Wall Connector install with Dryer Buddy using 30 dryer outlet

[davewill]

Just last week I helped a neighbor set up a Dryer Buddy in his garage. His was delivered as promised. It's well made (I also briefly opened it up to peek inside), and I really like the display on the front which shows voltage, amps, and a power meter that you can use to measure the kWh you use for charging. Personally I use a switch box I built myself, but I wish I had that display.

Those displays are easy to find online, and would not be difficult to add to your box.

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-200-500V-Ammeter-Voltmeter-Panel/dp/B00TH1EH98

https://www.amazon.com/DROK-Frequency-Multimeter-Voltmeter-Transformer/dp/B07JC6X1JH

 

[Eno Deb]

Those displays are easy to find online, and would not be difficult to add to your box.

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-200-500V-Ammeter-Voltmeter-Panel/dp/B00TH1EH98

https://www.amazon.com/DROK-Frequency-Multimeter-Voltmeter-Transformer/dp/B07JC6X1JH

Thanks, I ordered the second one (because I want the consumption meter).

BTW, this seems to be the exact same one that the Dryer Buddy uses:

https://www.amazon.com/DROK-80-300V-Voltmeter-Multimeter-Transformer/dp/B01MRZAFAF

 

[Nguyenning]

My dryer is currently plugged into a 10-30 outlet (the 3 prong where one is shaped like an 'L')

Is this the correct dryer buddy for me to purchase then? (along with the Tesla 10-30 adapter of course)


Dryer Buddy™ #1 30A 240v Splitter 5ft. cable NEMA 10-30(before 1996) with optional meter

 

[Eno Deb]

Is this the correct dryer buddy for me to purchase then? (along with the Tesla 10-30 adapter of course)


Dryer Buddy™ #1 30A 240v Splitter 5ft. cable NEMA 10-30(before 1996) with optional meter

That one is a simple splitter. If you're going to get a Dryer Buddy, I'd strongly recommend a switching version for safety reasons. It's also safest to use the variant with two 10-30 outlets (which implies also getting the Tesla 10-30 adapter as you wrote), since the car will then automatically adjust the maximum current correctly. You can either get a version with a manual switch, or one that auto-switches:

Dryer Buddy™ Plus #1 Custom 30A NEMA 10-30 2-way switcher, 5.5' 10-30 cable to two 10-30 outlets with optional kWh/Watt/Volt/Amp meter

Dryer Buddy™ Plus AUTO #1 Custom 30A 2-way switcher, 5' 10-30 plug cable (before 1996) to two 10-30 outlets with optional kWh/Watt/Volt/Amp meter

Whatever version you get, I'd also recommend this display upgrade:

Upgrade pak for Dryer Buddy™ on order (waiting for build) to 4 Color kWH meter

 

[Rocky_H]

My dryer is currently plugged into a 10-30 outlet (the 3 prong where one is shaped like an 'L')

Is this the correct dryer buddy for me to purchase then? (along with the Tesla 10-30 adapter of course)


Dryer Buddy™ #1 30A 240v Splitter 5ft. cable NEMA 10-30(before 1996) with optional meter

I'll second what @Eno Deb was mentioning. Here are my general recommendations about Dryer Buddy:

1. Never get the kind that split your 30A outlet to a 30A and 50A outlet type. That's just dangerous.
2. Never get the plain version of the Dryer Buddy that is just a simple splitter.
3. The "Plus" version includes a toggle switch; that's fine but inconvenient. The "Plus AUTO" version handles the switching for you. That is the one I would recommend.

 

[Nguyenning]

That one is a simple splitter. If you're going to get a Dryer Buddy, I'd strongly recommend a switching version for safety reasons. It's also safest to use the variant with two 10-30 outlets (which implies also getting the Tesla 10-30 adapter as you wrote), since the car will then automatically adjust the maximum current correctly. You can either get a version with a manual switch, or one that auto-switches:

Dryer Buddy™ Plus #1 Custom 30A NEMA 10-30 2-way switcher, 5.5' 10-30 cable to two 10-30 outlets with optional kWh/Watt/Volt/Amp meter

Dryer Buddy™ Plus AUTO #1 Custom 30A 2-way switcher, 5' 10-30 plug cable (before 1996) to two 10-30 outlets with optional kWh/Watt/Volt/Amp meter

Whatever version you get, I'd also recommend this display upgrade:

Upgrade pak for Dryer Buddy™ on order (waiting for build) to 4 Color kWH meter

Thanks y'all! So seeking honest advice here... as long as you NEVER run the dryer at the same time as charging the car, are there any other dangers to using a Dryer Buddy?

Again, NEVER running at the same time with the dryer... are there any scenarios where an old panel gets overloaded, an outlet melts, etc.?

 

[brkaus]

Thanks y'all! So seeking honest advice here... as long as you NEVER run the dryer at the same time as charging the car, are there any other dangers to using a Dryer Buddy?

Again, NEVER running at the same time with the dryer... are there any scenarios where an old panel gets overloaded, an outlet melts, etc.?

As long as you don't do something silly with adaptors. Only use the Tesla ones of the proper current rating.

 

[Eno Deb]

Thanks y'all! So seeking honest advice here... as long as you NEVER run the dryer at the same time as charging the car, are there any other dangers to using a Dryer Buddy?

Again, NEVER running at the same time with the dryer... are there any scenarios where an old panel gets overloaded, an outlet melts, etc.?

The thing is that "never" is a pretty strong requirement. Are you absolutely sure that nobody in your household will ever turn on the dryer by mistake while the car is charging or vice versa? Or that you forget to adjust the charging start time in the car and it starts automatically while the dryer is running? I think trying to save money on this is saving in the wrong place, considering that an electrical fire could potentially cause catastrophic damage.

 

[Nguyenning]

The thing is that "never" is a pretty strong requirement. Are you absolutely sure that nobody in your household will ever turn on the dryer by mistake while the car is charging or vice versa? Or that you forget to adjust the charging start time in the car and it starts automatically while the dryer is running? I think trying to save money on this is saving in the wrong place, considering that an electrical fire could potentially cause catastrophic damage.

I'm 100% sure they would never run at the same time... because the dryer is literally just a few feet from the car itself in the garage.
Even so, my question is just about the Dryer Buddy in general. Even the Plus AUTO one with the switching. Wondering if there are ever any dangers to using one of these things (even if used properly)
Melted outlets... overloaded panel... worse...

 

[Eno Deb]

Even so, my question is just about the Dryer Buddy in general. Even the Plus AUTO one with the switching. Wondering if there are ever any dangers to using one of these things (even if used properly)
Melted outlets... overloaded panel... worse...

The only potential safety issue with the Dryer Buddy (or any other kind of switch box or splitter) is that it defeats the overheat detection in Tesla's connector plugs. So, if for example your wall outlet is old and has bad contacts, and as a result the outlet heats up under high load, the car won't be able to detect that and shut down (which it can if you plug it directly into the wall outlet using a heat sensor in the plug). However, don't take this as a recommendation to unplug/replug the charger from/to the wall outlet every time you want to use the dryer, since constant plug cycles is what causes contacts to wear out in the first place.

 

[Nguyenning]

The only potential safety issue with the Dryer Buddy (or any other kind of switch box or splitter) is that it defeats the overheat detection in Tesla's connector plugs. So, if for example your wall outlet is old and has bad contacts, and as a result the outlet heats up under high load, the car won't be able to detect that and shut down (which it can if you plug it directly into the wall outlet using a heat sensor in the plug). However, don't take this as a recommendation to unplug/replug the charger from/to the wall outlet every time you want to use the dryer, since constant plug cycles is what causes contacts to wear out in the first place.

Gotcha gotcha. At this point, I feel like I'm better off (safer off) just heading to my supercharger 2 miles down the road once a week lol

 

[Eno Deb]

Gotcha gotcha. At this point, I feel like I'm better off (safer off) just heading to my supercharger 2 miles down the road once a week lol

No reason to be paranoid. It's not rocket science, just keep in mind that charging at 5+ kW continuous load is not something you want to play fast and loose with.

 

[brkaus]

No reason to be paranoid. It's not rocket science, just keep in mind that charging at 5+ kW continuous load is not something you want to play fast and loose with.

And if you set the charge rate even lower, except when needed, you can add extra margin.

 

[BSAElectronics]

To save some fellow Tesla owners from some headache and money and time loss, I wanted to warn everyone to think twice before ordering a Dryerbuddy.

As you may already know, BSA electronics is a one-man shop. Nothing wrong with that, except that you have to pay upfront and then you have to wait months (he provides a calendar, but then misses that day by weeks and ignores your emails).

There is no customer service, no returns, no warranty, nothing. If something goes wrong he will "negotiate" with you to fix it. maybe you get lucky, maybe you don't. you have already paid full and you have no recourse.

After waiting for months for my order to arrive, I gave up and ordered a neocharger arrives in 10 calendar days, looks much better than the ugly gray box, and has proper service, warranty, and returns. If he ever sends me my dryerbuddy, I am going to put it straight on eBay.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for the little guy standing on his own feet, but in this case, the quality of the service is very low, you can donate money to him if you want, but if you want good product and service, stay away from this company.

@Reza A. (Balto) I reviewed our email exchange and can't figure out why you are bashing a small company behind it's back, I worked with you and sent many responses to your emails, you seemed satisfied and pleasant to work with and now are claiming "There is no customer service, no returns, no warranty" all of which are untrue, why do you feel the need to damage my company? Your post is nearly identical to another you posted on another forum under Reza. This account (Balto) was created between the time period of emails between us, with only a few post, was this just to bash me? For transparency and for the group to evaluate here is a copy and past of our email exchange:




BSA Electronics

Mon 4/22/2019 11:40 PM

· Reza A



Dear Reza,


Thanks for the kind words, sorry to here of your family catching the Flu as well.


Your package was dropped off at USPS late tonight, it should be processed tomorrow with tracking updating later tomorrow. It cost me more but I sent it via USPS as a few of my Canadian customer have said the fees are lower and they don't charger a broker fee like UPS.




My sincerest apologizes for the delay. Thank you for your patience.




Cheers
Brad Apelgren
Owner - BSA Electronics

Business days: Mon – Fri, closed weekends and holidays

Facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/bsa101

My online store: https://www.bsaelectronics.com

My org. PDF catalog: http://tinyurl.com/bsaelectronics





From: Reza A <reza@****.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2019 7:08 AM
To: BSA Electronics
Subject: Re: Order #2292 confirmed


Hi Brad,

I did not receive your email below, but as long as our communication is open it is all fine.


We got hit with the flu as well. I hope the little ones are feeling better and your business trip went well. please let me know when you make the shipment because I need to arrange for customs clearance and payment on it.


Cheers,

Reza






On Wed, Apr 17, 2019 at 1:56 PM BSA Electronics <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Reza,




Please confirm you received the email below, I need to know if my emails are getting to you.




Cheers
Brad Apelgren
Owner - BSA Electronics

Business days: Mon – Fri, closed weekends and holidays

Facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/bsa101

My online store: https://www.bsaelectronics.com

My org. PDF catalog: http://tinyurl.com/bsaelectronics








From: BSA Electronics
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2019 1:53 PM
To: Reza A
Subject: Re: Order #2292 confirmed


Dear Reza,


Thanks for touching base, you must have missed my email on the 6th, please have a look in you spam folder, her is a copy and past of it:

BSA Electronics

Sat 4/6/2019 10:45 PM

· reza@******.net

Greetings from BSA,


Your unit is coming along nicely. I had planned on completing and sending your order before my upcoming business trip. Unfortunately I have had a hard 2 weeks, everyone in the house is very sick including my three young children. This has slowed the process down. Rest assured your build is going well, it's just taking a little longer than expected. I am leaving on a Business trip today for a week and will be back Monday April 15th. I plan to ship your order by the end of that week. My sincerest apologizes for the delay. Thank you for your patience.

I know you had been waiting for a while so I upgraded your case to my new enclosure, a premium polycarbonate case with more mounting options and more room for future customization, it also features a premium aluminum cable gland.

Let me know how you like your unit once you receive it and get a chance to use it. Thank you so much for your business and support. My family and I really appreciate it!

Cheers
Brad Apelgren
Owner - BSA Electronics

Business days: Mon – Fri, closed weekends and holidays

Facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/bsa101

My online store: https://www.bsaelectronics.com

My org. PDF catalog: http://tinyurl.com/bsaelectronics



From: Reza A <reza@******.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2019 4:26 AM
To: BSA Electronics
Subject: Re: Order #2292 confirmed


Hi Brad,


My order is now 10 days late, and you are not answering my emails. I am starting to get worried. is everything ok?


Regards,

Reza





On Wed, Apr 10, 2019 at 10:15 AM Reza A <areza@******.com> wrote:

Good morning Brad,

Would you mind giving me an update to the status of my order below, please? Based on the calendar calculator provided, it should have been ready yesterday. I am not in a rush but wanted to make sure everything is in order.

Regards,
Reza






BSA Electronics

Sat 4/6/2019 10:45 PM

· reza@****.net;



Greetings from BSA,


Your unit is coming along nicely. I had planned on completing and sending your order before my upcoming business trip. Unfortunately I have had a hard 2 weeks, everyone in the house is very sick including my three young children. This has slowed the process down. Rest assured your build is going well, it's just taking a little longer than expected. I am leaving on a Business trip today for a week and will be back Monday April 15th. I plan to ship your order by the end of that week. My sincerest apologizes for the delay. Thank you for your patience.

I know you had been waiting for a while so I upgraded your case to my new enclosure, a premium polycarbonate case with more mounting options and more room for future customization, it also features a premium aluminum cable gland.

Let me know how you like your unit once you receive it and get a chance to use it. Thank you so much for your business and support. My family and I really appreciate it!

Cheers
Brad Apelgren
Owner - BSA Electronics

Business days: Mon – Fri, closed weekends and holidays

Facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/bsa101

My online store: https://www.bsaelectronics.com

My org. PDF catalog: http://tinyurl.com/bsaelectronics

 

[IsthataTesl.a?]

Oh and yeah, for the last thing, I decided on the dryer buddy cause my service drop and breaker box is 100A, and between the dryer, AC, stove, fridge (and the box has only has one empty space) I figured the $350 for the dryer buddy, and about $200 worth of cable, conduit, and miscellaneous work items was a quicker/cheaper option than getting a whole new breaker box + wiring on the eve of getting a 50k car and have only gotten said house just last year (I am an EE and 29, so lucky enough to afford things but not willing to overextend myself). I am not in such dire financial straight to think I can't afford someone to come and put all of that in, but, I got a bathroom and other house work I would much rather have done, and this worked well in, well I wouldn't call it a pinch but a nice compromise.

Literally the most expensive part was the HWPC, but, I splurged for that and that only.

Just to clarify for folks, the individual above is relatively young and an Electrical Engineer. If you aren't 100% sure you can do something like this and aren't willing to study what's required and the National Electrical Code, you'll probably be best off hiring a licensed professional aka an electrician.

On a whim, while my vehicle was outside charging, I decided to check the temperature of the conduit and junction box of the wiring that someone did when the carport was converted into a garage and added a receptacle to the ceiling of the garage. This is all Level 1, NEMA 5-15R stuff. Both the junction box/receptacle and the conduit were hot in temperature!

Long story short, the conduit and added receptacle that a Tesla has now been plugged into for several years (not continuously, car gets driven) was wired with stranded 12V automotive wire. Not all of it, but it doesn't matter. It was clearly a safety hazard and potential fire waiting to happen.

I strongly suggest that new Tesla owners, at the least, verify that any existing receptacle is wired properly, especially if modifications or additions were made to the electrical.

There's obviously plenty of crappy DIY or handyman jobs being done out there. The life you save may be your own.

And yes, it feels great to have it wired with new industrial grade receptacles, actual 120V Romex wire, provided (at no charge) by a friend who's got skills, is/was a gearhead car builder, and is now also a happy Tesla Model 3 Owner twice over.

 

[darth_vad3r]

Note: someone else necro’ed this old thread, not me

Neocharge looks like a nice solution but I'm a little concerned that their dryer splitter product has a 30 amp input, 30 amp dryer output, and 14-50 for EV charging. Seems it should be a 14-30. no?
https://www.getneocharge.com/product-page/neocharge-dryer-splitter

Exactly. That is a terrible device that I would never recommend.

Looks like they changed it since April. That link goes to a 2x 14-30 splitter now, and then other choices are 2x 10-30 or 2x 14-50 splitters. Maybe fixed as part of UL process

Though the FAQ claims to shut off the power if something plugged in tries to draw more power than the outlet supports, so theoretically they could have safely, yet annoyingly inconveniently, had a 14-50 splitter outlet plugged into a 30A receptacle if they shut off the power as soon as 24A draw was exceeded.

Just thought I’d mention this since it seems like they have a decent option in addition to the DryerBuddy option.

Heh, looks like the DryerBuddy also advertises a 30A to 30A plus 50A option, warning you to dial the amps down in your car
Dryer Buddy™ #4 30A 240v Splitter, 5ft. cable NEMA 10-30 plug, one 10-30 outlet, one 14-50 outlet with optional kWh/Watt/Volt/Amp meter

I see no good reason to do this . The auto-current setting of the Tesla 30A adapter would be well worth the $35.

 

[tangent]

Neocharge looks like a nice solution but I'm a little concerned that their dryer splitter product has a 30 amp input, 30 amp dryer output, and 14-50 for EV charging. Seems it should be a 14-30. no?
https://www.getneocharge.com/product-page/neocharge-dryer-splitter

I just checked Neocharge, they are still at "preorder" phase. That's been almost a year, it smells like vaporware.

 

[G26okie]

I just checked Neocharge, they are still at "preorder" phase. That's been almost a year, it smells like vaporware.

Not vaporware, I have one and it works perfectly. I got one of the last ones of the batch they had and according to when I spoke to them end of Nov, the next batch would be available in February. They did get UL certification.

 

[Evoforce]

You can easily make your own... and upgrade with twist locks so you can twist on any 240 volt inlet and outlet plug and receptacle that is needed for any roving location.