How To Safely Charge Your Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicle charging is safe, as long as it's done properly. I sit down with Qmerit EV charging installation expert, Matt Trout, to discuss how to make sure your EV charging equipment is installed properly.

Chapters
0:00 Introduction
3:07 Interview with Qmerit's Matt Trout, an EV charging installation specialist
5:24 Hardwired vs plug-in EV charging
11:34 Hire an EV charging specialist, not just any electrician
14:39 The new code requires GFCI-protected outlets, which may cause nuisance tripping
19:14 My recommendations for safe home electric vehicle charging
26:05 Outro

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[klantic]

This video is exactly what I needed. I also watched the Munro Live video and got freaked out. I originally had a certified electrician come out and hard wire a Tesla wall charger, but my bill never said about what type of breaker and wire/gauge. Out of concern I had a separate company come out and "double check" the work and all is good. I mentioned about the continuous load and he said that the #6 Romex is fine. This is contrary to what you're mentioning here. If I ran at a lower amp would that be safer (say 30a or 35a)?

[vlad]

You’re doing the EV community—and particularly the newbies—a huge service by explaining these considerations without alarmist clickbait. Thanks, Tom!

[pstoneking]

Excellent point made in this video. I've been retired now since 2010, and was an IBEW & UAW electrician for 30 yrs and 25 yrs electrical technician with the FAA. These are all excellent suggestions for a common sense home owner who wishes to wire his own charger circuit. But if the electrician you hire doesn't already know everything you've talked about in this video you'd probably be better off following all these suggestions and just wiring it yourself.

[gregpochet]

I at first had a portable charger that I was plugging and unplugging, then saw the Munro Video and decided to get a wall mounted one. This video confirms that. Thanks

[IDNHANTUday]

The great thing about the tesla is that you can adjust the charge Amperage on the vehicle screen. So although I have a 50 Amp breaker and capable of charging at 38 Amps (75% of 50amps), I charge my EV at 18 Amps. This keeps the whole charging system cooler. Hot wires means wasting energy in the form of heat. You don't need to charge at high amps if you are charging overnight for 8 hours or more. BTW, I used the proper 6 gauge THHN and a High grade wall connector. If your connector does not use an Allen wrench to tighten the wires, and uses a regular screwdriver instead, you know you have a fire-starter. Also the only time I charge at home at 38 Amps is if I need to charge at about 28 miles an hour. Otherwise a slow 15 to 18 amp slow charge is the best. Your equipment will love love you for it.

[drmaudio]

I had my solar installers add a 14-50 for charging. I just paused the video and went out and checked. Looks like they did it right. Dedicated circuit, THHN AWG 6 in conduit, Hubbell receptacle in a metal box. Thanks for doing this. I don't need to make any changes, but the peace of mind is nice.

[lawrencewebb]

Very comprehensive explanation of the charging problems.
Thanks Tom for being so thorough. This should help alleviate new EV owner’s concerns.

[jamesstricklerii]

Been driving all electric for a decade now, and I have never had an issue with home charging. The way we had our electricians wire up for our NEMA 6-50 plugs was to have a dedicated breaker on the main bar that runs directly to that outlet only. Have never had an issue, and that is even including during the hot summer months here in Las Vegas. Like you said at the end of the video, so long as you have an electrician set it up for you, they will be able to advise you on whether you are going to draw too much on that outlet.

[baja]

Wow, very informative especially being that I am picking up my new EV tomorrow. Thanks to your video, I will hire an electrician that specializes in EV charging installations because I am not willing to take any risks.

[robcossin]

Thank you for this video, I was one of your followers that emailed you!

[ericm]

Thank you, Tom. Great addition to Sandy's video (and a little easier to understand). Good job.

[williamfeiring]

So I just checked my connections (installation was a year ago) and one of them was loose. I guess this will go on my 8 month to do list. Thanks again Tom for bringing this important information to the EV community.

[johnpoldo]

As an EE with over 30 yrs experience, I installed a 50A line for the Tesla mobile connector in my garage. Make sure you do the wiggle test on each conductor and re-torque each lug if needed. One of mine slightly loosened after 6 months producing heat.

[max-timothy-lev]

I was going with the portability until I saw your video. Thank you

[Evilclocker]

Thanks for the Great Info! just had my Ford Pro charger installed. i only running it at 64amps which is plenty

[georgepelton]

Great video Tom! Everyone who has an EVSE installed, or who just uses a 120 V outlet to charge their car, should watch this.

[loriallen]

Great video. Thanks. Had to convince engineer husband to hire electrician but so glad I did.

[StormyDog]

Great video and a thanks to Munro Live for bringing this issue to light for most of us. Probably will save homes and lives. Thanks Tom.

[demos]

I'm looking into purchasing a VW ID.4 right now and this video was incredibly helpful. Thanks so much Tom.

[drewcantu]

Excellent info. You answered A LOT of questions I had. I'm sending this link to my electrician / handyman.