charging level 1, need an electrician?

[recipe0]

Hi!

I just got home with my i3 BEV. Practically stole it from the dealer. Or at least I think I did, I'm sure they have an angle.

Anyway, I bought the car late at night, so there was no "genius" to consult with.

I put the car in my garage and plugged it into my 110v outlet. Then I brought the owner's manual in, to peruse. I flipped to "charging" and discovered this sentence: "Prior to the first Level 1 charging at your own household socket, as well as when charging at external electrical power sockets in Level 1, the allowed charge current strength must be determined, e.g. by a qualified electrician."

WHAT???? AM I FRYING MY CAR RIGHT NOW??? Can somebody please tell me what I need to know, and need to do?

Thanks very much!

 

[alohart]

The i3 has settings for 3 charging rates at Level 1. The default is minimum which would be VERY slow. This minimizes the risk of your overloading the circuit, especially if it's a 15-amp circuit with multiple outlets that might be in use by other loads. However, if you know the circuit's capacity (usually 15 or 20 amps) and you know that nothing else is using this circuit, then you should set the charging rate to maximum in iDrive (12 amps) to accelerate the charging rate. But no matter what, you won't damage your i3.

 

[recipe0]

Okay, that's great to hear that I won't damage it. Thanks so much!

The i3 is the only thing on the circuit! I will go try to figure out how to navigate the menus and maximize the charge.

 

[jadnashuanh]

The only thing to watch for would be an old, worn out receptacle (i.e., one where there is no tension on the plug when inserted), or, if there were some defect in the plug or its wiring (say loose or corroded connections). That, and it should be a grounded receptacle. The car is probably defaulted to a lower max charge on 120vac (Level 1), so you do need to tweak it up to maximum if it is the only thing on the circuit. Keep in mind, sometimes, there may be other things on that circuit you are not aware of...it's not just the receptacle, it could be a bunch of light fixtures. Depending on the load, you might NEED to drop the i3 charging rate, or move it to another circuit. Ideally, it would be a dedicated receptacle on its own circuit breaker. If I were going to run one like that, I'd probably do it with a 20A plug...won't make the i3 charge faster, but would give you the option of buying an EVSE that could do 16A max charging rate verses 12A. Ideally, if fastest possible is your goal, you'll put in a 240vac circuit and buy an EVSE. A 120vac, 20A receptacle will accept a 'normal' plug, but will have the hot lead with a T-shaped slot, and a 20A plug will fit into it as well.

 

[jelloslug]

And avoid using an extension cord unless it is rated for 15 amps.

 

[jadnashuanh]

Any extension cord (not recommended at all) should have at least 14g wires, and 12g would be better, especially if it needs any length to it. Do NOT leave the cord coiled up, regardless! Long-term, high-current, and a coiled up cord acts like an inductor, and that can cause it to heat up even if the wire gauge would normally be sufficient.

You can make figure-8 loops out of it and the reversing directions will cancel out, limiting heat buildup.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Our JLong J1772 extension cable is fully rated for 40 amps, and carries all the safety protocols necessary for safe charging (Ground Fault Current Interrupt, Pilot, signal, Proximity safety disconnect).

JLong can extend the length of *any* J1772 charge cable and can extend the length of the cord by 10 to 40 feet.

It helps when you're at a public charge station and it's blocked (but you can get into a nearby spot) and also for charge stations where the cord won't easily reach the back of the car to plug in. Those visits to Grandma's house to try and reach her dryer outlet are a whole lot easier.

Fully 40 amp capable, light weight and very portable. One of our top sellers. Patent pending.

http://shop.quickchargepower.com/JLONG-40-Amp-J1772-extension-cable-JL40A.htm

 

[Boatguy]

No worries, you can't fry the car. The worst thing that can happen is you'll pop a circuit breaker. I've been charging at home with the level 1 for over 5,000 miles, no problems.