Portable Level 2 EVSEs + NEMA cable/adapter suppliers:

[studio460]

I've been trying to configure a cable and portable EVSE solution for the unused dryer outlet at my dad's house, but failed to find the right sex, etc. for this particular NEMA connector:

LEVITON NEMA 30A 125/250V NEMA 10-30R

Any help on suppliers would be greatly appreciated since I can't seem to find the last piece: a female NEMA 6-20 to male 10-30R adapter. I also need to run a fair amount of extension cable (25' should do it, plus the cable on the portable EVSE), out through the garage to the driveway of his house, so I'll also need recommended suppliers for an appropriate extension cable (e.g., NEMA 6-20 male/female cables). Here's three portable EVSEs which seem best suited to the application (I'm leaning toward the EVSE Upgrade (Nissan) unit for its compact form factor and high-amperage rating):

Portable Level 2 ESVEs:

• Clipper Creek LCS-25P: 20A @ 240V [4.8kW]
• Aerovironment TurboCord: 16A @ 240V [3.8kW]
• EVSE-upgraded Nissan model NN2R3H: 25A @ 240V [6.0kW]

Clipper Creek LCS-25P [L6-30]:

I guess I could get the Clipper Creek LCS-25P (the model with the L6-30 twist-lock connector already installed), then get a female L6-30 to male 10-30R adapter to be able to plug into my dad's dryer outlet. Then I could use "standard" L6-30 male/female twist-lock cables for extension cords: Clipper Creek LCS-25P: http://www.clippercreek.com/store/product/charging-station-lcs-25p-nema-l6-30-2/

Aerovironment TurboCord [6-20]:

For the Aerovironment product, I would need a female NEMA 6-20 to male 10-30R adapter. Then, in this case, I could use "standard" NEMA 6-20 male/female cables for extension cords. I had originally thought that the Clipper Creek EVSE had a higher charging amperage, but it's the same as the TurboCord. And, since the form factor of the TurboCord is so compact (its greatest selling advantage), I'd probably prefer it over the Clipper Creek: http://evsolutions.avinc.com/turbocord

EVSE-Upgrade modified Nissan model NN2R3H [L6-30R]:

Compact unit with highest amperage rating. It's programmable from 12-16A for 120V supplies, and up to 25A for 240V supplies. This seems to offer the best of both worlds, and appears to be the best option for most [thanks, cwstnsko]!

I found this link for adapters in an old thread here: http://evseupgrade.com/?main_page=index&cPath=7 but, choosing the pieces required for "assembling" a portable, almost-Level 2 EVSE kit was a bit bewildering. I finally found a female L6-30 to male 10-30R adapter here: http://evseupgrade.com/?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=17 which will work with the Clipper Creek unit, but, I'm still looking for the female NEMA 6-20 to male 10-30R adapter for the TurboCord.

 

[Abelgoddard]

Check emotorwerks.com. They sell connectors and I think they'll have what you need.

 

[studio460]

If it were me, I'd turn off the breaker, pull the trim plate off that 10-30R and pull the receptacle out a bit to see what wiring is in the box and what is connected. Sometimes there is a separate ground wire in the box already which would allow you to change the receptacle to something more current than the 10-30R such as a 14-30R. Or if you knew which EVSE you were going to end up with, you could just install a receptacle that matches the EVSE (L6-30R or 6-20R).

Great idea! Thanks for all the helpful advice!

 

[studio460]

. . . or I'd get the upgraded Nissan unit that supports 4.8kW charging: http://evseupgrade.com/?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=5

I didn't know about the Nissan product. That looks great!

 

[silverjie]

any updates on this?

I have exactly same situation as yours. Same unused LEVITON NEMA 30A 125/250V NEMA 10-30R in my laundry room. Want to know what is the best solution.

Thanks for any input.

 

[twscrap]

Male 10-30
http://www.stayonline.com/detail.aspx?id=13937

and

Female L6-20 Cord Cut
http://www.stayonline.com/cord-cuts.aspx

Extension Cord
http://www.stayonline.com/nema-20-amp-locking-plug-208v.aspx

 

[triangles]

You can get the plugs and receptacles at almost any home improvement store. Some may have a heavy enough gauge cable although I would look at an RV supplier for the extension cord. RV's use a NEMA 14-50 connection. Just be sure whatever cord you are modifying is capable of handling the current flowing thru it. The maximum current is determined by your EVSE. You do not want to exceed 80% of the rated capacity of the outlet. For example if you are plugging into an outlet rated 30A, you're EVSE should not be rated for more than 24A (80% of 30A). Since the FFE charges at a maximum of about 28-29A There is no concern about plugging into a 50A receptacle other than making sure your extension cord is rated higher than your EVSE or the max FFE charge rate.

I wanted the ability to "turn down" my EVSE when plugged into a 30A receptacle without sacrificing the ability to charge at the maximum rate when plugged into a 50A receptacle. That was the reason I chose to build a JuiceBox EVSE. It has the ability to change the max current signal sent to the onboard charger. I already had a NEMA 6-50 receptacle (often used for welders). From a welding supplier I found on Amazon.com I bought a NEMA 6-50 extension cord and chopped off one end to install a NEMA 14-50 plug. Since the JuiceBox does not use the neutral wire I left that prong off the plug. Conveniently this allows me to plug into NEMA 14-50 and 14-30 outlets with the same cord since the neutral prong is the only difference between these connectors. I also have a cord with a NEMA 10-30 plug. If the FFE could charge at more than 12A off of 120V I'd have an adapter for the 120V 30A RV plug as well but since it doesn't I'll just use the cord that came with the car to charge off 120V.

The first 3 are the popular connections and worth having a converter for:
NEMA 14-50; Typical 240V 50A RV connection.
NEMA 10-30; Typical 240V 30A dryer/oven outlet.
NEMA 14-30; Alternate dryer/oven outlet usually found in newer construction.
NEMA TT-30; Typical 120V 30A RV connection. Useless since the FFE charges at a max 12A on 120V.
NEMA 6-50; Typical 240V 50A small welder outlet. Usually quite rare and probably not worth having an adapter unless you have an existing outlet of this type.

 

[michael]

I would add 6-20, used as window air conditioner outlets in many motels and seen in commercial/industrial locations. Note that the current limit is 20 A

 

[Olagon]

. . . or I'd get the upgraded Nissan unit that supports 4.8kW charging: http://evseupgrade.com/?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=5

I didn't know about the Nissan product. That looks great!

Have this setup. It's more than great! Totally does the job of L1 and L2 for about the same size as the stock charger.