2018 Leaf EVSE

[Jerryr]

My opinion, if you are going to drop a NEMA 14-50R line I’d run it with #6 wire. It costs about 30% more than #8. Still protect it with a 40 amp breaker for a 32 amp EVSE.

If in the future you need to repurpose that outlet for something like an RV with 50 amp Service, simply replace the 40 amp breaker and you’re covered. 8/3 vs 6/3 UF cost is about $2.30/ft vs $3.50/ft

I did this with my kitchen range which was listed to connect to a 14-50R with 40 amp service. Later I installed a 50 amp range and I just replaced the breaker.

#6 is not as easy to work with as #8 but once it’s done, it’s done.

Btw, the 14-50R receptacle is the standard for both 40amp and 50amp connections since there’s no 40 amp only receptacle.

The thing that baffles me is that Nissan advertises the new L1/L2 120/240v EVSE that you can connect it to a 240v dryer outlet. Every dryer outlet I’ve seen is 30 amp 240v.

[MikeD]

Jerryr: A question for you (and anyone else): Since we still don't have sufficient widespread EV fast charging infrastructure in the US, I think one of the major reasons this portable EVSE uses a 14-50R outlet (whose neutral is not used) as opposed to a 6-50R outlet (which has no neutral) is that 14-50R 50a outlets (unlike 6-50R outlets) are commonly available at RV campground sites -- which makes many longer trips more feasible if you're carrying this EVSE with you. These RV outlets, I believe, are wired with AWG 6 wire and use 50a circuit breakers.

My question is this: Would you hesitate to use these outlets with this EVSE to charge your Leaf because the circuits don't use a 40a breaker? A 50a breaker appears to adequately protect the AWG 6 wiring's insulation (from overheating damage) according to NEC. If the answer is "no", then why not use a 50a breaker rather than a 40a one for a similar 6 AWG circuit at your home? And while you are buying a breaker, why not buy a GFCI type which adds a significant margin of safety? (Also note, I believe, that the latest NEC requires them for portable EVSEs like this one.)

[MikeD]

Important info from the "2018 LEAF Owner's Manual" to help prevent unnecessary damage to the EVSE's input power cable.

On page CH-26 concerning L2 charging using this EVSE it reads: "Use the EVSE with the plug in an upright position (the cord should extend down from the outlet).".
I believe this implies that your home's NEMA 14-50R EVSE receptacle should be mounted so that the equipment ground pin is at the top, as otherwise the EVSE's cord loops up then down rather than straight down from receptacle.

Also on page CH-19 concerning L1 charging using this EVSE it reads the same: "Use the EVSE with the plug in an upright position (the cord should extend down from the outlet).".
In this case the EVSE's (removable) L1 adapter can always be rotated to allow the EVSE to hang straight down regardless of whether the 5-15R's (or 5-20R's) ground pin is at the top or the bottom.

[vbleaf]

so it is not a good idea to get an adapter like this
https://www.evseadapters.com/collection ... al-adapter

and plug in my nissan charger to nema 14-30R dryer plug, even though the nissan charger is rated for 30A

[MikeD]

N0.

[jjeff]

so it is not a good idea to get an adapter like this
https://www.evseadapters.com/collection ... al-adapter

and plug in my nissan charger to nema 14-30R dryer plug, even though the nissan charger is rated for 30A

The problem with that is if you have a 6.6kw Leaf(non S Leafs without the charger upgrade package) your Leaf will draw up to about 28amps which is more than the 24a a 14-30 dryer circuit would be rated for. It would overheat your fuse/breaker and could cause tripping.
Now if you have a Leaf that would max out at 16a(S-model without upgraded charger or any pre '13 Leaf) you'd be OK but not in the other cases.

[vbleaf]

so it is not a good idea to get an adapter like this
https://www.evseadapters.com/collection ... al-adapter

and plug in my nissan charger to nema 14-30R dryer plug, even though the nissan charger is rated for 30A

The problem with that is if you have a 6.6kw Leaf(non S Leafs without the charger upgrade package) your Leaf will draw up to about 28amps which is more than the 24a a 14-30 dryer circuit would be rated for. It would overheat your fuse/breaker and could cause tripping.
Now if you have a Leaf that would max out at 16a(S-model without upgraded charger or any pre '13 Leaf) you'd be OK but not in the other cases.

ok thanks for the info, i have 2018 sl model.. i guess i need put in nema 14-50 outlet in the gargage

[LeftieBiker]

i guess i need put in nema 14-50 outlet in the gargage

You need more than the outlet. The wiring and breaker for that circuit also need to be replaced, unless heavier wire was used in the dryer circuit.

[GlennD]

With my EVSE tester unloaded it just shows the existing settings. Both of my local Mercedes dealers have a 208V 30A Evse for customer use. This is slower than the 10K charging limit but the J1772 protocol adapts.

[GlennD]

I look foolish having my load tester with no loads at the EVSE but how else can you tell. My tester reads out the voltage and analyzes the pilot.(thank you Nick Sayer).

In my case the dealer's were OK with my tests. I guess it helps to have a prestige car. I know the Nissan dealer had a 30A unit but I have no idea of the voltage. Likely 208V since it was an industrial building