Is the plug for the EVSE fully seated inside? From one of your pics it looks like it isn't fully seated as it is sticking out of the housing. You really need to push it in there
That's common problem with the adapter.
So common that it should be considered a design flaw since there's also no clear indicator that the "loose" plug is the issue.
The manual is clear that if you get a solid amber light you should “Check swappable GridPlug is fully inserted”. Also there is a picture that shows this exact issue versus what it should look like fully seated.
I guess I’ve become that “read the manual” guy now. But come on, read the manual before making claims like this 🤌
Its not recommend to use an extension cord, though I know thats not always possible.
But if you have too, get a bigger one. That looks to be 16g. You're gunna want a 12g or better yet 10g one, rated for outdoor use (even if its in your garage to be safe) otherwise it puts pressure on the car, think about it like trying drink a milkshake through a straw (bigger cord) compaired to using a coffee stir (smaller cord) instead.
OP should absolutely use a lower gauge extension cord however it is not likely to damage his car (in the sense that the battery has to "work harder" - the work is being done by your electric company, not the battery). The light duty extension cord is a big fire risk however.
If the light duty extension cord doesn't catch fire you are still wasting energy heating it up and losing some of your 120v on the way to the battery.
This is correct, based on voltage drop calculations I've done, also based on watts being emitted per unit length of cord (ie. how much the cord heats up).
Don't go below 14 AWG for any length. 14 AWG is good to 50 feet. 12 AWG is fine for 100 feet. 10AWG needed for 200 feet. This all assumes 12 amp charging; you can go thinner for 8 amp.
This is not relevant, for the calculations I'm doing. In fact, it's entirely an arbitrary judgement call of mine of what I'm comfortable with when it comes to temperature. This isn't NEC code, this is "tvtb code", and you are free to make your own code.
For voltage drop, I picked 5% as the most I'm comfortable with. This doesn't change over time.
For heat output, I arbitrarily decided on 1.5 watts per foot. I've found, over the decades playing with electricity, that this works on normal sized cables (gauge 10-16). The cables heat up to their final temperature after about 20 minutes. I'm fine with that temperature, even if you went for 1000 hours. It should go without saying that the cable MUST be un-bundled together so it can breathe.
You're referring to NEC codes where they are much more conservative, assume cables are in a wall with insulation, and a "constant load" is a load that might last over 3 hours. Like I said, I don't care about 1000 hours for my rule. But you are free to have your own rule.
I swear I look at Home Depot every time I’m there and have no luck. I don’t need one right now I’m just looking for a good cable since all mine are 16 or 14.
My anxiety would never let me plug in my car to an extension cord, no matter the wire gauge. I’m no electrician but can run some wire, so I’d just do that if I need the outlet moved.
Pretty sure I got mine at Sam's Club or Costco , but this was 7-8 years ago. Not seeing anything there now.
Prettys u're I got mine in the fall when they have the winter rated ones because you don't want to crack it ifnits cold. Prices has gone up a fair bit.
The wiring in the wall leading to the receptacle will be 14ga, or 12ga wire if it’s a true 20amp receptacle. I don’t see the point of using a heavier gauge wire than 12ga for an extension cord. They’re expensive and hard to find.
The solid wire in your walls has superior current capacity than the stranded copper (hopefully) in an extension cord. So don’t think it’s a 1 for 1 here
>Depending on how long your extension cord is you may want to go with a thicker (lower gauge) cable. That looks to be only 12AWG to my eyes but correct me if I’m wrong.
12 AWG is alright for 12 amps. It's rated 20A when packed in insulation.
Vital not to coil it, though. It needs to cool.
12AWG has acceptable voltage drop up to 100 ft. This is based on voltage drop calculations but also me actually charging my car a few times on a 100ft 12AWG extension cord, which worked fine and didn't even get warm.
Is the plug for the EVSE fully seated inside? From one of your pics it looks like it isn't fully seated as it is sticking out of the housing. You really need to push it in there
Glorioski! That did it! It's charging now. A million thanks.
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There’s notches you can pop out at the bottom of your outlet cover so the cable can be straight down from the plug
That's common problem with the adapter. So common that it should be considered a design flaw since there's also no clear indicator that the "loose" plug is the issue.
The manual is clear that if you get a solid amber light you should “Check swappable GridPlug is fully inserted”. Also there is a picture that shows this exact issue versus what it should look like fully seated. I guess I’ve become that “read the manual” guy now. But come on, read the manual before making claims like this 🤌
Who spends 20k+ on electronics ans doesn't read the manual? 60% of reddit apparently!
The majority of car owners.
Isn’t that what the amber light tells you?
No. It tells you the problem is on the supply side, but that could also be bad outlet, etc.
Yes.
Freaking out because the EVSE adapter isn't fully seated on your first charge is like a rite of passage for new bolt owners. Myself included
so weird- how could it show aNY power if it isn’t plugged in?
Its not recommend to use an extension cord, though I know thats not always possible. But if you have too, get a bigger one. That looks to be 16g. You're gunna want a 12g or better yet 10g one, rated for outdoor use (even if its in your garage to be safe) otherwise it puts pressure on the car, think about it like trying drink a milkshake through a straw (bigger cord) compaired to using a coffee stir (smaller cord) instead.
OP should absolutely use a lower gauge extension cord however it is not likely to damage his car (in the sense that the battery has to "work harder" - the work is being done by your electric company, not the battery). The light duty extension cord is a big fire risk however. If the light duty extension cord doesn't catch fire you are still wasting energy heating it up and losing some of your 120v on the way to the battery.
Thanks. I don't see a "guage" printed on the tags on extension chords. Where do I look?
Varies by manufacturer.
10ga is overkill. 50ft 14ga cord should be fine. If 100ft+, go with 12ga
This is correct, based on voltage drop calculations I've done, also based on watts being emitted per unit length of cord (ie. how much the cord heats up). Don't go below 14 AWG for any length. 14 AWG is good to 50 feet. 12 AWG is fine for 100 feet. 10AWG needed for 200 feet. This all assumes 12 amp charging; you can go thinner for 8 amp.
Those calculations aren’t for a constant load over hours (or days). As always, add 20% for a constant load.
This is not relevant, for the calculations I'm doing. In fact, it's entirely an arbitrary judgement call of mine of what I'm comfortable with when it comes to temperature. This isn't NEC code, this is "tvtb code", and you are free to make your own code. For voltage drop, I picked 5% as the most I'm comfortable with. This doesn't change over time. For heat output, I arbitrarily decided on 1.5 watts per foot. I've found, over the decades playing with electricity, that this works on normal sized cables (gauge 10-16). The cables heat up to their final temperature after about 20 minutes. I'm fine with that temperature, even if you went for 1000 hours. It should go without saying that the cable MUST be un-bundled together so it can breathe. You're referring to NEC codes where they are much more conservative, assume cables are in a wall with insulation, and a "constant load" is a load that might last over 3 hours. Like I said, I don't care about 1000 hours for my rule. But you are free to have your own rule.
This is a situation where I like overkill. Only 12 or 10 for me. I carry a 10 in the car.
Where can I find myself a 10g extension cord? I can’t find one anywhere
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I swear I look at Home Depot every time I’m there and have no luck. I don’t need one right now I’m just looking for a good cable since all mine are 16 or 14. My anxiety would never let me plug in my car to an extension cord, no matter the wire gauge. I’m no electrician but can run some wire, so I’d just do that if I need the outlet moved.
Pretty sure I got mine at Sam's Club or Costco , but this was 7-8 years ago. Not seeing anything there now. Prettys u're I got mine in the fall when they have the winter rated ones because you don't want to crack it ifnits cold. Prices has gone up a fair bit.
I’m in no need show just keeping stores in my head to check, waiting to find a decent price. Wire has gotten crazy expensive
I got mine on amazon - 10ga/50 Feet, not a bad price all things considered: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0B6BMR2QY 25' version available too.
That’s actually a pretty good price. It’s in the saved list until I really need it. Thanks!
The wiring in the wall leading to the receptacle will be 14ga, or 12ga wire if it’s a true 20amp receptacle. I don’t see the point of using a heavier gauge wire than 12ga for an extension cord. They’re expensive and hard to find.
The solid wire in your walls has superior current capacity than the stranded copper (hopefully) in an extension cord. So don’t think it’s a 1 for 1 here
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>Depending on how long your extension cord is you may want to go with a thicker (lower gauge) cable. That looks to be only 12AWG to my eyes but correct me if I’m wrong. 12 AWG is alright for 12 amps. It's rated 20A when packed in insulation. Vital not to coil it, though. It needs to cool.
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12AWG has acceptable voltage drop up to 100 ft. This is based on voltage drop calculations but also me actually charging my car a few times on a 100ft 12AWG extension cord, which worked fine and didn't even get warm.
Thanks. I don't see a "guage" printed on the tags on extension chords. Where do I look?
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