dgpcolorado: I apologize that I did not to elaborate about safety concerns using the trickle EVSE on a daily basis, as I had to suddenly leave my edit session.
My concerns mainly are in the area of that Nissan probably has, which for one is that "familiarity breeds contempt", i.e. that people will tend to get careless over time, together with getting tired, angry, stupid, drunk, and maybe even suicidal, in good and perhaps even bad weather conditions of extreme rain, snow, mud, wind, and heat beyond which it is designed for safe use (113F). Some will start to let their older kids operate it, who will let their younger siblings use it, etc [Nissan: "[Trickle] EVSE Quick Reference /Safety Precautions: Never let a child handle or use it. Keep children away when in use"] -- no such precautions that I could find in any Leaf Owner's Manual for Level 2 (presumably hardwired) EVSEs. The key hardware differences with the trickle EVSE from most Level 2 EVSEs is of course 1) the former's portable cord and plug vs permanent mounting and/or hardwired wiring and 2) the former's lighter weight/robustness vs the latter. In particular I measured my trickle EVSE's charging cable as ~11mm in diameter (~25 feet in length, I think) vs my Blink's ~16mm in diameter (~18 feet in length). The thicker, stiffer cable is more resistant to kinking, twisting, and wire damage in general. The permanently mounted control box can never be dropped, stepped on, run over, and otherwise damaged like the small portable control box can. And given its cost (and importance if it's the only EVSE you have), what is the likelihood that if it gets damaged the owner will just (duck?) tape it up and continue to use it rather than replace it ["Hell, it still works -- dammit!!] as should be done?
For reference, here are the rest of the trickle "EVSE Quick Reference" pertaining to safety (many which apply only to this EVSE and not permanently mounted EVSEs):
1. Safety Precautions
WARNING (Due to mishandling, a dangerous condition might occur such as electric shock or fire.):
- Use only a Nissan Genuine EVSE.
- Never perform repair, disassembly, or reconditioning.
- Don't use an extension cord or adapter.
- Stop using it immediately if a failure or abnormality occurs.
- Don't touch the plug with wet hands.
- Don't touch terminal parts of Charge Connector and Normal Charge port of the vehicle.
- Don't connect outlet other than the voltage rating.
- Don't use this product if the flexible power cord or EV cable are frayed, have broken insulation, or any other signs of damage.
- Don't use this product if the enclosure or the EV connector are broken, cracked, open, or show any other indication of damage.
- Never let a child handle or use it. Keep children away when in use.
- Maximum Ambient: 45 deg C [= 113 deg F]
- GROUNDING INSTRUCTION
The product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is erquipped with a cord having an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
WARNING - Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor is able to result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to whether the product is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the product - if it will not fit the outklet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
- MOVING AND STORAGE
Don't drop.
When carrying and moving, do not pull the cable strongly.
When storing this product, locate in the shade.
PRECAUTIONS (Due to mishandling, a part might be damaged.):
- Don't submerge the control box in water.
- Prevent foreign matter from getting into the terminal parts of Normal Charge Connector or Plug.
- Don't step on the cable or cord. Don't pull on the cable, fold or put tight kinks in the cable or cord.
- Don't charge when there might be a lightning strike.
- Don't drop the control Box or place a heavy object on it.
- Don't place objects that might generate a high temperature near the EVSE when charging.
2. How to use EVSE
Check Before Use
- Make sure there are no abnormalities such as scratches, rust, cracks, or tears in the surface of Normal Charge Connector, Cable, Control Box, Cord, and Plug.
- Stop charging if damage, rust, or cracks exist on the outlet surface, or any loose connections are found.
- Wipe with a clean and dry cloth if the plug gets dirty or wet.
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