Is Corded Mobile Connector waterproof?

[InnovativeDoc]

Hi,

• My solar panel company is installing Nema 14-50 in our driveway with permit. I did see Tesla has come out with 40A Corded mobile connector. Though southern CA does not see much rain, but I would still like to take precautions. Can this connector be left outside in scorching sun and occasional rain? Will be partially protected as its under the 1 foot eave of the house, but still be exposed to some degree of sun and rain.
  
  
• Is it advisable to get some kind of protector box for the connector? Generally what I came across on Amazon are like $200, too expensive! Any suggestions?
  
  
• Another option: Ditch the mobile connector (I preferred this as its removable and no installation required) and get a wall connector as that is rated for outdoor use? Can we connect this wall connector to Nema 14-50 outlet using a range/ dryer cord (Smart Choice 4 ft. 50 Amp 4-Prong Range Cord-5304490740 - The Home Depot) or should it be hard-wired? Any disadvantages (risks of fire/ water damage) using the range/ dryer cord?
  
  
• If hard-wired, will I need to modify my original permit? Will the nema 14-50 plug need to be removed? The solar company is placing a very sturdy 75A, high heat (due to CA sun!) tolerant wire to electric panel and I am upgrading the panel to a new 200A panel with solar installation. I could hardwire a wall charger, use existing wiring and simply replace 50A with 60A breaker. What is the process needed to be followed for this from City/ permit standpoint? I am in Torrance, which falls under Los Angeles County.

Advise and help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[nwdiver]

Hi,

• My solar panel company is installing Nema 14-50 in our driveway with permit. I did see Tesla has come out with 40A Corded mobile connector. Though southern CA does not see much rain, but I would still like to take precautions. Can this connector be left outside in scorching sun and occasional rain? Will be partially protected as its under the 1 foot eave of the house, but still be exposed to some degree of sun and rain.
  
  
• Is it advisable to get some kind of protector box for the connector? Generally what I came across on Amazon are like $200, too expensive! Any suggestions?
  
  
• Another option: Ditch the mobile connector (I preferred this as its removable and no installation required) and get a wall connector as that is rated for outdoor use? Can we connect this wall connector to Nema 14-50 outlet using a range/ dryer cord (Smart Choice 4 ft. 50 Amp 4-Prong Range Cord-5304490740 - The Home Depot) or should it be hard-wired? Any disadvantages (risks of fire/ water damage) using the range/ dryer cord?
  
  
• If hard-wired, will I need to modify my original permit? Will the nema 14-50 plug need to be removed? The solar company is placing a very sturdy 75A, high heat (due to CA sun!) tolerant wire to electric panel and I am upgrading the panel to a new 200A panel with solar installation. I could hardwire a wall charger, use existing wiring and simply replace 50A with 60A breaker. What is the process needed to be followed for this from City/ permit standpoint? I am in Torrance, which falls under Los Angeles County.

Advise and help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

There are a variety of EVSEs you can get that are outdoor rated. (IMHO the Enel Juicebox is the best) Tesla once had a HPWC that your could plug-in but those don't appear to be available any longer. That's the configuration I setup for my Mom when she got her M3. A 14-50 that she could plug a HPWC into. The big benefit I see to this is that if something happens to the EVSE you can simply unplug it and use your mobil connector (if you have a 40A adapter) until you can fix/replace the outdoor EVSE.

Even with my hardwired HPWC I installed a 14-50 beneath it. This came in handy when my HPWC died. I had a Gen 1 that was plagued with issues, the Gen 2/3 seem to be more reliable.

 

[SageBrush]

I could hardwire a wall charger, use existing wiring and simply replace 50A with 60A breaker.

This

 

[tccartier]

No

 

[InnovativeDoc]

Thank you all for your advice. It so happened that I was able to buy a gen 1 wall connector, see images. I would like to use a nema 14-50 pigtail connector rather than hardwiring it so that I could disconnect it easily in case of emergency or as per need. The unit would be programmed at 40A Max using dip switch configuration. Is this advisable? Also, I can use and electric pipe or conduit for additional protection, somethingsimilar as seen in one of the pictures except for the fact that the other end will have nema 14-50 plug. Is this ok?