Planning to buy an electric vehicle (EV) or already own one? Either way, you may already know that you will need to be charging the vehicle at home. To do this, you need a home EV charger like the EVC 10.
Through this process, you will also need a plug to facilitate the charging process. As of the time of writing, there are only two main types of plugs used for home electric vehicle charging, both rated and standardized by NEMA – the largest and renowned trade association for electrical equipment manufacturers in the United States.
A home electric vehicle charger is the interface between an EV’s battery management and charging system and the electricity passing through you’re your house. This interface needs to be plugged in using an outlet or hardwired. As an unofficial standard, 240V is the sweet spot for an electric vehicle’s power supply.
Modern plug-in home charging setup utilizes a 50 amp, 240V outlet to allow a 40 amp Level 2 charger to be used. But electric standards call for a circuit to be equal to 125 percent of a device’s load.
Home EV charging configuration charges at 10Kw, which is the total power supplied when you multiply the 40 amps by 240 volts. Thus nicely fits the amount of power that most EVs accept.
But you need to choose the standardized outlet for your home EV charging. There are numerous types of outlets you can use for your EV home charging, but today we are going to talk about the NEMA 14-15 outlet.
NEMA 14-15 plugs are electrical plugs that are used to connect electrical devices to an electrical outlet. They are part of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard for plugs and receptacles, which defines a set of standardized electrical connectors that are used in the United States.
They have two flat prongs that are spaced 1.5 inches apart, and they are typically used to connect devices that require a current of 15 amps or less. They are commonly used to power household appliances and electronics, such as laptops, smartphones, and printers.
Typically they are usually used in combination with NEMA 14-15 receptacles, which are electrical outlets that are designed to accept these plugs. NEMA 14-15 receptacles are often found in residential and commercial buildings, and they are typically compatible with other NEMA 14 plugs, such as NEMA 14-20 plugs and NEMA 14-30 plugs.
NEMA 14-15 outlets are normally compatible with a wide range of electrical devices, including household appliances, electronics, and power tools. This makes them a versatile and convenient choice for connecting these devices to an electrical outlet.
NEMA 14-15 outlets are designed to be safe and reliable, with features such as grounding prongs and tamper-resistant designs that help to prevent electrical accidents.
(Source: Joint.com)
These outlets are usually made from high-quality materials, such as copper or brass, which makes them durable and resistant to wear and tear.
As home charging outlets, NEMA 14-15 are simple and easy to use, with simple instructions and straightforward controls. This makes them a convenient and user-friendly choice for charging your electric vehicle at home or in a semi-public location.
NEMA 14-15 outlets are widely available and can be found in a variety of stores and online retailers. EV owners don’t have to worry about their availability or spend a lot of time looking for them.
NEMA 14-15 outlets are generally affordable, especially when compared to other types of electrical plugs. This can make them a cost-effective choice for those who need to connect a large number of electrical devices to an electrical outlet.
NEMA 14-15 outlets are part of a standardized system of electrical connectors that are used throughout the United States and other countries. This means that they are easy to find and use in a variety of locations.
You want to make sure that the NEMA 14-15 outlet you want to buy is compatible with your electrical system and the electric vehicle you plan to use with it. This includes checking the voltage and amperage ratings, as well as the number of wires and poles.
Consider the location of the outlet in relation to your electrical system and the devices you plan to use with it. Make sure that it is easily accessible and that the cables or cords you plan to use will reach it.
Look for an outlet that is made of high-quality materials and is built to last. This will help ensure that it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
Look for outlets that have useful built-in safety features, such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and surge protection. These features can help protect you and your electric vehicle and other electric components from electrical accidents.
Choose a trustworthy brand with a good track record of producing high-quality electrical products. This can help ensure that you are getting a reliable and safe outlet.
Learn about key factors like charging speed, smart management, scalability, and cost-effectiveness when selecting the best EV fleet charging solutions. Ensure reliable, efficient, and future-proof charging infrastructure for your growing fleet.
Whether you operate a fleet, manage a commercial facility, or provide charging solutions for customers, understanding the various functions of EV chargers can help you make an informed decision.
A charging station at the workplace is an important strategic decision that will benefit your employees and business.
