Just INSTALLED: L2 48A EVSE from Amazon - getting prepped for incoming Lightning

[shutterbug]

Looks like juice box may include a 30% EV credit for cost of materials/install up to $1K and seems to be well recommended

30% tax credit is not dependent on the brand.

Also, y’all mentioned wiring a NEMA 14-50 in case the emporia is “down”, why would it ever be down?

It won't be down unless it's broken. The outlet may be useful while you're having the charger repaired/replaced.

I am having a tough time choosing the best 48A charger

@tommolog has a youtube channel with tons of reviews of many chargers.

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[Pioneer74]

Why did I choose the Emporia? Because of the information available in the app and because I picked up a non-UL listed version for $375. With my power companies credits, that is about what I would be spending on a ChargePoint. Also, with my utility, if you bring your own charger you get a $10 credit per month when you charge on super off-peak times.

Why have a backup? Everything breaks at some point. I just figured since I was pulling permits and wiring up a charger, why not an outlet too. Not to mention the fact I have a Mach-E on the way. When that shows up I run the Emporia off the outlet and hardwire the charger that comes with the ER trucks.

 

[metroshot]

@Pioneer74 And @CRAIGC540,

why did y’all choose emporia? I should be picking up my demo lariat ER in 1-2 weeks and I’m shopping for an aftermarket charger since I do not plan to use backup power and 100A breaker would be a stretch on my current service and thus do not have much of a need for the FCSP and will sell it. I am having a tough time choosing the best 48A charger. Looks like juice box may include a 30% EV credit for cost of materials/install up to $1K and seems to be well recommended. I don’t have solar so the need to integrate isn’t a priority of mine. Also, y’all mentioned wiring a NEMA 14-50 in case the emporia is “down”, why would it ever be down? Just want to make sure I’m purchasing the right charger for my needs. Thanks in advance

You do know you don't have to purchase another charger.
You can always derate your FCSP to lower current by the switches inside.

My 48A Emporia (UL Listed) has been great over the hot summer months - never stopped or down rated current flow even in 110+ degree temps in the garage.

Can't say that with the Ford chargers working in the heat.

My Emporia has been doing double duty ( 2 EV sharing) and it has not failed yet.

I love the wattage use graphs showing by the month, week, daily...

 

[Ccarm6]

You do know you don't have to purchase another charger.
You can always derate your FCSP to lower current by the switches inside.

My 48A Emporia (UL Listed) has been great over the hot summer months - never stopped or down rated current flow even in 110+ degree temps in the garage.

Can't say that with the Ford chargers working in the heat.

My Emporia has been doing double duty ( 2 EV sharing) and it has not failed yet.

I love the wattage use graphs showing by the month, week, daily...

Yeah I had thought about derating to 48A but think I’ll go in a different direction than the FCSP for a few reasons:
1. 80A to me is overkill, I can more than handle my daily charging needs with 48A.
2. I do not plan to use the backup power feature.
3. The FCSP is going for $1K plus shipping online right now. That would cover the cost of a more preferable charger and install by professional.
4. I have already seen a few posts online about the FCSP faulting and not charging due to issues with overheating in a setup that was done properly by a professional. So at this point I think I’d prefer some chargers with a bit more history/reps behind it.

I was only asking because in my limited online research I hadn’t noticed a clear standout favorite 48A charger but it seems like a lot of y’all like your emporia

 

[CRAIGC540]

I picked Emporia because I have a Emporia energy monitor that uses the same app and you can derate the amps from 12A up to 48A. I wanted the 14-50 so I can use the charger that comes with the lighting or any other charger if needed.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I picked Emporia because I have a Emporia energy monitor that uses the same app and you can derate the amps from 12A up to 48A. I wanted the 14-50 so I can use the charger that comes with the lighting or any other charger if needed.

I'm giving Lectron 2 more weeks to possibly send me a coupon or to product test. If not, I'm getting an Emporia for these exact same reasons.

 

[GarageMahal]

I picked Emporia because I have a Emporia energy monitor that uses the same app and you can derate the amps from 12A up to 48A. I wanted the 14-50 so I can use the charger that comes with the lighting or any other charger if needed.

How long is the power cable with the 14-50 end on it? I couldn't find that on their website.

 

[Pioneer74]

How long is the power cable with the 14-50 end on it? I couldn't find that on their website.

EDIT: Apparently, the UL listed length is different than the non-UL. Mine is not listed. The length of the listed length, according to the website, is 22 inches.

 

[Maquis]

That’s one of the reasons it’s not UL listed. Power cables longer than 12” must have a GFCI built into the plug.

 

[Pioneer74]

That’s one of the reasons it’s not UL listed. Power cables longer than 12” must have a GFCI built into the plug.

The UL listed charger on the website has a 22" cable with no GFCI built into the cable.

 

[Maquis]

The UL listed charger on the website has a 22" cable with no GFCI built into the cable.

This is the standard UL2594:

I don’t see how they’re meeting that.

 

[Pioneer74]

 

[GarageMahal]

My very wild guess is that they had the unit UL certified in its "hard wired" configuration then added the cord later. I am also concerned that the max amps setting seems to be software controlled only; I would expect a physical setting of some sort to prevent a software (or user) error from overloading the circuit.

 

[metroshot]

Isn't the GFCI built into the circuit board where 240V enters ?

Yes, the current setting is controlled by the app.

If it does not connect to your Wifi & app, it defaults to 40A / 11kW (assumes plug use).

 

[Maquis]

I am also concerned that the max amps setting seems to be software controlled only; I would expect a physical setting of some sort to prevent a software (or user) error from overloading the circuit.

When the amperage is software controlled by the user, the supplying circuit must be sized to the maximum ampacity per the NEC.

Isn't the GFCI built into the circuit board where 240V enters ?

Likely so.
In order to meet UL 2495, the GFCI must be not more than 12” from the plug. Hence the reason most EVSEs have 12” cords.

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