I have a 2012 Leaf which has now blown up 3 EVSEs. The car is an ex-Japan grey-market import and I'm using it in NZ (a 230V 50Hz country). Two of the EVSEs are the stock JDM Nissan plug-in 12A one, and the third is a locally sourced 6A one. The first died a few months ago, the second a couple of weeks later, and the third the first time it was used. In all cases the car was charging on timer in the middle of the night, and gained some extra range before the EVSE died, so it wasn't at turn-on.
I've pulled apart one of the dead EVSEs, and the failure is in the primary coil of the transformer which powers the low-voltage signal circuit. The primary's open circuit, and the transformer smells burnt. When powered directly with 18VAC the low voltage system still seems to work (at least the LEDs come on - haven't plugged it into the car), and the current draw is low - 70 mA or so.
Since it's killed multiple EVSEs of more than one brand, I assume the problem's not the EVSE, it's either the wall power or the car. I can't measure anything wrong with wall power, and the circuit is a new install by a registered electrician. It seems unlikely that surges would be killing a transformer, and in any case the EVSE has surge protection built in, and nothing else in the house is dying. More likely is that the car is drawing too much current through the signal circuit and cooking the transformer.
Anyone recognise the symptoms, or have any ideas what could be causing this and how to check it?
Thanks in advance
Dave
I've pulled apart one of the dead EVSEs, and the failure is in the primary coil of the transformer which powers the low-voltage signal circuit. The primary's open circuit, and the transformer smells burnt. When powered directly with 18VAC the low voltage system still seems to work (at least the LEDs come on - haven't plugged it into the car), and the current draw is low - 70 mA or so.
Since it's killed multiple EVSEs of more than one brand, I assume the problem's not the EVSE, it's either the wall power or the car. I can't measure anything wrong with wall power, and the circuit is a new install by a registered electrician. It seems unlikely that surges would be killing a transformer, and in any case the EVSE has surge protection built in, and nothing else in the house is dying. More likely is that the car is drawing too much current through the signal circuit and cooking the transformer.
Anyone recognise the symptoms, or have any ideas what could be causing this and how to check it?
Thanks in advance
Dave