Charging Lightning ER on 50A Circuit with L2 Charger

[Tfarrell73]

If I have a 50 amp circuit breaker. Could I simply replace it with a 60 amp to get the usable 48amp charge rate from my charger?

You would need to replace the wire with the breaker. 60 amps requires heavier wire than 50

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[Danface]

Why do any of that? It can be changed from within the app but also the truck can just be limited to a couple hour charging window. There's no benefit to slowing the charging down to take up the entire 6 hour low rate TOU and seems like it would just introduce additional, unnecessary charging overhead.

But most importantly, the 60A EVSEs won't work with the 3 AWG wire the Charge Station Pro required because the lugs aren't going to be sized for that. The lugs on the Charge Station Pro itself are barely large enough

Same equation for KWH everywhere in the universe (although the "H" would be different in a black hole)

 

[Nick503955]

I'm using 2AWG on my FCSP. I'm swapping this out for 4 or 6 AWG for the Tesla Universal Connector.

The reason for the switch isn't to "use the whole charge window." I'm switching because I prefer the Tesla charger since the FCSP doesn't reliably charge my Tesla and I don't need 80amps of charge speed, which only the Lightning can even use.

 

[Tfarrell73]

I'm using 2AWG on my FCSP. I'm swapping this out for 4 or 6 AWG for the Tesla Universal Connector.

The reason for the switch isn't to "use the whole charge window." I'm switching because I prefer the Tesla charger since the FCSP doesn't reliably charge my Tesla and I don't need 80amps of charge speed, which only the Lightning can even use.

You don't have to change wire to use smaller breaker

 

[Maquis]

You don't have to change wire to use smaller breaker

You do (at least at the ends) if the wire won’t fit the lugs.

 

[Nick503955]

I'm going the other direction. If you want to swap your FCSP and wiring for my 60A openEVSE and whip with some cash I could meet you somewhere in San Diego.

I went back and forth on this because I had my FCSP out in the desert and my 60A in LA and there's only been a few times when I've come in with around 20% and needed to go somewhere pretty quickly. The CCS connector is clunky if you're not using the truck for power backup but any other 80A EVSE is prohibitively expensive compared to the FCSP.

Hit me up if you want me FCSP. I already have my replacement Tesla universal wall connector ready to install.

 

[srspring551]

When I went to test drive my Lariat yesterday before taking possession, dealer told me that the Ford rep told them this week to recommend charging to between only 40 and 60% SOC, unless cold weather season or on a trip. I was under the impression that 20-80% was fine. Anyone hear this?

 

[TaxmanHog]

When I went to test drive my Lariat yesterday before taking possession, dealer told me that the Ford rep told them this week to recommend charging to between only 40 and 60% SOC, unless cold weather season or on a trip. I was under the impression that 20-80% was fine. Anyone hear this?

Charge to 90% daily so that you're ready on a moments notice to bug out

 

[Nick503955]

You do (at least at the ends) if the wire won’t fit the lugs.

100%. The 60amp breaker supports up to 4 AWG and same with the Tesla Universal Wall Connector. Hence, replacing the 2AWG.

 

[mme_and_lightning]

What are people's experiences charging the Lightning ER on a L2 Charger limited to 50A circuit?
How many more hours to go from 15% TO 80/100%
Thanks,

I believe Ford is still providing an 80 Amp charger for all buyers of ER lightnings.

SunRun will charge a, seemingly, standard $1,500 fee for setting up a 100 AMP (100% copper, I repeat 100% copper) line and hardwire to your Ford Charger.

Some electricians have installed using copper clad (not 100% copper) and it has caused issues. Please aware of that.

 

[VTHokies]

I believe Ford is still providing an 80 Amp charger for all buyers of ER lightnings.

SunRun will charge a, seemingly, standard $1,500 fee for setting up a 100 AMP (100% copper, I repeat 100% copper) line and hardwire to your Ford Charger.

Some electricians have installed using copper clad (not 100% copper) and it has caused issues. Please aware of that.

they still come with the ER but believe that changes for 2024 model year. Just had mine installed 2 weeks ago by Sunrurn... in TX it was $1,250 if no additional work is required and charger is installed within around 5ft or so of your panel.

 

[Maquis]

Some electricians have installed using copper clad (not 100% copper) and it has caused issues. Please aware of that.

That‘s nuts. The ampacity of CCA is the same as aluminum, meaning #1 is needed for 100A, which won’t even fit in the terminals.

 

[mme_and_lightning]

That‘s nuts. The ampacity of CCA is the same as aluminum, meaning #1 is needed for 100A, which won’t even fit in the terminals.

You may enjoy an internet search on 'Ford 80 amp charger installation issues' or something like that. You'll see what I'm saying.

I am not an electrician, but as explained in a few videos, the non-100% copper wires will overheat, and the charger will detect the heat and shutdown. When re-wired with 100% copper as the installation manual states is necessary, the chargers will work fine according to the videos.

That said, I have no empirical knowledge, just what some have reported.

 

[Maquis]

You may enjoy an internet search on 'Ford 80 amp charger installation issues' or something like that. You'll see what I'm saying.

I am not an electrician, but as explained in a few videos, the non-100% copper wires will overheat, and the charger will detect the heat and shutdown. When re-wired with 100% copper as the installation manual states is necessary, the chargers will work fine according to the videos.

That said, I have no empirical knowledge, just what some have reported.

Sorry….my “That’s nuts” comment wasn’t about your post, it‘s my feeling about an electrician using CCA wire. I’d never use it for anything!

 

[mme_and_lightning]

Sorry….my “That’s nuts” comment wasn’t about your post, it‘s my feeling about an electrician using CCA wire. I’d never use it for anything!

I did not think you were being rude or any such thing. Please have no concern. I do appreciate that you ensured all was good with me. Thanks.

I don't know much about wiring. So, I enjoyed learning from the videos. I did not know, and some electricians seem to not know, about the issues too.

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