Car Charging Outlet Mounted High?

[Vintage Veloce]

This is on a house down the street from me in San Diego. I've seen a coupe of these. Looks like a normal 120V outlet to me, but why is it mounted so high? I heard there is come code requirement for this, but what's the rational?

 

[PoorUB]

No code requirement, at least not that high. Plus that outlet has been there a while. I would guess it was installed for Christmas lights.

 

[Shiftless]

Would any of you guys share my concern about this little switch with high current flowing for hours?

 

[PoorUB]

I wondered if anyone was going to mention the switch. It might be rated, it might not. I have seen simple toggle switches like that that are rated fairly high, but I would be suspect that this one doesn't meet code.

 

[Syberia]

If it's rated for what the charger draws, no. I'd actually be more concerned about that sharp 90 degree bend in the cord coming off the plug, while also supporting the weight of the charger.

 

[FMB4]

Can you further describe your "car charger" application? Charging a IC engine battery should be no problem. Charging an EV might be an issue.

 

[PoorUB]

That looks like a EV charging cable to me, a low amperage one. Look at the "car" end of the cable.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Charging an electric car with a 120vac receptacle takes forever - I wonder if it's for a scooter or something like that?

 

[Shiftless]

I see a NEMA 5-15 receptacle up top so I assume 15-20 amps.

 

[Vintage Veloce]

Charging an electric car with a 120vac receptacle takes forever - I wonder if it's for a scooter or something like that?

It's a neighbor's house down the block. I see the car (a hybrid) plugged into it at night.

 

[jeepxj]

12 amps of 120. 80% derate on EV charging.


no idea why its that high

or why there is a toggle.

 

[jeepxj]

Charging an electric car with a 120vac receptacle takes forever - I wonder if it's for a scooter or something like that?

120-15a can charge an EV up for the average american commute. Its slow as hell but does work.

 

[PoorUB]

A smaller EV like a Chevy Volt will charge in about 12 hours on 120 volts. Very doable as most people will be home that amount of time unless they have a nasty commute. You might fall behind as the week goes, but you can catch up on the weekend, or perhaps charge at work.

 

[Natty Bumppo]

I would guess it was installed for Christmas lights.

I agree. Looks like older work probably for Christmas lights.

 

[Shiftless]

I agree. Looks like older work probably for Christmas lights.

And that explains the presence of a switch!

 

[Vintage Veloce]

I think the Xmas light theory is a winner!

 

[Worsedog]

Also a problem if it rains while plugged in, along with the charger hanging.

 

[quickfarms]

I have seen setups like that at business, this way they can tell employees that they can charge there cars and everyone feels better. It’s slow but the employees like not having to pay for the power

 

[SlappyWhite]

I agree with others, lights was likely the original purpose of the outlet, also why it has a switch. All my 120v outdoor outlets are switched for this purpose (but the switches are in the house!). Does anyone know if the box under the meter a panel with breakers? Is the outlet even off a breaker????

EV will take forever to charge at 120v but it is better then nothing at all.

 

[Vintage Veloce]

Does anyone know if the box under the meter a panel with breakers? Is the outlet even off a breakers?

Yes, that is a the breaker box. It's a small old home, under 1000sqft.

 

[mark-NJ]

- code violation to mount that GFCI up that high (because it discourages periodic testing)
- code violation have that switch exposed to the elements (it is NOT NEMA rated), whether it's electrically capable or not (and I highly doubt a little Carlingswitch like that is good for 15A. In fact, I'm certain it's not)

This is "homeowner work" at it's finest [ummm > not! <]. No permits were pulled for this mess...

 

[Terry D]

The GFCI can not be higher than 6'6" off the ground. It hard to say, but it looks like there is a LB where the conduit goes in the panel and the switch box is mounted over or in place of the cover.

 

[Bretny]

Would any of you guys share my concern about this little switch with high current flowing for hours?

I would! And it dosnt look weather tight. Good guess on Christmas lights.
The outlet dosnt allow for all weather charging either.

 

[alfredeneuman]

The GFCI can not be higher than 6'6" off the ground.

Isn't the 2 meter rule (6'7") just for switches with fuses in them or circuit breakers?
GFI receps. just have to be readily accessible (without the use of ladders etc.)

 

[Terry D]

Isn't the 2 meter rule (6'7") just for switches with fuses in them or circuit breakers?
GFI receps. just have to be readily accessible (without the use of ladders etc.)

Its hard to interpret. 210.52(E) says there must be a front and rear outdoor receptacle on a dwelling no higher than 6.5 ft. With the few exceptions one being for deicing equipment. It really doesn't mention a GFCI, other than being readily accessible. I havent found anything on what the maxium height can be, and still be readily accessible

 

[dscheidt]

Its hard to interpret. 210.52(E) says there must be a front and rear outdoor receptacle on a dwelling no higher than 6.5 ft. With the few exceptions one being for deicing equipment. It really doesn't mention a GFCI, other than being readily accessible. I havent found anything on what the maxium height can be, and still be readily accessible

Since readily accessible prohibits needing a portable ladder, it's hard to imagine It's more than 2 meters.