PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
The supercharger, I haven't seen a home charger but I am guessing they are or could be longer? I'd say those cables are pretty pricy, so even saving 6 inches of wire for thousands is a significant savings.
Electric Car News
- Thread starter Kyle
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glhs837
Power with Control
Home chargers, being level 2, have lighter and longer cables. 24 feet for the 220v, 20 feet for the 120v.
glhs837
Power with Control
Buddy of mine just installed his DIY. Said the hardest part was wrestling the 6 gauge cable. His main panel wasnt too far from where he wanted to install it near the garage door. As for savings, he did the math here locally. Charge/Gas cost assuming 30mpg its about parity with the local Supercharger. Which he's been doing for a year at .48 a kWh.
Now, he's going to be paying .15 a kWh.
glhs837
Power with Control
That charger can support 48 amps. So a 60 amp breaker. I think copper. He's not the sort to skimp on things like that.
glhs837
Power with Control
I didn't say that. He just said that was the hardest part of the job. But I know what you mean. The years do take a toll....You think #6 is hard to bend?
Try 500 Aluminum in a 400amp panel.
Damn I wish I still had that strength.
PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
I would want one with a detachable cord to keep someone from stealing it if outside, I wonder if they make those. A simple heavy duty "outlet" just on the outside of the house would be nice.
Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
It could be mounted inside with a cord long enough to reach outside. Notch/flap the garage door so it can still be closed.
glhs837
Power with Control
Is that really a risk where you live? Would someone come along with cutters and snip it off? If so, I've seen where folks have mounted small boxes the charger fits inside.
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PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
My electrical design experience with aircraft makes me want replaceable cables on everything for instances such as theft, replacement etc. If it's outside all the time weather and UV rays will break it down too, eventually.
I like modular everything.
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Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
I do too, up to a point, then you start getting resistance losses and multiple points of potential failure. KISS.
Was thinking the same thing for a new automatic transfer switch for the new Jackery whole house backup. Most have an ATS and a separate transfer switch breaker panel, they came out with an integrated panel with breakers and electronics in one box. My first thought was nice... less hardware to install, easier wiring. Then I thought about what happens when the electronics crap out. You have to pull the entire panel and ALL wires and breakers to repair/replace. Nope. I'd rather be more modular with separate panels.