My HPWC is accessible from my garage. It since far has not been an issue but how do you all protect your charger from being used without your permission? If I am away from a long period, I can remove the breaker. Other option is installing a smart switch but haven't been able to find one for 240v60a.
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Protect your public accessible charger?
- Thread starter untilcomplete
- Start date
What's the concern? Someone driving up to your house to plug in? No one does that 
I have mine outside the garage like you. I even have it listed on PlugShare as a home charger. No one has ever used it.
I have mine outside the garage like you. I even have it listed on PlugShare as a home charger. No one has ever used it.
I wouldn't be too worried about it. Though this thread has some good examples: How to lock up your private charger in a condo?
Or lookup "lockable meter inclosure boxes" on Amazon.
Or lookup "lockable meter inclosure boxes" on Amazon.
JLFORBES
Member
There is this one that says it's good for 220v60A. It is a contactor relay that you plug into a smart plug which will give you remote control. It comes in a lockable box, however i believe that box is indoor only. You could always provide your own exterior box.
Remote Controlled Heavy Duty Switch 60 Amp, 240VAC Relay
For me, I'd be happy to spend a few bucks to help someone out. After all, you probably expect "free" from destination and j1772 chargers.
My outside charger is on PlugShare and, to my knowledge, nobody has ever changed without contacting me and making arrangements first. It’s not worth the bother to try and lock it to prevent charging. I don’t safeguard my water faucets or the electrical outlets on the outside of my house, either.
I had a lockable disconnect put in alongside my HPWC in case it ever became a problem.
I listed mine on PlugShare and anyone is welcome to use it if they need to. That said, I'm in a suburb with quite a bit of EV charging available, so I don't think anyone will actually take me up on this. If you need to secure it, turning off the circuit breaker might be the easiest option unless you have a smart EVSE like a Juicebox Pro 40 or something with built-in security features. The lockable disconnect that @EdM3 posted looks great.
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I have one at my shop. Been used once without permission. Person left a note and $5. Glad I was able to help. If it became a problem I would lock the handle in a box.
WallyP
Member
I'm no electrical expert by any means, so please excuse my comment if it's too rudimentary.
I'm assuming your HPWC is on its own circuit breaker, so why not just switch off the breaker and padlock your breaker panel?
I'm assuming your HPWC is on its own circuit breaker, so why not just switch off the breaker and padlock your breaker panel?
I don’t mind if someone in need uses the charger. I’m only paying .03 per KWh so a Model 3 charge is 75 cents. My business electrical bill is about $1200/month.
A more technical answer is that breakers are not meant to be used as switches. A locked disconnect would work fine though. I would do a box only because I can connect an RFID lock that will make it super easy to use.
I've been using breakers as switches at work for years with no issues. It isn't uncommon in commercial and industrial buildings. Both SWD and HID labeled breakers are designed specifically for this purpose, and of course, your mileage may vary depending on what equipment you have.
You’re right. I sort of switched from talking about my industrial environment to talking about breakers typically used in a residential environment.
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