charging block: stay or go

I feel the same way. It's just that I don't want to deal with a blown EVSE. Otherwise, same feeling.

 

Ditto on unplugging the EVSE after each use. Not just in case of lightning, but also to get it out of my wife’s way!

 

If you really plugin / unplug any device like that on a regular basis, I would recommend replacing the receptacle every several* years because receptacles lose their ability to clamp on the male plug. This leads to much bigger problems like plug charring and or fire.

Poor clamping ability & higher/high amperage draw leads to bad things...



Rob43

* Several is a loose interpretation.

 

I don't think a whole house surge protector would survive a direct hit. A layered approach is best, but even then a direct lightning strike (within your yard or to the utility pole near your house) could probably destroy anything.

I have single outlet surge protectors scattered around the house, one on almost every circuit. I figure that adds distributed capacity to absorb surges all throughout the house. Usually these have a lower cutoff voltage than a whole house surge protector, so it's good to use both.

Contrary to popular belief, surge protectors don't only protect things that are plugged into them. They work as a shunt, so anything nearby on the wiring will also be protected. Nearby because inductance of the wiring limits their ability to help over a long distance.

I don't currently have space in my panel for a whole house surge protector, so having one on each circuit is about the best I can do.

There are also meter socket surge protectors (type I SPD), but they are uncommon and you probably need to work with your power company to install one. If you live in an area with unusually high lightning risk it would be worth considering.

 

Yeah, I thought so. For a once in a lifetime chance of getting hit by lightning, I have a home owner's insurance. If anything gets fried by lightning, I will replace them with my insurance. My loss will be $500 deductible. That's a risk I can live with.

 

Having seen the aftermath of a lightening strike firsthand ... you don’t want to experience one.

 

Thanks, but I was aware of that issue. We don’t drive much and I only charge the car once a week or so, so I think it will be a while before that becomes an issue. And I’m pretty sure I will notice if it starts getting loose. But thanks anyway for trying to be helpful!