Just bought a Gen 1 leaf. First EV car

KCross · 23-08-2019 12:23pm

obi604 wrote: »

Can anyone tell me quickly if this type granny cable is weather proof

https://www.adverts.ie/other/nissan-leaf-granny-cable/18511909

I know its not water proof, but can it be left out in the rain etc overnight - if one was to plug it in to an external 3 pin socket?

Thats the original Nissan one so yes, that can be left outside in the rain AS LONG AS the plug is not exposed to the rain (i.e. its plugged into a suitable outdoor weatherproof socket and not an extension lead left out exposed to rain.

obi604 · 23-08-2019 12:26pm

KCross wrote: »

Thats the original Nissan one so yes, that can be left outside in the rain AS LONG AS the plug is not exposed to the rain (i.e. its plugged into a suitable outdoor weatherproof socket and not an extension lead left out exposed to rain.

THANK YOU!

Is there any such thing as a weatherproof extension lead that people use with these granny leads?

KCross · 23-08-2019 12:42pm

obi604 wrote: »

Is there any such thing as a weatherproof extension lead that people use with these granny leads?

Im sure there is. Just make sure that whatever you buy is rated for continuous 13A. Some extension leads only have 1mm² cable and would not be capable of supplying a granny cable.

Get one with at least 1.25mm² cable and ensure you fully unwind it otherwise it can overheat.

obi604 · 23-08-2019 12:47pm

KCross wrote: »

Im sure there is. Just make sure that whatever you buy is rated for continuous 13A. Some extension leads only have 1mm² cable and would not be capable of supplying a granny cable.

Get one with at least 1.25mm² cable and ensure you fully unwind it otherwise it can overheat.

Thanks again. If anyone has an exact link to something like this, please post it, as I am not sure about this kind of stuff.

samih · 23-08-2019 2:43pm

obi604 wrote: »

THANK YOU!

Is there any such thing as a weatherproof extension lead that people use with these granny leads?

You'll need something like this protective box from B&Q:

5015056394459_01c?$MOB_PREV$&$width=500&$height=500

McGiver · 23-08-2019 11:10pm

Something like this? IP rated, 13A, heavy duty lead...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B5N2VK1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LpgyDbGCNJ91Q

obi604 · 24-08-2019 8:36am

Hi. I bought a Carista dongle, arrived today and all good. Works fine.

I just left it plugged in.

I passed by the car there, was locked about 30 minutes ago. There is still a little light coming from the carista dongle. Is this light on the whole time?

Could it affect or drain the normal battery?

I don’t want to go out in mor in game car does
not start due to this dongle sapping power.

mordeith · 24-08-2019 9:35am

I'd imagine the power to the dongle would be absolutely minuscule and would not negatively effect the battery.

obi604 · 24-08-2019 10:05am

mordeith wrote: »

I'd imagine the power to the dongle would be absolutely minuscule and would not negatively effect the battery.

Yeah. Get ya. I’ve been stung before by leaving on a supposedly small minuscule reading light

Hopefully this dongle will be ok.

KCross · 24-08-2019 2:31pm

obi604 wrote: »

Yeah. Get ya. I’ve been stung before by leaving on a supposedly small minuscule reading light Hopefully this dongle will be ok.

If it stays on all night it will drain the 12V. 30mins would be fine but it needs to auto shutdown after that.

Did you check it after a few hours?

obi604 · 24-08-2019 2:47pm

KCross wrote: »

If it stays on all night it will drain the 12V. 30mins would be fine but it needs to auto shutdown after that.

Did you check it after a few hours?

The light seemed to be on all night. As in I came out in morning and hard to see with the brightness if dongle
Light was on but seemed to be. Was on after 6 hours when I checked late last night.
Car started fine this morning.

KCross · 24-08-2019 2:55pm

I think you'll be taking a chance leaving it plugged in 24/7 if it doesnt turn itself off. My guess is you'll come out to a dead 12V some morning.... probably first frosty morning.

Just plug it in when you want to interrogate the car and leave it out otherwise. Dont plug it in/out everyday. That will just wear the connectors.

obi604 · 24-08-2019 8:08pm

KCross wrote: »

I think you'll be taking a chance leaving it plugged in 24/7 if it doesnt turn itself off. My guess is you'll come out to a dead 12V some morning.... probably first frosty morning.

Just plug it in when you want to interrogate the car and leave it out otherwise. Dont plug it in/out everyday. That will just wear the connectors.

Yeah. Could be a risk alright. Didn’t cause any issues with it being in overnight on the 1st night anyway.

You would think these things would switch off after the car has been powered off.

obi604 · 24-08-2019 8:14pm

Would this be alright as a charge point for a 2011 gen 1 leaf?

https://www.adverts.ie/18427898

unkel · 24-08-2019 11:51pm

Yep. And at EUR120 it's a steal

obi604 · 25-08-2019 8:18am

unkel wrote: »

Yep. And at EUR120 it's a steal

I see there is also a 16 amp version of this for sale.
What’s the difference again in simple terms?

McGiver · 25-08-2019 9:21am

obi604 wrote: »

unkel wrote: »

Yep. And at EUR120 it's a steal

I see there is also a 16 amp version of this for sale.
What’s the difference again in simple terms?

The charging "speed".

16 A * 230 V = 3680 W (3.7 kW)
32 A * 230 V = 7360 W (7.4 kW)

obi604 · 25-08-2019 9:23am

McGiver wrote: »

The charging "speed".

16 A * 230 V = 3680 W (3.7 kW)
32 A * 230 V = 7360 W (7.4 kW)

Grand. Thanks.
My car only has the 3.6kw onboard charger. Is the is 7.4 charger a waste?

McGiver · 25-08-2019 9:27am

obi604 wrote: »

McGiver wrote: »

The charging "speed".

16 A * 230 V = 3680 W (3.7 kW)
32 A * 230 V = 7360 W (7.4 kW)

Grand. Thanks.
My car only has the 3.6kw onboard charger. Is the is 7.4 charger a waste?

No, if plan to stick with EVs. Which almost every owner does. The difference in price is negligible AFAIK so 32A is the one to go for.

I thought you couldn't install a charger due to renting / landlord issue?

obi604 · 25-08-2019 9:55am

McGiver wrote: »

No, if plan to stick with EVs. Which almost every owner does. The difference in price is negligible AFAIK so 32A is the one to go for.

I thought you couldn't install a charger due to renting / landlord issue?

I’m just looking at the options.

1. Buy this for 120. And get the electrician to install. And use grant, should all be covered under grant.

2. Install an external weatherproof 3 pin plug and use with granny charger. Don’t think any fancy cabling needed here like in 1 above or am I wrong? I’m hoping this install would be a lot cheaper than 1 above.

Thing is, I am only renting this house. so any cabling that’s done will not really be for my long term benefit, so I’m trying to get it done in the cheapest way possible.

rolion · 25-08-2019 10:04am

The grant is valid for installations that exceed €600,otherwise less than will not be paid.
The paper form needs sections completed with price of the parts and with the cost of labour.

Black_Knight · 25-08-2019 10:06am

rolion wrote: »

The grant is valid for installations that exceed €600,otherwise less than will not be paid.
The paper form needs sections completed with price of the parts and with the cost of labour.

Really? Less than 600 and it's not covered. I don't believe you!

Edit. Checked it out. It pays up to 600 euro. Obviously "up to" includes everything less than and up to 600 euro.

McGiver · 25-08-2019 10:41am

obi604 wrote: »

McGiver wrote: »

No, if plan to stick with EVs. Which almost every owner does. The difference in price is negligible AFAIK so 32A is the one to go for.

I thought you couldn't install a charger due to renting / landlord issue?

I’m just looking at the options.

1. Buy this for 120. And get the electrician to install. And use grant, should all be covered under grant.

2. Install an external weatherproof 3 pin plug and use with granny charger. Don’t think any fancy cabling needed here like in 1 above or am I wrong? I’m hoping this install would be a lot cheaper than 1 above.

Thing is, I am only renting this house. so any cabling that’s done will not really be for my long term benefit, so I’m trying to get it done in the cheapest way possible.

Option 2 is 100 quid + waterproof lockable socket 20 quid. Will the landlord allow it?

obi604 · 25-08-2019 10:47am

McGiver wrote: »

Option 2 is 100 quid + waterproof lockable socket 20 quid. Will the landlord allow it?

He will more a less slow both options. Can option 2 really be done for 100 quid. I’m mailing electricians and they are coming with quotes of 400+.

I have specifically told them it’s only an external weatherproof socket I want but in some replies, they are on about priority swicthes, isolator switches etc.

Others saying a 3 pin plug will not work and it needs the proper ‘charge point’ install.

kanuseeme · 25-08-2019 11:31am

Get the electrician to install a 16 amp camping socket outside like so..https://www.seaflo-uk.com/16-amp-plug-and-socket-cable-hook-up-ip44-waterproof-motorhome-caravan-camping-10043-p.asp

get the 16 amp charger, and small length of wire and attach the plug to it. Screw charger unit to wall beside the socket, when you move house unplug and unscrew and bring it with you.

No need for priority switches, if its 16 amp.

Cost of brand new charger 340 pounds https://www.amazon.co.uk/Electric-EV-Universal-commercial-manufactured/dp/B01MZBKMKU , materials 150 euro labour 100 euro or more, total is over 600

cough, cough,

obi604 · 25-08-2019 11:40am

kanuseeme wrote: »

Get the electrician to install a 16 amp camping socket outside like so..https://www.seaflo-uk.com/16-amp-plug-and-socket-cable-hook-up-ip44-waterproof-motorhome-caravan-camping-10043-p.asp

get the 16 amp charger, and small length of wire and attach the plug to it. Screw charger unit to wall beside the socket, when you move house unplug and unscrew and bring it with you.

No need for priority switches, if its 16 amp.

Cost of brand new charger 340 pounds https://www.amazon.co.uk/Electric-EV-Universal-commercial-manufactured/dp/B01MZBKMKU , materials 150 euro labour 100 euro or more, total is over 600

cough, cough,

In regard to the camping thing - when you say “get the 16 amp charger” do you mean the proper home charger solution?

kanuseeme · 25-08-2019 11:54am

Yes proper home charger.

The socket and plug can handle 16 amps.

You said you can get a 16 amp charger, rented accommodation, problems with priority switching, not wanting to spend money, etc.

Your car can only handle 3.7 kw. Your next car could be 6.6 kw or even 11 kw charging

But if you use the 32 amp charger you will need to get priority switches, better cabling etc.

A 16 amp charger will be 50% or a little more faster than the granny charger and its all you need for now.

The granny charger cable can break, my one did,

handofdog · 25-08-2019 12:00pm

Something else to consider would be how easy would it be for someone to steal the charging/granny cable?

These cables are approx €200+ so they can be a nice lucrative simple theft. I've seen some posts on boards where people claim this has happened.

I'm looking into tethered units and also smart untethered units that lock.

If anyone else has other security suggestions then I'd welcome them. Thanks.

kanuseeme · 25-08-2019 12:06pm

+ 1 tethered, very handy,

obi604 · 25-08-2019 12:07pm

kanuseeme wrote: »

Yes proper home charger.

The socket and plug can handle 16 amps.

You said you can get a 16 amp charger, rented accommodation, problems with priority switching, not wanting to spend money, etc.

Your car can only handle 3.7 kw. Your next car could be 6.6 kw or even 11 kw charging

But if you use the 32 amp charger you will need to get priority switches, better cabling etc.

A 16 amp charger will be 50% or a little more faster than the granny charger and its all you need for now.

The granny charger cable can break, my one did,

Right. So buy something like this: https://www.adverts.ie/18503556 ( a 16 amp single phase)

And because this is 16 amp I don’t need to bother with priority switches etc. and the cabling to it does not need to be specialised.

And you reckon its best to do this with the round caravan type socket as opposed to hard wiring the charger.

How would the charger plug in to this round type socket ?

Just bought a Gen 1 leaf. First EV car

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