Can the driver adjust the amount of current the EV will draw from a 14-50?
If the driver were to plug into a 14-50 that was on a 40A breaker, could the EV be set to only draw 32A?
Bruce,
the quick answer is yes.
The Roadster can automatically and manually adjust current. I understand that US breaker ratings are in 10A steps (20,30,40,50) and that continuous load should be at 80% max breaker rating.
The Roadster adheres by offering following values for
manual selection 16A, 24A, 32A, 40A. Minimum is 12A and it goes up to 70A.
Most Roadster enjoy the convenience of
automatic selection, provided by extra circuitry in the adapter cables.
For example, the NEMA 14-50 adapter cable signals 40A max to the car charger, and the NEMA 10-30 signals 24A.
There is no adapter for a 40A line that signals 32A, though. Every Roadster owner would have to set 32A by hand.
I am fairly sure your efforts will be greatly appreciated by any visitors. They will happily charge at 32A. Chances are, someone will blow the 40A breaker by charging right away with the automatic value of 40amps. To get on the safe side, the two NEMA 14-50 outlets should have 50A breakers, or you should put up
BIG signs saying
32A max charge current.