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Nema 10-30R on Sub-panel for charging?

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ScubaSteve_TheReal

ScubaSteve_TheReal

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Ford F-150 Lightning Nema 10-30R on Sub-panel for charging? IMG_6644


Ford F-150 Lightning Nema 10-30R on Sub-panel for charging? IMG_6645


Ford F-150 Lightning Nema 10-30R on Sub-panel for charging? IMG_6646
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chl

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If this is what you’re calling a “generator inlet”, it’s not.
A receptacle for a 'suicide cord' most likely - VERY dangerous, not code compliant.

Your electrician should explain it to you.

Those breakers in the sub-panel do not look good either - signs of over heating or corrosion are apparent.

Better get the electrician to check the whole dang house!

Who knows what else could be wrong.
 

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That tells me the top left 50 amp breaker in the subpanel isn't a switch and likely runs the septic system. Also that it is nice to have a disconnect at the pole as well as tripping the main breaker in the service entrance main panel.

Will know more once you remove the covers and check the wiring size. A good breaker should have a crisp feel when switched on and off. If not then likely need replacement. Not only do they protect from overcurrent but also detect heat. I can't tell if there is a or enough of a crack at the bottom for mud daubers to have gotten inside the main panel or not which would need cleaning when you power off.
 

chl

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That tells me the top left 50 amp breaker in the subpanel isn't a switch and likely runs the septic system. Also that it is nice to have a disconnect at the pole as well as tripping the main breaker in the service entrance main panel.

Will know more once you remove the covers and check the wiring size. A good breaker should have a crisp feel when switched on and off. If not then likely need replacement. Not only do they protect from overcurrent but also detect heat. I can't tell if there is a or enough of a crack at the bottom for mud daubers to have gotten inside the main panel or not which would need cleaning when you power off.
Yes, a little known fact by homeowners is circuit breakers have a limited lifespan of 15-40 years, 30 years is the average I read somewhere.

There was one report on the forum of a FCSP that was on a circuit that had a bad breaker in the service panel, even though it was new as I recall.

Your electrician should be able to tell if there are signs of heat stress.

If a house was 30 years old, personally, I would just replace all the breakers, maybe even the panel as well.

And check all the wiring.

When my mom died, she had a rental property we wanted to sell. When I inspected it, I noticed it had branch circuits with aluminum wiring, which was done for a short time between 1965 and 1973, but then there were a lot of fires because of it so . Some of the outlets showed signs of overheating.

I hired an electrician to put 'copalum' splices on all the circuits both in the walls and ceilings etc., and at the breaker box branch circuit breakers.

Ford F-150 Lightning Nema 10-30R on Sub-panel for charging? DSC02225-bsmnt-lndry-wshr-outlet-melted-insltn-on-AL-hot-wr-cvrd-with-tape-by-who


If you encounter aluminum branch circuits, the short CPSC document attached explains the issue and the remedies.
 

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chl

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And any EVSE is considered a continuous load so the whole circuit - wire, breaker any outlet if used (up to 40A) - has to be sized for 125% of the EVSE's current setting.

Hopefully your electrician will be knowledgeable about these things - but I have encountered some who need some continuing education updating with the current codes.
 

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Thanks for all the points, I have a checklist for electrician now. The panel cleaned up nice and all breakers very crisp fill… Tested them all. No further evidence of dirt dauber intrusion.
House actually build in 2004, rural lake town, so not many codes or were different then than in the city. My plans are for a more safe generator inlet and cord. Hooking up my Ford Charge Station Pro to a 100amp breaker setup for 80amp charging hopefully. Then if possible a separate 14-50R on a 50amp breaker. At least all are in my garage and are very close together. It will be interesting to hear what they say..
Until then set charger to 24amp charge rate from clothes dryer outlet is the plan.
 

chl

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Thanks for all the points, I have a checklist for electrician now. The panel cleaned up nice and all breakers very crisp fill… Tested them all. No further evidence of dirt dauber intrusion.
House actually build in 2004, rural lake town, so not many codes or were different then than in the city. My plans are for a more safe generator inlet and cord. Hooking up my Ford Charge Station Pro to a 100amp breaker setup for 80amp charging hopefully. Then if possible a separate 14-50R on a 50amp breaker. At least all are in my garage and are very close together. It will be interesting to hear what they say..
Until then set charger to 24amp charge rate from clothes dryer outlet is the plan.
22 year old breakers are getting near replacement age...sometimes the overheating does not show on the outside, but is evident on the inside of the service panel as cracks for example
 

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If you have access to a thermal imaging camera, open the panel and put a fairly substantial load on a circuit and watch the temperature climb with the thermal camera. It will make it quite obvious if there is a problem (either the breaker or connections). This is best to do either at night or before things warm up in the morning as the hot spots show up easier that way.
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