Finished installing my charger & generator manual transfer switch [to provide emergency power to my house using 240v 30a plug in the truck bed]

[jefro]

Wonder when code will make us put in a disconnect within reach of EVSE like AC and HWH.

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[Maquis]

Wonder when code will make us put in a disconnect within reach of EVSE like AC and HWH.

It’s already a requirement to have a disconnect for an EVSE either within sight, or lockable.

 

[Brotato]

Wonder when code will make us put in a disconnect within reach of EVSE like AC and HWH.

California for example already requires this. Some other states I found said its just for 60a or more. It wouldn't be a bad idea to put one in.

 

[Maquis]

California for example already requires this. Some other states I found said its just for 60a or more. It wouldn't be a bad idea to put one in.

The 60A is spelled out because they must be hard-wired. For cord and plug connected equipment, the plug counts as the disconnect.
But the 2020 NEC requires a disconnect for all. The plug still counts, but hard-wired would require a disconnect regardless of amperage. Quite a bit of the US has not yet adopted the 2020 code yet.

 

[Brotato]

The 60A is spelled out because they must be hard-wired. For cord and plug connected equipment, the plug counts as the disconnect.
But the 2020 NEC requires a disconnect for all. The plug still counts, but hard-wired would require a disconnect regardless of amperage. Quite a bit of the US has not yet adopted the 2020 code yet.

Thanks for the insight, this makes sense.

 

[Solar_EE]

I wanted to share my project I just finished that will let me use the 240v 30a plug in the truck bed to provide emergency power to my house. At the same time I ran a new line for a 48amp charger for the truck.

I also have a solar grid tie inverter (blue box) and Emporia Vue energy monitor (mess of white cables in the box). Not part of the backup system.

Happy to answer any questions!

Parts

• Reliance Controls 10-Circuit 30 Amp Manual Transfer Switch Kit
• Emporia 48a WiFi EVSE

It looks like your L14-30P is energized when you are charging your truck. This is dangerous- the box says to "connect your power cord before starting the generator". Do you connect to your Lightning with an L14-30 extension cord? I suppose you do this only when the manual transfer switch is disconnected from the grid.

 

[Solar_EE]

It looks like your L14-30P is energized when you are charging your truck. This is dangerous- the box says to "connect your power cord before starting the generator". Do you connect to your Lightning with an L14-30 extension cord? I suppose you do this only when the manual transfer switch is disconnected from the grid.

Now I see that you have separate wires- so this power inlet goes to your manual transfer switch?

 

[Solar_EE]

I didnt connect any large loads such as AC, electric water heater, etc. This will only support the lowest load circuits such as fridge, lights, office, etc. From what I have seen, the Ford app will show you the load on each leg of the 240 circuit which hopefully will make it easy to manage.

When will your truck arrive to test this?

 

[FlasherZ]

But the 2020 NEC requires a disconnect for all. The plug still counts, but hard-wired would require a disconnect regardless of amperage. Quite a bit of the US has not yet adopted the 2020 code yet.

My county is still on 2008.

 

[Brotato]

When will your truck arrive to test this?

Current delivery date is end of this month. I’ll update the thread when I test it.

 

[Maquis]

My county is still on 2008.

Same here. In Illinois, you default to 08 unless something later is adopted locally.

 

[FlasherZ]

Same here. In Illinois, you default to 08 unless something later is adopted locally.

I'm roughly near St. Louis in Illinois, whereabouts are you?

 

[Maquis]

I'm roughly near St. Louis in Illinois, whereabouts are you?

100 miles north of you.

 

[watchdoc]

Do you have an additional battery backup? What solar inverter are you using? If the grid goes down, does your solar inverter still supply power?

 

[RickE]

That’s what I suspected. Technically, that‘s a code violation. But it works fine - electrons are color blind.

Simply get some green electrical tape and tape up both ends of the white wire with it. Code violation gone!

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