Leave charging cable plugged into wall all the time?

[timk225]

For my 3's next gen charging cable, is it ok to leave it plugged into the wall all the time, or should it be unplugged when not in use?

 

[brkaus]

It’s fine to remain plugged in.

Frequent unplugging will actually wear out the electric outlet contacts.

 

[svp6]

Plugged in 3 years and counting....

 

[Olle]

For my 3's next gen charging cable, is it ok to leave it plugged into the wall all the time, or should it be unplugged when not in use?

Plugged in 5 years and counting... However I unplug the car end if there is a thunderstorm approaching.

 

[RedModel3]

Plugged in 3 years and counting....

Don't you ever drive your car??

 

[TexasEV]

No reason to unplug unless you’re going on a trip.

 

[arcus]

No reason to unplug unless you’re going on a trip.

Ditto.

Reminder to self: pack it next week before hitting the road.

 

[N8Howell33]

Plug in mobile charger and leave it in. No need to take it out unless you need it while traveling.

 

[Johann Koeber]

I also leave it plugged in the wall socket at all times. It does not get warm and does not use measurable (with my means) amounts of electricity.

This is very convenient as I only have to plug in the car side and I am done. Have two mobile chargers (home and office). But we are getting a wall connector for the office soon. These are also always connected to the energy source and do not have an 'off' switch. Then I will store the mobile connector in the frunk and be set for trips.

 

[TesLou22]

No reason to unplug unless you’re going on a trip.

Is the Mobile Connector controller light enough that it does not put excessive strain on the NEMA 14-50 outlet or the adapter pigtail?

Also, what is the consensus on the NEMA 14-50 wall outlet install height from the ground. The manual states a minimum of 18 inches but that seems low. Does anyone have a recommended height suggestion that works well for them?

 

[David99]

Someone measured how much power the UMC uses. I think it was less than $1 a year.

 

[cybergates]

i bought the gen 2 UMC for daily use and put the old one in the car frunk so I can always charge in case of emergency.

 

[goto10]

Is the Mobile Connector controller light enough that it does not put excessive strain on the NEMA 14-50 outlet or the adapter pigtail?

Also, what is the consensus on the NEMA 14-50 wall outlet install height from the ground. The manual states a minimum of 18 inches but that seems low. Does anyone have a recommended height suggestion that works well for them?

The Mobile Connector unit is light. I wouldn't worry about that. It certainly didn't strain the 120V outlet I left it connected to at the airport for a week and a NEMA 14-50 is a beast compared to that.

The height isn't really that critical. 18" gives it enough space that only the cord will touch the ground. For an install in my garage I'd want it high enough that I could see the charging indicator from across the room for a quick visual check on whether the car is charging. My HPWC is mounted so that the charge indicator is visible just over the roof of the car.

 

[Asterix187]

Just remember that most wall units do not lock until it’s also connected to the car so dependant on location it could get stolen.

 

[gene]

Just remember that most wall units do not lock until it’s also connected to the car so dependant on location it could get stolen.

The UMC locks to the car as long as the car is locked. So, it can not be stolen.

 

[Asterix187]

Yes but not when you are driving about. Then it’s sat at home, plugin into the wall charger when someone could steal it depending on your location.

 

[TesLou22]

The Mobile Connector unit is light. I wouldn't worry about that. It certainly didn't strain the 120V outlet I left it connected to at the airport for a week and a NEMA 14-50 is a beast compared to that.

The height isn't really that critical. 18" gives it enough space that only the cord will touch the ground. For an install in my garage I'd want it high enough that I could see the charging indicator from across the room for a quick visual check on whether the car is charging. My HPWC is mounted so that the charge indicator is visible just over the roof of the car.

Thanks for that feedback!

 

[tga]

Someone measured how much power the UMC uses. I think it was less than $1 a year.

I measured just over a watt at idle:

Is anyone metering their charger's kW usage?

You have me a like, which is probably why it's sticking in your head.

 

[ai4px]

Someone measured how much power the UMC uses. I think it was less than $1 a year.

My power meter says 3watts. Probably less than that being it's a $17 ebay power meter.

 

[davewill]

Plugged in 5 years and counting... However I unplug the car end if there is a thunderstorm approaching.

Actually, I'd unplug the UMC, too, in that case.