![]() There is no official maximum safe voltage drop, although many experts believe a 10% drop at the circuit's rated current is the most that can be considered safe. However, most houses that are properly wired will have some circuits that test above the 5% NEC guideline, with 2-8% being typical of new construction. *The NEC specifies a 5% max voltage drop for performance rather than safety reasons. ![]() Here is an example of a dangerous outlet that should NOT be used for EV charging (extreme 15V/12% voltage drop): This information may be useful for your electrician. If there is a bad connection you will see a sudden increase in voltage drop from one outlet to the next. It may take some detective work to find the fault location, it's recommended that you test all the outlets in your garage (including ceiling outlets) if you are looking for a fault. If the outlet does not pass, the issue could be in the outlet or upstream in another outlet or circuit splice. Ideally you want to use the first outlet in the circuit chain (typically the GFCI receptacle in garages) which will have the lowest voltage drop. If the outlet did not pass, repeat the tests on another outlet that is electrically closer to the main circuit panel. You should always monitor the plug for heat the first time using an outlet for charging (come back and feel it periodically). Pass/Fail - If the outlet passes all the above tests, it is likely safe to use for extended duration charging and will not produce charge errors.A GFCI-protected outlet is not required since the EVSE has its own GFCI protection built in. You may optionally test the GFCI on the circuit by pressing the test button if equipped (afterwards reset the button on the nearby tripped GFCI receptacle). Do not use an ungrounded outlet for EV charging, ground is required to prevent shock hazards. Two amber lights on my tester is correct. Use outlet tester - Verify outlet is wired correctly (see guide on device).The cord must plug directly into the outlet with nothing in between. Remove any adapters or splitters, these are not to be used with EV charging for safety. Do not use if the outlet has burn marks, cracking, or broken parts. Visual inspection - Verify the outlet is in decent shape, has a ground prong, and that it isn't wet.These items are all relatively inexpensive and you may already have them. This guide will explain how to do some simple safety checks to prevent fires, charging errors, and ensure the fastest charging speed. Some may have poor wiring or worn contacts, which could potentially cause a fire if used. Not all 120V outlets are suitable for extended duration Level 1 EV charging. While a dedicated 240V outlet is the safest/fastest for charging, sometimes 120V is the only available option.
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