1. Do I need a professional electrician to install the EV Charger?
Emporia always recommends that a licensed electrician or other qualified professional complete the installation of our Level 2 charger.
2. Does Emporia Energy provide a list of qualified installers/electricians?
In most US areas, you can purchase an EV Charger with professional installation. Check availability at https://treehouse.pro/emporia.
3. What about ground fault protection?
Understanding GFCI Breaker Requirements for the Emporia Level 2 EV Chargers
The Emporia Level 2 EV chargers, including the Pro and Classic models, offer built-in GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection. This internal feature provides the critical safety mechanism needed to detect leakage currents and prevent electric shock. Understanding the implications of built-in GFCI protection is crucial for correct installation.
Key Guidelines for Different Installation Methods
Hardwired Installations When hardwiring an Emporia Level 2 EV charger, you do not need to install a GFCI breaker at the panel. The built-in GFCI protection within the charger fulfills this requirement. It is recommended to use a standard (non-GFCI) breaker for the hardwired circuit. Using a GFCI breaker in this case may result in unnecessary tripping caused by redundant GFCI safeguards. NEMA Socket Installations For NEMA outlet connections, NEC (National Electrical Code) may mandate the use of a GFCI breaker, depending on your local building codes. However, if you are converting the setup from a NEMA outlet to a hardwired installation directly into a junction box, a GFCI breaker is no longer required. Be aware that when the charger performs its regular ground-fault self-test during operation, it can cause nuisance trips if connected to a circuit with both a GFCI breaker and the charger’s internal GFCI. This may interrupt charging and require you to reset the breaker.
Why Avoid Redundancy in GFCI Protection?
Redundant GFCI protection, such as having both a breaker with GFCI and the charger’s internal GFCI, can lead to operational issues. For instance, the charger’s self-testing capability might trigger the external GFCI breaker unnecessarily. This could disrupt the charging process and require manual intervention to resume operations. By following these guidelines and consulting your local building codes or a licensed electrician, you can ensure a safe and efficient installation of your Emporia Level 2 EV charger.
FAQs on GFCI Protection
Does the Emporia Level 2 charger require any additional GFCI protection? No, the charger has built-in GFCI protection. Additional GFCI protection (e.g., using a GFCI breaker) is unnecessary and may lead to issues like nuisance trips. What is the impact of nuisance trips caused by redundant GFCI? Nuisance trips can interrupt the charging process whenever the charger’s internal GFCI performs its self-test. This makes it critical to avoid redundant GFCI setups. What adjustments need to be made for NEMA outlet circuits? Since NEMA outlet setups may require a GFCI breaker by code, verify local regulations and avoid unnecessary additions if switching to a hardwired connection. For more information on GFCI protections and installing the charger on GFCI breakers, refer to our detailed article. You can also find technical specifications on the protections provided in the device technical specifications PDF.
4. What wire diameter (AWG) should be used for the power supply?
Use 6 AWG copper wire rated for 90°C to support the full 48-amp capacity. Consult an electrician for your specific setup. More information.
5. Is the EV Charger suitable for outdoor installations?
Yes, its NEMA Type 4 enclosure makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. More information.
6. How is the NEMA outlet aligned?
The included 22-inch NEMA plug is flexible to fit any outlet orientation. By default, the ground pin is at the bottom.
7. What is the size of the cable knockouts on the EV Charger?
The charger casing has a 1 1/4-inch knockout. The included conduit fitting is 1 inch.
8. Is a neutral line required?
No, only two live lines and a ground/earth connection are needed.
9. Can I install the NEMA plug with the ground pin facing up?
Yes, but ensure there’s enough slack for the plug to turn without straining the cable.
10. Are higher amperage breakers acceptable?
Yes, you can use any breaker size as needed. However, lower-rated breakers will reduce your available charge rate.
11. Should I use stranded or solid wire?
Solid core wire is recommended. A licensed electrician can confirm if stranded wire is suitable.
12. Can the EV Charger work on a single-phase 240V line?
No, it requires a single-split phase (two 120V lines) with a 180° phase offset.
13. Are different-length charging cables available?
Currently, we only offer a 25-foot charge cable with all EV Charger models.
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Our goal is to provide all the information you need to manage your energy effectively. If this article wasn't helpful, or if we could clarify any points further, please reach out to our Customer Support team. We are always working to improve our guides.