EVSE L1 cord

[Maiden01]

I'm trying to find a way to use my original car charger with a 14-50 outlet. I need an adapter, but I can't find the right one. Can someone help me?

 

[TanGent]

A 14-50 outlet should not be used on a 30-amp circuit unless a neutral wire is connected. It's dangerous and may harm your appliances. You need to replace the outlet or upgrade the breaker.

 

[ClarD]

https://www.amazon.com/ONETAK-Compact-Receptacle-Generator-Connector/dp/B08THCHCXW

 

[BillM]

https://www.amazon.com/ONETAK-Compact-Receptacle-Generator-Connector/dp/B08THCHCXW

The adapter from Amazon mentioned above looks like practical means for powering the GM Clipper Creek EVSE cord from a 240 volt 14-50 outlet. The neutral/ground consideration mentioned in the posting above is correct. However in this case, the GM Clipper Creek EVSE contains a GFCI circuit which will disconnect if there is a leakage fault. Both sides of the AC input have interrupter relays, so that in a fault condition the vehicle will be completely disconnected from both hot wires.

GM could change EVSE cord suppliers at any moment, so you need to do proper research to be sure your cord can be operated at 240 volts before making or buying an adapter.

I recently watched a disassembly video of an inexpensive 240 volt EVSE cord a which was designed for use in European and Asian countries. That cord would not be safe for use in North America because it has only a single interrupter relay in the normally live wire. The return wire passes straight through.

Many European and Asian countries have 240 power with a single hot wire at 240 volts and a return wire at ground potential. A single relay in the live wire can provide safe isolation. Residential North American 240 volts is often referred to as split phase. There are two live conductors, both of which are live with 120 volts with respect to ground. A connection across the two live conductors sums the individual 120 volt conductors to get a total of 240. Designers of the power system felt split phase was safer because no conductor is more than 120 volts with respect to ground. That point is arguable because 120 volts can still deliver a fatal shock. An EVSE for use in North America on 240 volt split phase must have two interrupter relays, one for each of the live conductors. That ensures the vehicle is completely isolated if the GFCI circuit in the EVSE detects leakage current.

 

[ClarD]

However in this case, the GM Clipper Creek EVSE contains a GFCI circuit which will disconnect if there is a leakage fault. Both sides of the AC input have interrupter relays, so that in a fault condition the vehicle will be completely disconnected from both hot wires.

EVDOCTOR 4EARTH provides a list of "240 volt compatible" and "non-GFCI" cords.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I0oo0Pbrc9JEeirO-p_154JadVJaxUm-r3UTUQwRUpE

 

[ClarD]

A 14-50 outlet should not be used on a 30-amp circuit unless a neutral wire is connected. It's dangerous and may harm your appliances. You need to replace the outlet or upgrade the breaker.

I'm not sure if this reply belongs as an answer to the question.
If your concern is a 10-30 dryer 30 amp circuit, the neutral is there, but the ground is missing.
If your concern someone running only three wires to an EVSE-only outlet, this reply would be more appropriate in a different conversation.

 

[BillM]

EVDOCTOR 4EARTH provides a list of "240 volt compatible" and "non-GFCI" cords.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I0oo0Pbrc9JEeirO-p_154JadVJaxUm-r3UTUQwRUpE

Thank you. That’s good information.