Issues charging at home on 240v with the Portable charger

[Explorer83]

UPDATE:

TLDR: Got home, checked all wiring (6 Gauge THHN), replacement breaker (same brand and model as last)….. same results. CB popped after 30 minutes.

Called Rivian: GFI breakers are not recommended to be used in conjunction with the portable charger. Can lead to unnecessary “nuissance tripping” due to changes in charging demands of the truck as the battery ramps up and down.
Recommended that i reduce amps to 24 from the truck to avoid nuisance tripping of the CB.

I got a solid hour of charging in at 24 amps with no tripping. So fingers crossed….

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[KBabione]

UPDATE:
I got a solid hour of charging in at 24 amps with no tripping. So fingers crossed….

It's not ideal, but as long as you're charging overnight it doesn't really matter if you're at 24A instead of the 32A max of the portable charger.

And a shout-out to @VSG for stating the obvious about not hanging the portable charger from the plug. I believe I've done that every time I've used it without thinking! I just stuck a bungee cord into my portable charger case to remind me NOT to dangle the charger from the plug.

 

[HaveBlue]

UPDATE:

TLDR: Got home, checked all wiring (6 Gauge THHN), replacement breaker (same brand and model as last)….. same results. CB popped after 30 minutes.

Called Rivian: GFI breakers are not recommended to be used in conjunction with the portable charger. Can lead to unnecessary “nuissance tripping” due to changes in charging demands of the truck as the battery ramps up and down.
Recommended that i reduce amps to 24 from the truck to avoid nuisance tripping of the CB.

I got a solid hour of charging in at 24 amps with no tripping. So fingers crossed….

I'd recommend having the terminals all checked to make sure none are loose in the panel. That includes all hot, neutral and grounds even from other circuits. Verify that you have a proper ground rod installed as well. Make sure your neutrals aren't wired to the ground bar and that none share a terminal with another wire. For that matter, make sure no hot leads share a breaker terminal unless your breaker is designed for that.

 

[Explorer83]

Unfortunately for me i just cant get anywhere with the GFI breaker consistently regardless of voltage and even using an air conditioner to cool the panel. Evidently its a common issue for this area. Ill be pursuing some other means.

 

[Explorer83]

Unfortunately my issues persist..

So does anyone have a non- Rivian plug-in charger they are using successfully on a NEMA 14-50 with a GFI 50 amp breaker?

 

[KBabione]

Unfortunately my issues persist..

Were you ever able to test your Rivian charger in another 240V outlet away from your house to rule out a charger issue?

 

[Explorer83]

No, thats why im asking my best bet is to try another charger brand and return it if the issue continues

 

[KBabione]

No, thats why im asking my best bet is to try another charger brand and return it if the issue continues

Any chance you're within 20-30 minutes of an RV park? Call them and see if they have 50A service and if, for $20, you can come by and charge your EV for a couple of hours. Depending on the season, I'm guessing they will let you AND it will give you a chance to confirm that it's your wiring or your portable charger. Just a thought.

 

[PVguy]

No, thats why im asking my best bet is to try another charger brand and return it if the issue continues

I looked through the responses and did not see a mention of conduit sizing. We know that the NEC has conduit sizing tables for many reasons, but heating is probably the main one. Personally, I would never run a circuit like this in Romex. With a 60 amp circuit breaker, you will be running 2 x #6 conductors and a #10 ground(I think that is what I ran). Minimum EMT for this would be 3/4”. Even with 3/4” you may see some conductors getting slightly warm under continuous 48 amps. My configuration is as per above and no issues.

 

[Explorer83]

So ive been through the install with a master home inspector. The wires are all #6 THHN on a 12 foot run in conduit mounted to the interior wall. The problem is the CB.

Is anyone using a Grizzle plug in charger on a GFI BREAKER?

 

[PVguy]

So ive been through the install with a master home inspector. The wires are all #6 THHN on a 12 foot run in conduit mounted to the interior wall. The problem is the CB.

Is anyone using a Grizzle plug in charger on a GFI BREAKER?

Per NECTeble 250.122, assuming copper conductors, grouding conductor can be #10. Could save a buck or two and make the pull easier. Just sayin’….
https://conduit.site/tables/table-250.122.php

 

[Thebandit]

Per NECTeble 250.122, assuming copper conductors, grouding conductor can be #10. Could save a buck or two and make the pull easier. Just sayin’….
https://conduit.site/tables/table-250.122.php

When you're talking about a 12 foot run, you're probably looking at a literal buck or two opting for 10 awg over 6 for the ground.

 

[PVguy]

When you're talking about a 12 foot run, you're probably looking at a literal buck or two opting for 10 awg over 6 for the ground.

I thought that i was trying to make a broader point in my comment. My apologies for making this mistake and I will endeavor to see that it does not happen again.

 

[Explorer83]

Update 73: So i took apart the circuit and reevaluated it myself. Found out the connections had NOT been torqued according to the manufacturer recommendations for the CB or outlet. Grrr…. I took the time to torque everything correctly. Much better experience only one trip in 4 charging intervals. Finally made it from ~50 - 70% in just about 5 hours. Pays to check your electricians work.

 

[KBabione]

Oh - that REALLY sucks...And of course if you called the electrician on it they would assure that it was properly torqued and has loosened with use.

When the electrician installed our Rivian charger I asked him to show me how he torqued the connections - explaining that I had only seen torque requirements on things like tire lugs. He was happy to comply and show me why it was important

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