Maiden01
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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?
EVSE L1 cord
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ClarD
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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
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EVDOCTOR 4EARTH provides a list of "240 volt compatible" and "non-GFCI" cords.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I0oo0Pbrc9JEeirO-p_154JadVJaxUm-r3UTUQwRUpE
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ClarD
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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.
Thank you. That’s good information.
Maiden01
New member
I knew about the electrical setup in my garage when I bought the EVSE. I used the existing 6-30 outlet, which I had installed for a heater. I'm not sure if I needed an adapter to connect the EVSE to the outlet.
Maiden01
New member
Thanks for all your suggestions guys! Appreciate it!
My electrical knowledge is limited, but I researched enough to create an adapter cord to use the supplied 120V charger (I'll use the word "charger" although I think technically, it's called an EVSE) into my 240V wall receptacle. Yes, you have to be careful, but it can be done. It roughly doubles the charging rate which is significant overnight. However, getting a 240V charger is definitely better.
ClarD
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I built an adapter the day before someone pointed out this one, which is cheaper than the parts that I bought. I cut off the L-shaped neutral from the dryer cord that I used, to make it a 14-xx adapter.
Premade adapters
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08THCHCXWONETAK NEMA 14-50P to 5-15R 5-20R 6-15R 6-20R $19.97
https://www.amazon.com/ONETAK-Compact-Receptacle-Generator-Charger/dp/B09YN7FNQB
ONETAK NEMA 14-30P to 5-15R 5-20R 6-15R 6-20R $19.97
The only difference between the 14-30 and 14-50 plug is the neutral pin. Neutral is not used in a 240 volt EVSE. An adapter could have that pin removed, and be used as a 14-xx adapter.
Thanks for the suggestions, they’re much simpler. I did like the people above and bought a dryer pigtail cord and a high quality Hubbell 15 amp cord socket for the existing GM / Clipper Creek EVSE cord supplied with the car. It is only 16 amps, but I have yet to have a problem with having enough charge to do what I need. It can tske more than a day to get back to full after a long trip, but there is no problem interrupting charging to run quick in town errands.
If anyone is going to try the above, be absolutely sure the EVSE cord can function correctly at 240 volts. The cords with the rectangular black box were made for GM by Clipper Creek and are believed to be compatible with 240 volts. GM could change suppliers or specifications at any time, so you need to be certain by doing your research on what cord yo have.
I am surprised at how many people don’t get past the gas station mentality of needing to be completely full of energy before anything else can be done. Being able to get the energy required right at home for almost all of my travel needs is an incredibly liberating feeling.
