[hallcp]

I am currently dragging an extension cord across the driveway to charge my 2017 Volt at 120V. I have been working with an electrician to do something more permanent, bearing in mind that I will want to do 240V in the near future.

Are there electrical code gotchas my electrician and I need to know? I was thinking of a 240V/30A dryer-type receptacle in some kind of weatherproof enclosure at the corner of my porch. I was going to make a wooden box big enough to house the receptacle and the charger.

I tried to read the electrical code myself (NEC Article 625), but it's pretty tough reading. At least I know the driveway has adequate ventilation! (625 spends a lot time talking about ventilation)

Thank you. I'm a new member of the forum, and my search queries didn't seem to find an old post that addresses this.

Charles H.
Raleigh, NC

 

[saghost]

I'm not that familiar with the details of electrical code, but I remember reading that there aren't really approved outdoor 240V outlets, so the enclosure will be important. On the other hand, every modern RV park has dozens of NEMA 14-50 outlets outside in enclosures, so clearly there are well established solutions.

If you're going to the expense of running an outside 240V, I would recommend a 14-50 as well. Because of RVs (and maybe Tesla a little,) it's turning into the 240V universal standard for the U.S. (to the extent that there is one.) That's what most pluggable 240V EVSEs have, and every Tesla ships with a UMC adapter for it. It's the most future proof option you can buy today.

 

[Mister Dave]

I have been working with an electrician to do something more permanent, bearing in mind that I will want to do 240V in the near future.

Are there electrical code gotchas my electrician and I need to know?

What kind of "electrician" are you working with that doesn't know the code? You'll get a lot of amateur advice on this site.

 

[caronjeff]

If it's out in the weather, I would hard wire it. Save money on the plug, socket box etc. Find a level 2 EVSE with a nice long cord. You may only need a double pole 30amp breaker, a chunk of 10 gage wire, and the Level 2 EVSE of your choice.

 

[frith01]

Check with your local utility prior to paying for installation. Most utilities will supplement cost of 240v install if you get it approved prior to installation, and use a licensed electrician.

 

[Volt Gambler]

I'm not that familiar with the details of electrical code, but I remember reading that there aren't really approved outdoor 240V outlets, so the enclosure will be important. On the other hand, every modern RV park has dozens of NEMA 14-50 outlets outside in enclosures, so clearly there are well established solutions.

If you're going to the expense of running an outside 240V, I would recommend a 14-50 as well. Because of RVs (and maybe Tesla a little,) it's turning into the 240V universal standard for the U.S. (to the extent that there is one.) That's what most pluggable 240V EVSEs have, and every Tesla ships with a UMC adapter for it. It's the most future proof option you can buy today.

Best way to go! I charge ours all the time in RV parks free using 110 or 220, both of which are available from the 14-50 RV type outlet. Four prongs L1/L2/Nuetral/Ground....

 

[Tom17]

Go with appropriate wire (6 gauge) for 50 Amps. You can connect a 32 /40 Amp charger to a 50 Amp breaker.
There is a 20% loss factor. Therefore a 50 Amp outlet is needed for a 40 Amp charger. If using a plug-in charger use a NEMA 14-50 outlet.

 

[Loboc]

If you can afford it, get a pedestal-style EVSE and hard-wire it. Weatherproof and has cable management.

There are some threads on here about how various people got around having their EVSE out in the weather. I saw one where they put a hole in the house wall with the EVSE inside and the charge cable went through a 4" plastic pipe. Several have used a plastic tupperware-style tub with grommet holes.

The guy on EVTV made his look like a gas pump.