Neutrik Powercon True 1 connectors

[WReed82]

Hi Folks,

I just got an advanced OpenEVSE kit.
Chose this one because it is dual voltage, amp rate can be set as needed,
has timer or killowatts selection. It will be dialed down to 16A for Maeve.

I have a 20A, 240V outlet out where the car is parked,
with about 50' of 10ga buried wire feeding it.

The connectors I plan on using for the EVSE plug and receptacle are
Neutrik Powercon True 1:
https://www.neutrik.com/en/neutrik/products/powercon/powercon-true1
These are compact, light, locking, rated IP65,
UL rated, and there are no touchable prongs.
I use these in live audio production.
(Note that the standard Powercon connectors are
not meant for making/breaking live connections.)

Am also making a short adapter cable with Powercon to 5-15P plug.
Will also carry a couple extra plugs to replace the 5-15P for common 240V receptacles.
This plug looks useful as it can do several styles of 30A and 50A receptacles:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WELDER-PLUG-50-AMP-MALE-NEMA-6-30P-6-50P-Genuine-Cooper/200929561309
Am going to customize a 10-50 so it will also fit 10-30.
What is the one other plug you would want to see in an adapter kit?

The 25' J1772 cable that came with the OpenEVSE is really nice.
It has plenty of copper for handling high amp loads, as in 240V, 48A, 1% Voltage drop.
(More than Maeve needs!)

A bunch of adapter information.
Tesla oriented, and still very useful:
http://cosmacelf.net/Home%20Made%20Adapters.pdf
Maybe this was posted here already?

Thanks and good health, Weogo

 

[JoeS]

The connectors I plan on using for the EVSE plug and receptacle are Neutrik Powercon True 1...

Why bother with the non-standard Powercon that won't plug into anything else? Just put on a NEMA 14-50 plug and make pigtail adapters which end with a 14-50 receptacle. This will future-proof your EVSE for when you get a car with a more powerful charger. The 14-50 is widely used in RV campgrounds.

We've had lots of discussions about adapters, with at least one dedicated thread:

http://myimiev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=4027

Check out my own list of adapters in the link in the first entry of that thread.

 

[Don]

I think he chose the Neutrik connectors because they are waterproof and there's no way you can shock yourself using them in a wet environment - We can't say that about very many NEMA choices

The other adapter that I carry (in my Volt) is a NEMA 6-50 Welder Plug

Don

 

[WReed82]

Hi Joe and Don,

Joe, thanks for the link!

I knew somebody would wonder about the Powercons!
As Don noted, the no-exposed-pins part is a notable plus for me.
In the audio world I work with everything from Edisons to camloks to
installing breakers and tying in. Safety is the first priority.

While future-proofing is a good idea, for now I'm fine with a 20A, 240V circuit.
When I upgrade I will bury 6ga., which would get the voltage drop down to about 1% with a 48A load.
Then bigger connectors will be needed just to have room for the conductors.

Am I correct in understanding that a
slightly modified 6-50 plug will mate with 14-30 and 14-50 receptacles?


For all the folks using extension cords - look online at voltage drop calculators and
try to keep it to no more than a 5% drop.
This can be figured out with the extension length & gauge, and amps load.
And then there's de-rating for things like running across a hot asphalt parking lot...

Thanks and good health, Weogo

 

[Don]

For all the folks using extension cords - look online at voltage drop calculators and
try to keep it to no more than a 5% drop.
This can be figured out with the extension length & gauge, and amps load.
And then there's de-rating for things like running across a hot asphalt parking lot...

Also, if you intend to use a store bought 120 volt extension cord on 240 volts (after cutting off the ends and replacing them with appropriate connectors) check the voltage rating on the wire - Many, but not all 12 gauge, 120 volt extension cords are made with wire rated for 300 volts. I bought a $25, 25 foot cord, replaced the ends with twist locks (my choice for the 'universal' 120/240 connector) and I carry that in my Volt. I can use that cord on either 120 or 240, up to 16 amps

Don

 

[WReed82]

Hi Folks,

A portable cord with a 300V rating is usually labeled SJ for Service Junior.
SO cord carries a 600V rating and has a thicker overall jacket, and
maybe thicker insulation on the conductors as well.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_cord

One thing I look for when buying wire to build cables is how easy it is to coil.
If an extension gets kinked up, lay it out in the summer sun on an asphalt driveway for
half an hour and it will be nice and pliable, easy to straighten and put up in nice coils.
A velcro or cord tie will keep it neatly coiled.
Along this line, learning how to coil cables over-under can be useful.

Thanks and good health, Weogo

 

[wmcbrine]

Am I correct in understanding that a slightly modified 6-50 plug will mate with 14-30 and 14-50 receptacles?

No. It will not.

 

[WReed82]

Hi WMC,

Thanks for the clarification!

Good health, Weogo