Is it possible to add a 220 volt on/off switch to this setup? I don't use the EV charger that often since the car gets charged at work but when i do, i go to the Electrical panel and flip the breaker. I figure why leave to EV charger on when not in use. Thank you.
EV charger on/off switch?
- Thread starter larryv
- Start date
Noltz
Well-known member
jkeyser14
Well-known member
Why do you need to turn it off? The car should manage the charge so there is no point to cutting power. It probably draws mA when not being used. You might spend $50 on a disconnect switch to save $0.10 a year.
Shiftless
Well-known member
jayoldschool
Well-known member
That is nothing more than a fancy extension cord with a few relays and chips in it. The actual charger is in the car. The EVSE (that is what that is) communicates with the car when plugged in, and closes the contacts to allow the voltage to flow to the car. Leave it plugged in the wall, no switch necessary.
according to google, 2.4W
WisJim
Well-known member
Mine draws 1.4 to 1.6 watt when idle, by actual measurement.
Shiftless
Well-known member
Thanks for posting what one actually consumed.
So at an average of 1.5 watts, that’s about 1.3 kilowatt hours of power consumed in a year.
So jkeyser14 was about right in his estimate.
nadogail
Well-known member
Because of the time of use billing rates, I repurposed a water heater timer.
harley jim
Well-known member
JFWIW
lowes sells 220 volt on/off switches, about 8 dollars. I just put one on my air compressor
Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app
lowes sells 220 volt on/off switches, about 8 dollars. I just put one on my air compressor
Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app
mcbane
Well-known member
Thanks for posting what one actually consumed.
So at an average of 1.5 watts, that’s about 1.3 kilowatt hours of power consumed in a year.
So jkeyser14 was about right in his estimate.
Decimal point in wrong place. 13 kWh per year. In CA that costs $4.99 per year. Still not worth buying the switch though, imho.
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
Completely disregarding the vampire energy waste/power savings argument, one way to cut power would be to use a 2 or 3 pole contactor to remove power. The coil of the contactor could be driven by something as simple as a light switch, a start/stop button combination, a timer switch, and anything more complex beyond that (smart switch, WiFi plug or switch).
Shiftless
Well-known member
Thanks for checking my math. I did miss a decimal point but as you say, it’s still not worth buying and installing a switch.
wemo light switch + 100A AC contactor is a good way to prevent other people from using your charging station if that need arises.
gpiggaz
Well-known member
I have some advice for you on unplugging it when not in use, Most 14-50 outlets are not really meant to be plugged and unplugged continuously. If you leave it plugged in, the outlet will last longer and it will cost far less than replacing the outlet. (or God forbid, burn your house down when the outlet overheats because it's worn out.) The high quality Hubbell outlet is almost $100-(there is a Bryant equivalent for about $50), the cheap $10 ones at HomeDepot or Lowes are really not meant to be cycled many times. Not worth it if you ask me, just leave it plugged in and use it when you need to. The few dollars it will save being unplugged are just not worth it.
Here is a link to some more info on 14-50R
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/definitive-14-50-nema-outlet-guide.140694/#post-3342788
Here is a link to some more info on 14-50R
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/definitive-14-50-nema-outlet-guide.140694/#post-3342788
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jayoldschool
Well-known member
Leave it plugged in. If you really want to save the pennies, turn the breaker on/off.
sberry
Banned
Ya, we looked at some energy deals, calculated it would take 10 years just to break even on the materials.