40amp or 48amp charging on a Charger Station Pro

[Lucky Larry]

I have my ford charge station pro set to use 40 amps by setting the dial inside the unit. i have a 6-50 receptacle hard wired with 6 gauge copper wire to a 50 amp breaker in my electrical panel. I then plug the FCSP into the receptacle using a 3 foot 8/3 SOOW cable with a 6-50 plug on 1 end and the other end is connected inside the FCSP. Note that i am using only brand name products in my set up.

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[Maquis]

It should be noted that the installation instructions for the FCSP only specify hardwiring. Installing with a cord and plug is a violation of NEC section 110.3(B).

 

[rdr854]

You are going to need to talk to a certified electrician and your local building code official since the install may likely require a building/electrical permit and inspection.

 

[Ishkatan]

You should find out how much it really saves you to go for the smaller wire. Note that only the portion from the emergency cut off / sub panel needs to be copper. The run from the main house panels can be aluminum providing it is rated at 100 amps.

I have a really long run - about 90 feet of aluminum to a sub panel in the garage, then ~50 feet of copper outside in a trench to the charger.

Why do you want to limit the charger to 40-48 amps? I don't think it really increases battery life a great deal. What you want is to limit charging to stop at 70-80% unless you are doing a long road trip.

Also, when your dealer submits your name to Ford you should get an email inviting you to apply on line for the charger. (Better do it soon, I hear there is a time limit.) On-line you can choose between the $1300 Pro or another $799 lower power charger, I think 48 amp. You could just go for the lower power charger, but why limit yourself?

 

[JRT]

If you are doing a new install and new line, I'd do the 100amp circuit and enjoy the 80amp setting. I had a NEMI 14-50 outlet installed in 2021 for my Mach-E portable charger, when I went to my Lightning, it made sense to just add an RV 14-50, extension cord to the charger and set it for 40amps.

 

[Ltron]

I put a pigtail on the Pro, plugged into my 50 amp 14-50 with dip set back to 40 amp, works great.

 

[Maquis]

I don’t disagree….but there may be even worse rules in the NEC. Not worth going there in a car forum.

 

[River Rat]

Just set mine up 100amp breaker, 3AWG, dialed down to 48amp charging Mach E and Lightning. don't need full 80 but its there if I want to dial up. Works great so far and I think the lower charge is better for the battery.

 

[Zprime29]

Just set mine up 100amp breaker, 3AWG, dialed down to 48amp charging Mach E and Lightning. don't need full 80 but its there if I want to dial up. Works great so far and I think the lower charge is better for the battery.

Level 2 charging is such a low C rating for the size of the battery that it's not a significant impact on the battery. Depth of charge will have significantly more impact.

 

[marc_hanna]

makes sense. is the

hmm. would a certified electrician do that, given whats in the manual? i haven't compared cost of 3awg copper vs 4 awg for 60 amps vs 6awg for 50 amps, might be worth a look.

The cost difference is minimal. I paid $55 for a 100amp breaker and $30-40 for all the wire. If your panel will support it, there's no down side to wiring for 80 amps except the cost of a few cups of coffee. You can always de-rate it internally or through the app.
If you are intent of wiring it for 48 amps, you should de-rate it internally, to ensure that it meets code and so that someone doesn't accidentally up-rate it through the app and start a fire.

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