BLFarnsworth Posted January 23, 2015 at 05:45 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 at 05:45 PM (edited) Hi all, this is my first post here... I just got a Fusion Energi SE this month and I'm looking to install an EVSE (plug-in, not hard-wired) in my garage. I've researched a few different EVSEs and the JuiceBox Classic 40-Amp EVSE is on my final list. It's $499 at Amazon, and includes a 20-foot J1772 cable. I completely understand that the Fusion Energi's charger is only 3.3 kW and a 16-amp EVSE would work just fine, but I'm just looking to the future as I know we'll be getting another electric vehicle in about 2 years. Now that I have the PHEV, I can definitely see getting a electric-only car! It'll be nice to have at least 40-amps to charge whatever electric car (assuming the on-board charger can utilize the 40-amp current). I'll have the appropriate wiring (plug, breakers, wire, etc.) installed by a licensed electrician here. I'm really only concerned that the JuiceBox EVSE isn't officially "UL-approved," although I understand that most of the components are. I could of course go with a Leviton 40-amp EVSE -- a unit from an established name in the power industry + a 3-year warranty vs. 1-year with the JuiceBox -- but it's almost twice the cost of the JuiceBox when you get the overpriced "pre-wire and mounting kit." BTW, I e-mailed the JuiceBox manufacturer and they said that the JuiceBox is currently in the UL approval process right now and should be approved in the next couple of months. Should I really be worried that JuiceBox isn't technically "UL-approved" as of right now? $499 seems to be a great price for a 40-amp EVSE. Edited January 23, 2015 at 05:52 PM by BLFarnsworth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryh Posted January 23, 2015 at 05:54 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 at 05:54 PM (edited) You generally need a permit to install an EVSE. If they check for the UL listing in the inspection, then there will be a problem. I know of inspections that have failed because the EVSE was lacking the label "No Ventilation Required" for an indoor installation. Edited January 23, 2015 at 05:55 PM by larryh Hybridbear 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted January 23, 2015 at 05:56 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 at 05:56 PM I believe you only need the permit for the wiring itself... if he's installing an outlet, then the permit ends there - they don't care what goes in the outlet, but the insurance company might! :) If he was doing a hardwired EVSE, then yeah, a permit would likely encompass that too. Hybridbear 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryh Posted January 23, 2015 at 06:00 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 at 06:00 PM (edited) A permit is required for a plug-in EVSE installation in my area. You will have to check your local code to determine the requirements for an EVSE. Edited January 23, 2015 at 06:09 PM by larryh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLFarnsworth Posted January 23, 2015 at 06:56 PM Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 at 06:56 PM (edited) Thanks - I just spoke with my county planning office and it's an over-the-counter process to get the permit - no EVSE-specific permit necessary; it's basically just installing a 240V outlet... The county planning office will, however, want to know the max current load of the equipment that will be plugged into the outlet. Technically it could be a space heater, clothes dryer, washing machine, whatever. A licensed electrician will assist with the paperwork and of course do the installation. Other neighboring cities like Irvine, CA have a specific permit process for EVSEs, but mine doesn't. EDIT: I just verified that my county of residence (Orange County, CA), doesn't need any EVSE model numbers for the permit - just the max load of the unit or whatever I'm plugging in. Since I have no plans to install a Tesla supercharger (LOL) I should have no problems getting a 50-amp breaker and 240V NEMA 14-50 (or 6-50) outlet approved. That said, my only concern again is the lack of UL-approval (for the JuiceBox). Anyone have an opinion on that? :) Edited January 23, 2015 at 07:08 PM by BLFarnsworth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murphy Posted January 23, 2015 at 07:20 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 at 07:20 PM The mobile charger that comes with a Tesla plugs into a 14-50 outlet so if you put in a 14-50 outlet you are all set for a Tesla. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLFarnsworth Posted January 26, 2015 at 10:16 PM Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2015 at 10:16 PM The mobile charger that comes with a Tesla plugs into a 14-50 outlet so if you put in a 14-50 outlet you are all set for a Tesla. I was joking about installing a 480-volt supercharger in my home -- which would probably fry the main service panel (and would also probably cost an arm and a leg)... :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLFarnsworth Posted January 26, 2015 at 10:26 PM Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2015 at 10:26 PM OK, it's settled... I ended up going the "safe" route and purchasing a Leviton 32-amp EVSE. Main reasons:I figure that if I have problems they'd be resolved quickly (and not over e-mail)The Leviton has a 3-year warranty vs. the 1-year warranty for the JuiceBoxI know Leviton will probably be around for a while so I can contact them if I *do* have a problem a few years down the roadOne thing I wasn't too thrilled about was that Leviton sells the mounting bracket & "pre-wire kit" separately for about $80.00 USD -- and it's basically a stamped sheet of metal and a NEMA 6-50 receptacle. I thought that was kind of a rip-off but I remedied that by buying it "used or for parts" on eBay for about $16.00 including shipping last night; all I really care about getting is the mounting bracket. I can always just get a NEMA 6-50 receptacle one at HomeDepot for probably $10.00 (if for whatever reason the one I get from eBay has some sort of problem)... Thanks all! Hybridbear 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FusionNAZ Posted September 24, 2015 at 02:16 AM Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 at 02:16 AM OK, it's settled... I ended up going the "safe" route and purchasing a Leviton 32-amp EVSE. Main reasons:I figure that if I have problems they'd be resolved quickly (and not over e-mail)The Leviton has a 3-year warranty vs. the 1-year warranty for the JuiceBoxI know Leviton will probably be around for a while so I can contact them if I *do* have a problem a few years down the roadOne thing I wasn't too thrilled about was that Leviton sells the mounting bracket & "pre-wire kit" separately for about $80.00 USD -- and it's basically a stamped sheet of metal and a NEMA 6-50 receptacle. I thought that was kind of a rip-off but I remedied that by buying it "used or for parts" on eBay for about $16.00 including shipping last night; all I really care about getting is the mounting bracket. I can always just get a NEMA 6-50 receptacle one at HomeDepot for probably $10.00 (if for whatever reason the one I get from eBay has some sort of problem)... Thanks all! I decided to take the plunge on the JuceBox and they where very prompt in answering my questions. I liked the fact that it comes with WIFI and an interactive app for my phone. Also, it was super reasonable (No shipping or tax). I will keep you posted on if it was an ok deal or not. How has the Leviton been working out? flyingcheesehead and BLFarnsworth 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLFarnsworth Posted September 27, 2015 at 02:39 AM Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 at 02:39 AM I decided to take the plunge on the JuceBox and they where very prompt in answering my questions. I liked the fact that it comes with WIFI and an interactive app for my phone. Also, it was super reasonable (No shipping or tax). I will keep you posted on if it was an ok deal or not. How has the Leviton been working out? I'm sure the JuiceBox will work out just fine for you... I was really drawn to the fact that the JuiceBox had all those other features, but on the other hand, I've found that I'm perfectly happy just plugging in the car and just walking away from it. The Leviton only has a few indicator lights on it and it just starts blinking once the car starts charging. After nearly 8 months with the Leviton I've had no issues whatsoever -- so I guess that's a good thing! FusionNAZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingcheesehead Posted September 30, 2015 at 11:03 PM Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 at 11:03 PM I decided to take the plunge on the JuceBox and they where very prompt in answering my questions. I liked the fact that it comes with WIFI and an interactive app for my phone. Also, it was super reasonable (No shipping or tax). I will keep you posted on if it was an ok deal or not. How has the Leviton been working out? I'm looking at the JuiceBox Pro 40, so I'm definitely interested in your experience! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve smith Posted October 3, 2015 at 06:32 AM Report Share Posted October 3, 2015 at 06:32 AM I have been using a Juice Box for 20,000 plus miles for about two years with absolutely no issues. Also just did my first oil change . Getting around 90 mpge and 48 mpg gas only on long trips. Car has never seen a dealer since it left the showroom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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