EVSE install conduit question

There are lots of charts on the web that not only show conduit size, but gauge of wire based on breaker/amperage & length of your run of wires. Ultimately you don't want to just take someone's word - because your area may have certain code requirements that may be more stringent than other areas.
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6/2 no ground ?

 

If this is for a Prius, a 60 amp breaker - even at that long of a run is way overkill - as the prius won't even pull 20 amps

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You will need a ground. Also, without a third wire, you will not have 110 volts at the new box. 6/3 with ground is not that much more expensive. I also always use one size larger conduit just in case you need more room at a later date.

 

I think he means a 4th wire ... each 240 leg, a neutral & a ground.

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Here is what I think;
1. Check if your electric panel has the space and capacity for this circuit.

2. To me a 60Amp circuit could be an overkill. For practical reasons most home chargers will likely max out at 40 Amp. (I don't know about Tesla) But if you want to "future proof " your installation go ahead for 60Amp. It will cost you more and it is hard to work with a 6 gauge cable.

3. We are talking here of 240V circuits. This will require a 6/3 (for 60 Amps), 8/3 for 40 Amps. Either will need a matching 60A two pole, or 40 Amp two pole circuit breaker.
These wires have a red, black and white wire inside plus an bear copper wire, serving as the safety ground.
(I can never figure why are the 120 V electrical cables are called 14/2; 12/2 ..... and for 240V cables 6/3; 8/3; 10/3, where each of these wires has a bear safety (earth) wire inside cable as well. OK Welcome to America!)

Theoretically, you could use a 6/2 or 8/2 (red/black plus safety ground wire) wiring. This will give you the required 240V circuit, however the EVSE may require the white (third - return) wire. You just don't know! If so, you are in trouble. So much for "future proofing". i.e. High power devices, like hot tubs, need all 3 wires (plus ground).

4. Check your local code - web or the local library is a good source. You may not have use a conduit of any kind, unless you need to put part of the cable under ground. Here on Ontario you could run the cable inside your garage, without conduit if is properly fastened to the wall. Again, check your local code. If I have to I would use PVC conduit. It is cheaper.

5. Last but not least. Do NOT believe what the guy at Lowe's tells you. Do proper research, better yet find a friendly local electrician and pick his brain! (You could hang around Lowe's and talk to guys who look professional.)

Good Luck

 

80amp & 100amp breakers - turning on the home's setup. Many Tesla on-boards now are 72 amp Chargers, for example. That's quite a pull.
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The 14-50 NEMA outlet requires 6/3 plus ground to meet code. It would be dangerous to leave the neutral unconnected. If someone ever plugged in an RV or appliance it could damage equipment or start a fire. You can use a 6-50 NEMA outlet with 6/2. Either outlet requires a 50 amp breaker.

 

While an EVSE will usually ignore the neutral the 14-50 is popular for stoves in homes and for RVs. Before the Tesla Supercharger network was implemented you could charge at RV parks with a 14-50 outlet to go on long distance trips. You can also check out the mynissanleaf forum to get lots of great EV charging info.

 

While pulling for the 240V, I'd pull for 20A 110V in the same conduit just for fun. There's enough space there.

Seems like you're thinking ahead. Great idea. Let me give you a few more things to think about.

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

When I added this (see picture above) for the Leaf, I envisioned eventually having 2 EV's. With the small battery, the Leaf is more than capable of fully charging overnight with the 110V EVSE that came with it. While the 240V AeroVironment EVSE from Nissan is now used to charge my Bolt EV.

I was also quite perplexed as to how to secure the 220V EVSE. With only the Leaf, my wife gets to charge at work, so I mounted the AeroVironment on a moving dolly to make it portable. I would store it in the garage and wheel it out when needed (which is rarely). It works well with the Leaf because it has the capability to lock the J1772 connector, so it makes it difficult for someone to walk off with it when the car is charging overnight.

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

When I got my Bolt, I found out that the connector doesn't lock. With my mileage I would also need to charge every other night, so it now makes sense to mount the EVSE on the wall instead of a dolly. With that, I needed a way to lock the EVSE. I cut a notch at the bottom of the box housing the two electrical plugs and used some rubber edge trim for the exposed metal. I now lock the J1772 connector in the box when not in use.

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

With this setup I can charge both cars at the same time, the 240V EVSE for the Bolt and the 110V EVSE for the Leaf.

 

My garage is too full of stuff to put cars in. It's also way in the back behind the house.


iPhone ?

 

If you expect your home, auto and/or umbrella insurance policy/ies to pay, get this circuit and sub-panel installed to code by a licensed professional. Just saying.