two circuits to the garage, though. Wouldn't it make more sense to put a subpanel in the garage and run just one circuit? From the subpanel, he could wire both 240v and 120v circuits.JohnKuthe said:
Not sure of the latest as this thread is now approaching 6 pagesdavewill said:
but at one point John was thinking about 3 separate 50a circuits if I remember correctly. Personally I'd just run say a 60a 240v feed to the garage(along with a neutral for 120v outlets) and feed a sub panel. From there I'd think one could feed the (3) 30a circuits, the max our Leafs can charge anyway. I suppose they could also feed 3 50a circuits but know that if you were indeed drawing close to 50a on one of the outlets, you wouldn't have much left over for other things/EVSEs. Of course your sub panel and wiring would be protected by a 60a breaker in the main house panel.Note there might be a code relating to the minimum breaker to a panel that had 3 50a breakers in it, that would be for the electrician to look into.
davewill said:
I'm gonna take my electrician's best advice for this. He knows what he;d doing and I;m paying him for his knowledge, experience and labor!
After all, he's the licensed, bonded, insured expert in this hunt!
John Kuthe...
jjeff said:Not sure of the latest as this thread is now approaching 6 pagesdavewill said:
Note there might be a code relating to the minimum breaker to a panel that had 3 50a breakers in it, that would be for the electrician to look into.
Yep! That's why I'm paying a professional electrician, Yes, the big electrician's bucks! He's got the knowledge and experience and knows most of the tricks of the trade. I don't, I'm just an Electrical Engineer!
John Kuthe...
davewill
Well-known member
JohnKuthe said:
Which is why I suggested a second opinion rather than just ignoring his advice...but I'm sure it'll be fine.
