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UMC Vs HP Wall Connector

Discussion in 'Supercharging & Charging Infrastructure' started by NigelM, Apr 7, 2011.

  1. bonnie

    bonnie I play a nice person on twitter.

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2011
    Messages:
    16,427
    Location:
    Columbia River Gorge
    I have the UMC charger plugged into a NEMA14-50, 240V 50A circuit - no problems. It is slightly warm when charging, but not at a level that would concern me.
     
  2. cinergi

    cinergi Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2010
    Messages:
    2,176
    Location:
    MA
    Mine's plugged in 24x7 outside (I did pull it inside when I expected a lot of snow so I didn't worry about not being able to see the cable while using the snowblower). About 6 months now, no issues.
     
  3. zack

    zack Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2010
    Messages:
    946
    Location:
    Minneapolis, MN
    Mine's plugged in 24/7 as well, no issues at all. What's in that blob is basically an over-sized ground fault interrupter with a detector for the signal coming from the car. The relay coil is probably what's giving off the most heat.
     
  4. scott451

    scott451 KWH-PWR#1349Sprt,S Sig#96

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2009
    Messages:
    258
    Location:
    Palo Alto
    Actually, it's a GFI extension cord with a "pilot" signal going to the car telling the car the maximum current it can draw.
     
  5. jaanton

    jaanton Roadster NA #1026

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2010
    Messages:
    323
    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    Putting a meter to the Tesla connector, the UMC will not energize the power pins unless the pilot signal pin has been pulled to ground via the diode and resistor. So information is really going to and from the car at the same time.
     
  6. scott451

    scott451 KWH-PWR#1349Sprt,S Sig#96

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2009
    Messages:
    258
    Location:
    Palo Alto
    Yes, that's correct. I was describing the most basic implementation of a charger like the one I built here. If you signal the max current to the car and ignore the response from the car, the car will start charging. The reverse is not true.
     
  7. samcarney

    samcarney Sam C

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    Messages:
    261
    Location:
    Great Lakes, Sonoran Desert
    I have a RFMC plugged into a NEMA 14-50 for the past 2 years. It does not get warm, the only current flow is for the LED's.
     

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