Awning for FCSP

[RLXXI]

After reading from others about water intrusion killing their chargers, I decided to give mine a little bit of added weather protection.

Should be enough deflection to help keep water out hopefully. Only $30.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Thehsnt-...ow-Canopy-UV-Rain-Snow-Protection/18344652083

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[K6CCC]

Should help it. I can't get away with that as unless I installed it high enough to walk under it would block the walkway. Putting it that high would likely reduce the effectiveness.

 

[Joe Dablock]

I thought I was the only one who had this problem. I’m not sure what to do with the FCSP. Just throw it away? I was shocked at how much water was inside, when I opened it up. I bought a Ford connect charger to replace it.

 

[RLXXI]

I thought I was the only one who had this problem. I’m not sure what to do with the FCSP. Just throw it away? I was shocked at how much water was inside, when I opened it up. I bought a Ford connect charger to replace it.

I was shocked to hear about this as well, figured an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Might be able to get the fcsp fixed at a decent price, I'd say if it cost more than 500 to fix it's not worth it.

 

[Heliian]

I thought I was the only one who had this problem. I’m not sure what to do with the FCSP. Just throw it away? I was shocked at how much water was inside, when I opened it up. I bought a Ford connect charger to replace it.

The cover does have a water resistant seal but your installer might have pinched it or not followed the proper torquing procedure for the cover. Also, if the cable going in isn't sealed properly it could also let in water.

 

[RickLightning]

Should have powerwashed before installation...

 

[RLXXI]

Should have powerwashed before installation...

You leave my algae alone dammit!!

 

[chl]

The cover does have a water resistant seal but your installer might have pinched it or not followed the proper torquing procedure for the cover. Also, if the cable going in isn't sealed properly it could also let in water.

Likely a bad outdoor installation. I installed mine just inside my garage and ran the cord through a lockable RV access panel.

If that would not work, you could always make a J1772 extension fit the CCS1 plug by removing a small amount of plastic from one end like this - I did for other reasons - charging a different EV J1772 with the FCSP - works fine:

The FCSP outdoor conduit install requires special seals on the conduit for side wire intrusion conduit fitting type 4 or 4x.

Liquid-tight conduit glands for outdoor mounting:

"...Liquid-tight conduit glands, also known as liquid-tight fittings, are used to create a watertight seal between liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) and an oil-tight, rain-tight, or liquid-tight box or enclosure, protecting electrical wiring in environments where moisture or liquids are present.."

And install step 7 mentions the gasket should be checked and the screws torqued correctly:

The few FCSPs with water intrusion I have read about were not apparently installed correctly by the electrician, in particular the conduit was the vector for water intrusion.

The codes do allow for small drainage holes where water condensation inside electrical boxes or conduit is an issue.

AI says this:

Requirements for drilling drainage holes

• Location: The hole should be drilled in the lowest part of the box, according to its installed position. It should not be drilled near edges or corners.
• Size:The hole diameter must be between 1/8 inch (33mm) and 1/4 inch (66mm).
• Box type: Only drill holes in surface-mounted, pedestal-mounted, or pendant-mounted boxes that are specifically rated for use in damp or wet locations. Do not drill flush-mounted boxes.
• Manufacturer's instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not drill if it could compromise the box's listed Enclosure Type rating.
• Hazardous locations: Do not drill holes in boxes for use in hazardous (classified) locations.
• Raceways: Never drill holes in raceways for drainage; use manufacturer-provided drain fittings instead

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.nema.org/docs/default-source/technical-document-library/drop-openings-in-boxes-and-conduit-bodies-listed-for-damp-or-wet-locations.pdf?sfvrsn=9bdccd50_5&ved=2ahUKEwjPrIf9oYeRAxVy4MkDHe51FycQqYcPegQICBAC&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw0l51i7b7KlWUOdsZotgJcw&ust=1763952689755000

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Water in a Ford Charge Station Pro is a serious issue that indicates a breach of its NEMA Type IV "waterproof" rating and can lead to charging problems or a complete failure of the unit. This can happen if the installation is improper, such as when conduit entry isn't sealed or if the enclosure's gasket is damaged or missing. A user experienced a "red blinking light of death" after water collected inside the unit, resulting in a faulty charger that needed replacement.

Causes of water intrusion

• Improper installation: The most likely cause is an improper installation, which is a failure to meet the NEMA Type IV standard.
  • Gasket issues: The seal on the cover is missing, damaged, or dislodged.
  • Wiring penetrations: If the charger was installed with wiring that penetrates the main case instead of the dedicated rear plug, it creates an entry point for water.
  • Unsealed conduit: Liquid-tight conduit glands are not used or not properly sealed where the conduit enters the enclosure.
• Damage to the enclosure: The case itself may be physically damaged, which compromises the waterproof seal.

Consequences of water intrusion

• Low voltage faults: A user reported the station throwing low voltage faults before failing completely.
• Charging malfunction: The station may stop working correctly or display a fault light (e.g., the "red blinking light of death").
• Internal component damage: Water can cause short circuits, corrosion, or other damage to the internal components, as seen with a user who found about a gallon of water inside their unit.

What to do if you have water in your charger

• Contact a certified electrician and Ford support: Since water inside the unit indicates a potential manufacturing or installation defect, it's best to have a professional assess the situation.
• Do not continue to use the charger: If you find water inside the unit, do not attempt to use it. It is a safety and operational risk.
• Explore a replacement: Ford may cover replacement under warranty for a manufacturing defect, but you may be responsible for diagnostic and re-installation costs.

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Not sure if that drainage hole idea would be applicable to the FCSP case - probably not.

And for some reports of FCSP water intrusion:

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...on-pro-issues-in-the-most-unlikely-way.25724/

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