JuiceBox 40 Shorted while charging my R1T

[kozak79]

Woke up this morning to see a charging error in the Rivian app. Checked the JuiceBox app and it's offline. The breaker is tripped. Tried to put the breaker back and it instantly trips. JuiceBox has a burning smell coming from it...

Getting a new unit sent out under warranty, but kinda scary. Glad I decided to mount it outside. Anyone else have something similar happen with their chargers?

Sponsored

 

[connoisseurr]

Might be your time to sell the replacement and switch to a ChargePoint HomeFlex. I've seen a few posts on the Mach-E Forum and subreddit about newer JuiceBoxes shorting/catching fire. Bad electronics, maybe.

 

[kozak79]

Might be your time to sell the replacement and switch to a ChargePoint HomeFlex. I've seen a few posts on the Mach-E Forum and subreddit about newer JuiceBoxes shorting/catching fire. Bad electronics, maybe.

PSE&G in NJ gives an off-peak charging discount if you use the JuiceBox, that's the reason I got it (and the $1500 PSE&G installation credit).

 

[brancky3]

PSE&G in NJ gives an off-peak charging discount if you use the JuiceBox, that's the reason I got it (and the $1500 PSE&G installation credit).

Is the JuiceBox somehow linked to your account? Would they know if you plugged another charging brand in and used it instead?

 

[kozak79]

Is the JuiceBox somehow linked to your account? Would they know if you plugged another charging brand in and used it instead?

Yes, the Juicebox sends charging data to the utility and I get a credit for any off-peak charging, between 9pm and 7am. Actually the ChargePoint Flex is also on that list.

 

[SilverII]

If you are going to keep using juicebox, i think putting a battery operated smoke detector nearby may help alert you if there is any issue

 

[connoisseurr]

It seems most green-minded energy providers offer credits for both Juicebox and ChargePoint. I chose ChargePoint for the purpose of only needing one account to use home and public chargers. My company's office buildings are also outfitted with ChargePoint L2 chargers that use the keycard or smartphone wallet pass. Super convenient.

 

[connoisseurr]

If you are going to keep using juicebox, i think putting a battery operated smoke detector nearby may help alert you if there is any issue

This. When I was installing my CPHF, I also ran a smoke detector branch to the garage for this very purpose - should the charger or car start doing something sparky, I can get a head start. I also just made the switch to Kidde Hardwired Smart Detectors. HD had a sale on Black Friday so I swapped all the units in the house. Audible alerts and smartphone alerts as well, which is super convenient when you're away from home. I've used the Nest Aware products in the past but I'm slowly getting away from those connected services. Nest Doorbell is the last culprit, then I'm Nest-free .

 

[Riviot]

If you are going to keep using juicebox, i think putting a battery operated smoke detector nearby may help alert you if there is any issue

I suggest a heat detector in garages instead. Dust, dirt, and bad atmosphere affect smoke detectors with false alarms. Might have to order one from Canada or the UK like I did.

 

[DTown3011]

Hardwired or plugin?

 

[SoCal Rob]

I suggest a heat detector in garages instead. Dust, dirt, and bad atmosphere affect smoke detectors with false alarms. Might have to order one from Canada or the UK like I did.

These are available from Amazon:
Kidde Heat Detector, Hardwired with Battery Backup & 2 LEDs, Interconnectable

More discussion here: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/“critical-battery-issue”.4620/#post-128948

 

[kozak79]

Hardwired or plugin?

Plugin

 

[DTown3011]

Plugin

What amp breaker and gauge wire on the outlet?

the plug-in is your issue, rarely see this with a correct hardwired setup!

 

[kozak79]

What amp breaker and gauge wire on the outlet?

the plug-in is your issue, rarely see this with a correct hardwired setup!

6 gauge wire on 50 amp breaker. The plug is fine, the charger melted from the inside.

 

[staytuned]

My Juicebox 40 did this, but it was in conjunction with a melted el cheapo receptacle.

Also 6 gauge wire, 3 feet from its 50 amp breaker.

Sponsored