Any SoCal electricians want to make a buck? Pre-wired EV garage charger.

[B_Wagon136]

My home came pre-wired with a recessed box for EV charging. The breaker box says it’s 50 amps. I’m very naive on this subject but I assume this means most of the legwork here is already done and I just need an outlet put in for my Rivian Wall Charger (working on acquiring one of those now). Or does the wall charger get wired directly to what’s already in here?

Correct me if wrong, but assuming it’s an easy job. If so I’d like to help a neighbor out on this forum instead of playing roulette with a contractor.

DM if anyone is up for this and we can settle on a price? Timing is flexible. If you happen to be trying to help your son or daughter get into the trade I am not opposed to you bringing an apprentice along for the ride to help show them the ropes either.

Located in Irvine, CA. Pics of existing infrastructure attached.

Sponsored

 

[VandalSibs]

Depends on the number of wires in there. If there's three, the EVSE (charger) would have to be directly wired to the circuit. If it's four, you could have a 14-50 outlet installed.

In both cases, the max amperage you would get out of that setup would be 40 amps (80% load rule).

If you were feeling up to it, you could connect the 14-50 outlet yourself, but electricity can be scary and dangerous so there's nothing wrong with calling an electrician to take care of the work for you. Inspections may also be an issue depending on how the run was done, and when the circuit was installed or last inspected.

 

[srkz]

Depends on the number of wires in there. If there's three, the EVSE (charger) would have to be directly wired to the circuit. If it's four, you could have a 14-50 outlet installed.

OP included pictures, there's a neutral so it would be a 14-50. You can install a 6-50 with only hot-hot-ground too though, as there are some EVSEs with 6-50 plugs (like the popular and excellent Chargepoint Home Flex for example) they're just less common.

 

[VandalSibs]

Totally spaced 6-50 outlets, thanks for reminding me!

 

[SANZC02]

Depends on the number of wires in there. If there's three, the EVSE (charger) would have to be directly wired to the circuit. If it's four, you could have a 14-50 outlet installed.

In both cases, the max amperage you would get out of that setup would be 40 amps (80% load rule).

If you were feeling up to it, you could connect the 14-50 outlet yourself, but electricity can be scary and dangerous so there's nothing wrong with calling an electrician to take care of the work for you. Inspections may also be an issue depending on how the run was done, and when the circuit was installed or last inspected.

I see 3, red, white and black so they can do either way.

 

[B_Wagon136]

I see 3, red, white and black so they can do either way.

So, if I picked up a Rivian wall charger, it could be mounted to the wall and those 3 wires get connected directly to the charger?

For the initial inquiry about when the wiring was initially done and last inspected — this was done by the building company (Taylor Morrison) when the house was constructed in 2021 and we were the original purchasers.

 

[VandalSibs]

So, if I picked up a Rivian wall charger, it could be mounted to the wall and those 3 wires get connected directly to the charger?

For the initial inquiry about when the wiring was initially done and last inspected — this was done by the building company (Taylor Morrison) when the house was constructed in 2021 and we were the original purchasers.

No need to pick up the Rivian wall charger unless you really like the aesthetic - there are other EVSEs that are cheaper and just as good, if not better.

I just got a Grizzl-e 40amp on Monday which uses a 14-50 outlet, but can easily be converted to a hard-wired setup. There's no fancy Wi-fi connections and such, but it's built like a tank and will do the job with no fuss.

One thing to remember is that technically the charger is in your vehicle. What's on the wall is essentially a fancy power switch, but for charging your car.

 

[Time2Roll]

If the wire is long enough it will just go through the back of the Rivian charger and direct connect to the terminals. Just knock out or drill the hole as described in the installation manual. Set the dip switches for a 50A circuit and power on. Rivian says not to use a cord for the wall unit and yet mine works just fine.

My Irvine house came with a 10-50 but the neutral was there so I swapped on a 14-50. I believe these connections are required by Irvine city code.

I am no electrician but if you get the charger and remain stuck send a message.

 

[GANTZ]

You got this no need for an electrician. But first trip the breaker cause it's on. While not connected you should shut it off. Now as it goes most chargers come with installation instructions usually L1 (BLK Wire) L2 (RED Wire) COM (White) GRN (Ground which is the bare copper). Doesn't matter if Red or Black connect to L1 or L2. Hit me up I'm in San Diego. I can walk you through it safely. I have a Tesla universal charger picked it up when it was $400 but now they run $600.

 

[mkhuffman]

So, if I picked up a Rivian wall charger, it could be mounted to the wall and those 3 wires get connected directly to the charger?

For the initial inquiry about when the wiring was initially done and last inspected — this was done by the building company (Taylor Morrison) when the house was constructed in 2021 and we were the original purchasers.

You should not direct wire a EVSE to a 50 Amp circuit, IMO.

Most direct wire EVSEs default to 48 Amps, which is too much for a 50 Amp breaker and the wire in the circuit. You need a 60 Amp breaker to pull 48 Amps. (Do not change the breaker to 60 Amps because the wire is 50 Amp wire, not 60, and you could burn your house down. If you want to put in a 60 Amp breaker, you need to replace the wire also - or run a new circuit.)

While you can set the EVSE to only pull 40 Amps, it is very easy to change it and someone who doesn't know what they are doing could change the current setting to 48 Amps. If the circuit is done properly, the breaker will throw and no damage will be done. If. No need to take that chance.

Get a EVSE with a NEMA 14-50 plug and install and NEMA 14-50 outlet in that box. Plug in EVSEs normally max out at 40 Amps, so you should be fine with that setup.

If I lived near you, I would do it for free. And then we could go out for beers afterwards.

BTW - get an 14-50 outlet that is designed for BEV use. They are marked, and they cost more. Home Depot has one from Leviton that is cheaper than the Hubble one (which is considered the best).

Leviton 50 Amp 125/250 Volt EV Power Outlet/Receptacle, NEMA 14-50R, Black 1450R (1-Pack) R10-1450R-0B0 - The Home Depot

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

I would get an electrician to put in a 60A breaker and the appropriate wires for the higher load. You’ll want to the faster charging and now is the time to do it - before you install anything.

 

[captainjp]

You should not direct wire a EVSE to a 50 Amp circuit, IMO.

Most direct wire EVSEs default to 48 Amps, which is too much for a 50 Amp breaker and the wire in the circuit.

Bad advice. A hardwired wall charger is far-safer than an outlet.
Rivian wall charger amperage is set mechanically with dip switches and cannot be changed otherwise.

 

[electruck]

40A vs 48A charging (50 vs 60A circuit) isn't enough difference to warrant the cost of upgrading the breaker and wiring from what is currently in place. IMHO.

 

[hammick]

Have your electrician or installer verify the wire is 6ga copper. Depending on the length of the run might be able to change the breaker to 60a and charge at 48a.

 

[R1Thor]

Have your electrician or installer verify the wire is 6ga copper. Depending on the length of the run might be able to change the breaker to 60a and charge at 48a.

This is what I'm thinking. The 3 wires *appear to be* 6 gauge THHN, which is rated for 60A. If that's accurate, then swap breaker, hardwire EVSE and charge at 48A. EZPZ

Sponsored