kevincwelch
Active Member
"No ground fault circuit interrupter."
"Service Disconnect not required."
Can someone explain these to me?
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"No ground fault circuit interrupter."
"Service Disconnect not required."
Can someone explain these to me?
GFI is a protection that detects a short or connection from one phase to ground to prevent shock as a safety device. This means that it is built into the UMC itself and should not be installed as a GFI breaker.
http://www.yourdictionary.com/ground-fault-interrupter
Service Disconnect is basically an off switch to depower the unit. For some applications of other devices a service disconnect is required by code to be able to shut it off in close proximity to the operation.
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gg_got_a_tesla
Model S: VIN 65513, Model 3: VIN 1913
Does that imply no power draw if the UMC is left plugged into the 14-50 but not into the car?! Lloyd, I may not be buying that used on/off switch from you after all
NigelM
Recovering Member
Irrelevant here. Local code means it must be at least 4' above the floor in my garage. A good electrician will be able to tell you what your local code requires.
I'm looking at an exterior installation, and I'm hoping I can inset the 14-50 into a low stone wall that bounds my driveway. Thanks for the thoughts; I'll have to consult with a local electrician.
Tommy
Member
Regarding the service disconnect, the code requires "a means of disconnect" for 240v. Typically, 240v devices are hard wired and a disconnect switch is needed to de-energize the device. In the case of the UMC, being a portable device the plug serves as the "means of disconnect". Different requirements come into play on devices above the UMC ratings which is one reason why the HPC requires a disconnect switch.
Does that imply no power draw if the UMC is left plugged into the 14-50 but not into the car?! Lloyd, I may not be buying that used on/off switch from you after all
There is minimal power draw, but hardly significant.
NigelM
Recovering Member
kevincwelch
Active Member
Ok, thanks.
Forgive my ignorance, but I am meeting with two electricians over the next couple of days. I want to make sure I dictate precisely what is needed.
The electricians stated that installing a 14-50 NEMA plug with 240V 50A service would be no big deal. They both suggested installing a subpanel next to the plug. Would it be standard to install a GFCI in this case? If so, is that something -- typically -- local code would require? If not, I am assuming that if I tell them not to install a GFCI on this plug they would know more or less what I am suggesting...
Secondly, is a service disconnect something standard for a circuit like this as well? You mentioned that some devices require this -- like what? In this case, I would be telling them one is not necessary.
Thanks
You do not want a GFCI for the Tesla. It is specifically contra-indicated.
@NigelM: hmm, hmm. I see your point. The 110v outlets I have are below the snow line but behind weather-proof covers, and with GFCI protection.
@NigelM: hmm, hmm. I see your point. The 110v outlets I have are below the snow line but behind weather-proof covers, and with GFCI protection.
NigelM
Recovering Member
You may also want to check local code. Our external 110v outlets have to be 18" above grade, but 220v must be 4'......don't ask me to explain why, I have no idea. (There's not even any snow here, ever!)
I turned out fine. But then again I put a screwdriver into the 120V socket. I was about 8. Wasn't fun.
Never tried the 240, and would not recommend it.
Not really different since 220/240 volts is really two phases each with 110/120 volts to ground. Unless you really work at it you will not get the full hot-to-hot voltage.
artsci
Sponsor
Does anyone know if the High Power Wall Connector is hard wired or a plug in? There's no indication in this information from Tesla. And if it's a plug it, what outlet is needed, NEMA 14-50 or something else?
dhrivnak
Active Member
I am fairly certain it is hard wired. It is designed for more than 40 amps and an electrician can not put a load of more than 40 amps on a NEMA 14-50.
That said it is easy for an electrician or even a DIY to add a plug for a hard wired unit. I actually did this for my HPC. My HPC connects to a NEMA 14-50 but i realise this is not code compliant and will modify if/when i sell the house.
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Tommy
Member
It would not surprise me if Tesla made two versions of the HPWC; a hard wire version and a plug-in version. The hard wire version would be adjustable up to the 80 amp draw to give the user/installer the ability to match charging needs and circuit size. The plug-in version would be limited to 40 amp draw and also give the user/installer the ability to match lower charging needs and circuit size. There are folks that would opt for a plug-in version of the HPWC vs. the UMC due to wanting a wall mounted type of device rather than a over-sized plug-in cord. We will see.
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artsci
Sponsor
Thinking about this, being a hopeless DIY I could add a plug, but what would be the point? The Universal connector's capacity is a 50 amp circuit with a 40 amp draw. Those are the specs for my current outdoor curbside set-up for my Volt, which I'll be using for the Model S. Even if I added a plug to the HWPC I'd gain nothing over the Universal connector in terms of charging speed/efficiency for the Model S, as it would operate on the limits of the 50/40 set up I have now. And if I upgraded the wiring and breaker to handle 80 amp draw, it would be for naught, as there are no NEMA plugs that I can find which handle more than 50 amps.
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