SPX 32A L2 Plug-In, All-Voltage EVSE

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So, maybe we will have to use our Nissan L1 charging until this
EVSE comes out?

This is the first EVSE I have seen with these Universal Features:
1. Plug-In to "standard" sockets to use.
2. Universal, apparently can use both L1 and L2 voltages.
3. Field-Settable "max-current" (32A max, but how easily changed?
4. Small, so easy to transport (5" wide x 4" deep x 14" high)
5. Relatively light weight, 16 pounds including cord.

Hopefully it will live up to these descriptions, and still be affordable.
Or, other, similar but less expensive units will become available.

From their PDF file:

Technical Specifications:
• Amperage. 32Amax (Field Adjustable)
• Voltage. 95 VAC – 264 VAC
• Frequency. 50/60 Hz
• Ground Fault Trip Level. 17.5 mA (20mA Max)
• Ground Assurance. 50K ohm Max
• Operating Temperature. 35°C to »66 °C
• Storage Temperature. -40 to +85 Desgrees C Storage
• Ground Fault Test. Automatic at start-up (Firmware controlled)
• Ground Fault Retry. 4 retries @15 min. intervals (per UL 2594/UL 2231)
• Master Clear. For System Reset (Overrides Ground Fault Retry)
• Power Indication. Green LED
• Charge Status Indicators . Amber (Ready), Green (Plugged In), Green Flash (Charging) , Red Flash (Fault State)

Detailed Features:
• Ingress Protection . NEMA 4X (IP 66) CCID entirely potted
• Sealing. Weather Tight I/O glands
• Smart Charging. Peripheral Control Expandable via Opto Coupled
UART Interface (for EMS, HAN, etc. controller)
• Service Wire Chamber. Inputs: left, right, top & back
• Field Wireable. Service Side to NEC 312.6 and NEC 314.16
• Plug and Play. Via NEMA Rated Power side Plug & Outlet
• Vehicle Cable/Coupler. Field Service Replaceable
• Firmware Upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Field Reprogrammed
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Field Accessible
• Mounting . Via Slide Mounting to wall bracket
• Assembly. UL, CE, CSA, ROHS, WEEE compliant
• Housing Material. ABS-FR (fire retardant)
• EVSE Size. 5”wide x 14”high x 4”deep
• EVSE Weight. CCID, Cable, Coupler ~ 16 lbs
 
The SPX pdf file shows the plug-in pigtail going to a covered socket:

http://servicesolutions.spx.com/pdf/SS10-283_evse_spcsht4_11-45-09.pdf

Although there is no price yet, and a vague "Early 2011" is stated,
this appears to be somebody on the "Universal" design pathway.

Of course, it the Max-Current is not easy to change in the field,
this unit might be one-step short of "easy" to use almost anywhere
(with adapters to different sockets, as needed).
 
garygid said:
Discuss the 32A Plug-In EVSE by SPX here. The $490 16A Voltec 16A EVSE is discussed in another thread.
So we know NEC article 625 states that a 240v EVSE "shall be permanently connected and fastened in place". Therefore I have to wonder if a company, such as SPX, would actually market this product in the U.S. It seems like the liability would be too high. I suppose they could market a small 240v EVSE with no connector and magically some Chinese outfit starts selling 240v connectors on Ebay, which the consumer could adapt to the EVSE themselves.
 
As an aside, I wonder if an EVSE manufacture will develop a virtual Level 1/2 EVSE using two 120v connectors. If two 120v connections are present, then the EVSE could then "bond" them together as a quick and dirty portable Level 2 charger. If not, then it's a standard Level 1 EVSE. There could be an indicator on the unit, so that the user would know they are actually connected to two separate 110v circuits and what the voltage and amperage through the EVSE is. I realize an extension cord would likely be necessary for this to work, but I see Nissan techs using extension cords on Level 1 EVSEs all the time.
 
NEC 625 specifically allows for plug-in use of properly designed
240v (L2) EVSEs, at least for indoor use.

Leviton, EVCA, and now SPX all say that they are coming out with them.
 
garygid said:
NEC 625 specifically allows for plug-in use of properly designed
240v (L2) EVSEs, at least for indoor use.

Leviton, EVCA, and now SPX all say that they are coming out with them.
That's great! Please post where it says that. Thanks!
 
indyflick said:
That's great! Please post where it says that. Thanks!

This keeps coming back. May be I should pin the old thread ...

http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=792
 
garygid said:
So, maybe we will have to use our Nissan L1 charging until this
EVSE comes out?

This is the first EVSE I have seen with these Universal Features:
1. Plug-In to "standard" sockets to use.
2. Universal, apparently can use both L1 and L2 voltages.
3. Field-Settable "max-current" (32A max, but how easily changed?
4. Small, so easy to transport (5" wide x 4" deep x 14" high)
5. Relatively light weight, 16 pounds including cord.

Hopefully it will live up to these descriptions, and still be affordable.
Or, other, similar but less expensive units will become available.

From their PDF file:

Technical Specifications:
• Amperage. 32Amax (Field Adjustable)
• Voltage. 95 VAC – 264 VAC
• Frequency. 50/60 Hz
• Ground Fault Trip Level. 17.5 mA (20mA Max)
• Ground Assurance. 50K ohm Max
• Operating Temperature. 35°C to »66 °C
• Storage Temperature. -40 to +85 Desgrees C Storage
• Ground Fault Test. Automatic at start-up (Firmware controlled)
• Ground Fault Retry. 4 retries @15 min. intervals (per UL 2594/UL 2231)
• Master Clear. For System Reset (Overrides Ground Fault Retry)
• Power Indication. Green LED
• Charge Status Indicators . Amber (Ready), Green (Plugged In), Green Flash (Charging) , Red Flash (Fault State)

Detailed Features:
• Ingress Protection . NEMA 4X (IP 66) CCID entirely potted
• Sealing. Weather Tight I/O glands
• Smart Charging. Peripheral Control Expandable via Opto Coupled
UART Interface (for EMS, HAN, etc. controller)
• Service Wire Chamber. Inputs: left, right, top & back
• Field Wireable. Service Side to NEC 312.6 and NEC 314.16
• Plug and Play. Via NEMA Rated Power side Plug & Outlet
• Vehicle Cable/Coupler. Field Service Replaceable
• Firmware Upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Field Reprogrammed
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Field Accessible
• Mounting . Via Slide Mounting to wall bracket
• Assembly. UL, CE, CSA, ROHS, WEEE compliant
• Housing Material. ABS-FR (fire retardant)
• EVSE Size. 5”wide x 14”high x 4”deep
• EVSE Weight. CCID, Cable, Coupler ~ 16 lbs



Not to mention what appears to be a reputable supplier and not a pop out of ground company like others. I may try to mod my L1 form nissan and use it until something lie this is available.
 
Yes, looks good in these specs, but I would like
to know what the "Field Adjustable" part of
"Amperage. 32Amax (Field Adjustable)"
really means.

Does it mean that a tech can do it once, or it can "easily" be done by a user?

And, does it take special equipment to do it, perhaps connected to the
Serial (UART) port?

What mod(s) to Nissan's L1 did you have in mind (PM if needed), please?
Perhaps the same things I am thinking about, if we can just get one to investigate. :D
 
Regarding the SPX recommended products ...

The 16A $490 Voltec has this disclaimer at the bottom of the product page:
Only available to Volt owners and customers with orders confirmed for vehicle production.
The "SPX Charge Station" product page does not have that disclaimer.

But ... the "Why SPX?" page says this:
SPX has been chosen by Chevrolet to be their partner in providing home charging products and installation services to GM Volt customers.
*AND* their web pages carry the Chevrolet and the Volt logos.

So ... I think before we get too excited (the SPX Charge Station DOES look like a winner!), might want to check if any of their advertised products is available thru them for the LEAF.
 
garygid said:
Yep, I am trying to find out availability and price on the "SPX" L1&L2 EVSE.

There is a separate thread on the Voltec, apparently for Volt "owners" only.


The L2 is not available until at least Q1
 
The SPX is BOTH L1 and L2 (94 to 264 volts), and "field adjustable" up to 32 amps.

Available in Q1 2011, you say?
OK, I can use L1 until then.

Any hint as to pricing?

Is the "max-current" Control Pilot "adjustment" an easy user-setting?

Thanks, Gary
 
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