Safety Concerns about using Portable EV Charger

When your portable EV Charger does not suffice or is probably unsafe!

Do customers wonder if connecting the Portable EV Charger “Mode-2” to a regular socket outlet is safe? The answer could be “Yes” if only the following conditions are met:

• If the socket outlet is newly installed or designed for the EV Charger with a suitable rated current and wire, sized to the charger capacity.
• If the wire runs to the socket outlet from an independent circuit, means no other load is shared with this socket’s circuit breaker.
• If the Portable Charger plug type is compatible to use with the socket outlet type, as the shape of connecting pins differs according to Ampere rating 13A/16A/32A.

Why all these conditions?

To ensure user safety and property preservation, will elaborate hereunder.

First, to let you know Portable EV Chargers “Mode-2” available in the market will have a power capacity from 2.3kW to 7.4kW, that is 10A to 32A respectively, using single phase connection; whereas all residential and commercial socket outlet has a maximum current rating of 13A which is insufficient and unsafe to use for any charger capacity greater than 2.8kW

If you choose or limit your Portable EV Charger to 2.3kW 10A, then it’s good to go for a regular commercial outlet; you need to plan however for a very long charging session.

For instance, an average 72kWh EV Battery (Tesla Y) would last approximately 22 hours to charge 80% using 2.3kW Portable EV Charger. As per the famous example, that is equivalent to a kettle boiling water for over 22 hours, would you do this to your home socket? The answer is probably NO.

Second, the 16A/32A socket outlet will be mainly used in industrial locations; if you manage to install it at your car parking location, which means a new wire with a dedicated circuit, you still need to make sure of the compatibility between Portable EV Charger Plug and the Socket.

In many cases, we saw the plug is G-Type UK while the socket is CEE Industrial! so here you need to involve an additional adapter in between which makes it inadequate and complicated when charging.

Third, as the standards emphasize, the EV Chargers distribution circuit shall be equal to 1, which means a dedicated power source connected with circuit breaker protection guarantees no other loads shared while charging your EV.

When you are plugging into an unknown power point, you could cause problems; normally when there is an overload, the circuit breaker will disconnect the charging session. In a worst-case scenario, if the wiring is old or has a dodgy connection somewhere, that can easily result in a fire.

Having said that, it’s recommended to consider installing a resolute Mode-3 EV Charger unit, connected permanently to an AC power supply with an integrated electrical circuit; it’s also known as Wall-Box or Smart Charger, and you will achieve the following advantages.

• More efficient protection guarantees the safety of both Users and Vehicles.
• Cost-effective installation starts from 7.4kW for a single-phase connection and can reach up to 11/22kW with three phase connection if applicable at your location.
• Distinctive features, communications, remote management, and Integration into smart home and photovoltaic systems.
• Reliable charging session without interruption
• It allows you to make the most of idle hours, such as at night or during office time, to charge your vehicle.