Circuit breaker suddenly tripping

[kosarfan]

I’ve been using my HPWC for my 2017 S90 D for 3 years now. Car is now at 106k miles and my circuit breaker started tripping when charging at home. I typically charge at 72 amps on a 100 amp circuit. Could the car be at fault or are the circuit breakers likely bad? Any other ideas? I used a Tesla certified electrician years ago for the install. This is the first problem I’ve had charging at home except the very rare need to hit the reset button on the HPWC.

Thanks!

 

[mongo]

I’ve been using my HPWC for my 2017 S90 D for 3 years now. Car is now at 106k miles and my circuit breaker started tripping when charging at home. I typically charge at 72 amps on a 100 amp circuit. Could the car be at fault or are the circuit breakers likely bad? Any other ideas? I used a Tesla certified electrician years ago for the install. This is the first problem I’ve had charging at home except the very rare need to hit the reset button on the HPWC.

Thanks!

If it is tripping after you have been charging for a while, I'd suspect the breaker.
Is the area where the breaker panel is located warmer lately? Any new other loads added to the panel? Other remote possibility is that your utility feed used to be higher voltage, so the actual current draw was lower.

Have you tried a lower charge current?

 

[SSedan]

Thermal cycling can loosen screws, there is a chance this is simple as tightening the wiring to breaker screws. If not comfortable with electrical circuits I would be inclined to just as the original electrician to come inspect.

 

[paulk]

I agree with checking the screws. The higher amperage you charge at, and you charge high, the bigger the temperature swings which can slowly loosen screw lugs. tighten the lugs inside the charger and at the breaker, and any joints in between. If you don't actually need to charge at 72 amps all the time set your car to charge at 60 amps or something and only increase it when needed.

 

[KyleDay]

Have it inspected. A fire risk isn’t worth the risk. Charging at 72amps certainly is generating heat and it could have melted the connection block causing a small short.

 

[kosarfan]

Thanks for the replies! I was worried it might be something with the car - will get it figured out! 106k miles and the car is still amazing!

 

[SSedan]

Dial it down on amperage for now. Like 30 amps.
Breakers sometimes wear out too.

 

[Silicon Desert]

I agree with checking the screws. The higher amperage you charge at, and you charge high, the bigger the temperature swings which can slowly loosen screw lugs. tighten the lugs inside the charger and at the breaker, and any joints in between. If you don't actually need to charge at 72 amps all the time set your car to charge at 60 amps or something and only increase it when needed.

uh, yes, but I wonder if that is actually going to cause the breaker to trip. As with others, I would also suggest lowering the charge current to see what happens.

 

[SSedan]

If the loose wire is at the breaker the heat generated there can trip the breaker. Had it happen with a water heater.