Level 2 Charging Question

7192 Views 38 Replies 19 Participants Last post by wassct, Nov 17, 2018

wassct

Discussion Starter · Nov 3, 2018

I'm sorry if this has been asked before but I'm a bit confused. I have a 2018 Volt Premier and I'm looking to install level 2 charging at my house. I have a couple of questions because I read that I should have a 40amp breaker in the panel and I thought I could use a 30amp for the Volt. I'm also interested in being prepared for the future as much as possible without having to run a new line.

(1) Can I get away with this? Install a 30amp breaker in the panel with a 30amp line run to garage into a 240v 30amp outlet?

(2)Am I better off running 40amp or 50amp line from the breaker to the garage with the 30amp breaker and outlet (or do I need a 40amp breaker and outlet?)?

I have gotten some quotes and the higher amp line run is obviously more expensive so wondering your thoughts if I want to keep cost reasonable but also future proof. One of the electricians mentioned that he believes the amp ratings will come down in the future anyway, is this true?

Thanks for your help for a new and slightly confused Volt owner!

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wassct

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 3, 2018

Thanks for the quick replies! Yes, the quotes are about $90 difference for the entire job based on the line amps installed. Assuming the higher amperage line is a little more expensive and they probably have a little cushion in there as well. Luckily I got a few quotes because some were a lot more inflated than others!

So, sounds like I'd be good with a 40amp line (for future use). Should the amps for the breaker and outlet match whatever charger I get or do they need to match the line amps? That's where I'm a bit confused.

Also, I was thinking of some of these inexpensive charger on Amazon. Any I should avoid based on your experience or should I consider a more expensive option?

https://smile.amazon.com/Duosida-Portable-Electric-Vehicle-Charger/dp/B018A6QK7C/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1541253414&sr=8-6&keywords=level+2+charger

https://smile.amazon.com/Zencar-100-240V-Portable-Electric-Compatible/dp/B075GJK2S9/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1541253972&sr=8-15&keywords=level+2+charger

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wassct

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 3, 2018

Thanks! Appreciate all the helpful repsonses!Exactly what I needed to know! Now I just need to pick a charger! Any recommendations on lower cost unit?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

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wassct

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 3, 2018

I agree, not worth a fire risk but just trying to keep my total cash outlay reasonable. Thanks for all the feedback and recommendations! It's greatly appreciated!

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wassct

Discussion Starter · #39 · Nov 17, 2018

Thanks for all the replies! Got what I felt was a decent price and I ended up having 50amp feed from the basement to the garage with a Nema 6-50 outlet and plugged in the Siemens Versacharge. The first quote I got was double the amount for same install so glad I got multiple quotes! Loving the faster charge!

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