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Tell me why this charger cabinet is a bad idea…

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DucMan

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I was thinking someone would comment with something like “this charger isn’t the highest quality, I sometimes have to unplug/ replug mine to reset it”

or “I leave mine plugged in all the time, works fine”

-I’d be more concerned with constant plugging/ unplugging in the 14-50r outlet. From what I’ve read that causes them to wear, and wear causes loose connections, which is bad.
-As far as continuous duty/ continuous load… it is sold to charge a truck with a 131kwh battery. It’s almost finished adding 60% to my truck overnight (a cool night, in the 60s) and there’s barely any warmth to feel. I know continuous duty means “indefinitely long time“ and continuous load means over three hours. It’s a charger that is sold to run well over 12 hours to charge a large battery. And I’m drawing 32 amps from an outlet on a 50 amp breaker...
-I read NEC, 110.26 concerning electric equipment, and the only reference I read was 30 inches. The thing comes with a short cord, it will never be 30 inches from its outlet. And it comes with a plastic wall mount, which I am using.
- Wasps… always a threat. A google search says they don’t like the smell of mothballs, I’ll try that.
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DucMan

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thank you for your quality comment. I prefer it to this look…

It’s made from pressure treated wood/ plywood, which has also been painted with two coats of exterior paint, and plenty of caulk where the crews go in, all 10 of them. The entire house has siding that has nails or screws going through it, and paint over it all.

Ford F-150 Lightning Tell me why this charger cabinet is a bad idea… FA92B536-1BF1-4527-A090-C7B5EC30986D
 
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Pioneer74

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The only thing I would have done differently would have the door close underneath the top board to prevent water from coming through the opening.
 
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DucMan

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The only thing I would have done differently would have the door close underneath the top board to prevent water from coming through the opening.
Fair point. I’m painting the inside parts now, and I could cut the door down a few inches so it closes under the overhang of a small board while I have it all apart and off the wall.
 

Pioneer74

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Fair point. I’m painting the inside parts now, and I could cut the door down a few inches so it closes under the overhang of a small board while I have it all apart and off the wall.
Or, if you have any wood leftover, you could glue another board on top that overhangs the door. Other than that, I think it's cool you're providing a charging option for your guests.
 

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jimfigler

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Or, if you have any wood leftover, you could glue another board on top that overhangs the door. Other than that, I think it's cool you're providing a charging option for your guests.
Yeah and angle it down like a mini roof
 

Labs4Lightning

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The only downside I can see, aside from adequate ventilation, is wasps nesting in there.

Leaving it on all the time is minimal electricity, and would allow it to get OTA software updates, assuming you have wifi there.
OTA? mobile charger.
 

Labs4Lightning

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Any reason this setup won’t work? (I’m not a professional carpenter)

It’s not finished. I’ll paint the inside, attach the charger holster better, etc. I have some metal straps, I’ll try to fashion a bracket to make so it’s a bit more difficult to steal.

It’s on the shady side wall, on a cabin in the North Carolina mountains that I use for vacation/ rent via Airbnb and VRBO type rentals. I plan to leave it plugged in and tucked away in its cabinet. Renters with EVs can use it, and I’ll advertise it as such.

Are there problems with leaving the mobile charger plugged in always?

Scott

978A2F1B-CBC0-4591-B792-B86CB4057118.jpeg


A8A6DA6D-5A1E-4667-879B-E11ECC5B12B3.jpeg
When adding ventilation hole use bug netting. If you have room for the diameter - look at some soffit vents. HD HAS some round ones with bug screens
 

paulhrab

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I like it. Should do what you want...sheltered from the elements when not in use.
 

Meccanica

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This is totally fine and looks great Nice job.

I've had Tesla mobile chargers plugged in for over 5+ yrs with zero issues at my vacation property in a similar enclosure.
 

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asudan

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The service panel/outlet doesnt meet National Electrical Code for clear space and likely distance to combustible materials. Check out NEC 110.26.
Agreed. This would not pass inspection.
 

asudan

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Damn man, you must be a blast at parties. No reason to crap all over this guy. He asked for advice, not to be hung in the public square. I guess the lesson "if you don't have anything nice to say..." was not taught in your house.
 

Kev12345

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this thread really begs the question why chargers aren't more visually appealing? its one thing to have it hidden in your garage but I'd guess most truck owners park in the driveway with the charger on the side of the house. they're all hideous.
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