Understanding the three levels of EV charging and how voltage affects charging speed and capabilities.
Level 1
Level 1 utilizes a 120V outlet,

Each level of charging is defined by the amount of voltage, which directly correlates to the speed or quickness of the charging session. Level 1 (120V) is the slowest, followed by Level 2 fast charging (240V), and Level 3 (400-900V) is the fastest.<table style="width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 26.9835%; text-align: center;">Level</th><th style="width: 42.3352%; text-align: center;">Power</th><th style="width: 30.4972%; text-align: center;">Range added per hour</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Level 1</td><td style="width: 42.3352%;">1.3 - 2.4 kWh</td><td style="width: 30.4972%;">3 - 4 miles/hr</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 26.9835%;">Level 2</td><td style="width: 42.3352%;">3.0 - 11.5 kWh</td><td style="width: 30.4972%;">15 - 60 miles/hr</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 26.9835%;">Level 3</td><td style="width: 42.3352%;">50 - 400 kWh</td><td style="width: 30.4972%;">175 - 300 miles/hr</td></tr></tbody></table>Charging power is determined by the current delivered by the charger. The range added per hour is determined by the car model and battery size.<h2 class="no-margin" id="level-1">Level 1</h2>Level 1 utilizes a 120V outlet, which is the standard residential outlet (NEMA 5-15) for nearly all of your everyday devices such as refrigerators, TVs, or even your phone. This level of EV charging is only found at residential locations. In fact, Level 1 charging is routinely known as &#x201C;trickle charging&#x201D; due to its slow speed. A typical EV can charge at around 4 miles of range per hour with Level 1 charging.<h2 class="no-margin" id="level-2">Level 2</h2>Level 2 charging is the best option for charging at home. In residential applications, Level 2 charging utilizes a 240V outlet, making it much quicker than Level 1. With double the voltage, a 240V outlet is typically used with high-powered appliances such as an electric dryer, water heater, or range. Level 2 charging can provide well over 30 miles of range per hour depending on the circuit breaker. To fully recharge an all-electric car will take around 6-12 hours depending on the battery size, thus making it the best charging option for daily commuters to charge at home.How many miles of range are added per hour depends on what EV model you have, what charger you use, and the breaker rating of your outlet. NeoCharge Smart Splitters can be classified as 30A or 50A Splitters depending on the outlet configuration.<ul><li>On a 30A breaker (5.7kw load), you can expect to charge around 20-23 miles per hour.</li><li>On a 50A breaker (9.6kw load), you can expect to charge around 28-32 miles per hour.</li></ul><h2 id="isPasted">Level 3</h2>Level 3 charging is commonly referred to as &quot;supercharging&quot; and is the fastest available technology for EV charging. Level 3 charging is what you would find in public spaces and is operated by private charging companies (ChargePoint, Tesla, etc).&#xA0; <div class="intercom-container"><img src="https://hsfiles.gorgias.help/help-centers/2389/i/o/396359969/d1be386f073af05c0f96f903/Screen+Shot+2021-09-29+at+8.39.55+AM.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></div>

Charging Speeds - The Different "Levels" of Charging

Comprehensive breakdown of costs and factors involved in installing a dedicated charging circuit.

Age of the home


Electric panel capacity


Type of installation; and


Distance of the panel to the car charger 


For many, upgrading the entire s

Ultimately, the cost to install a home charging station varies based upon a number of determining factors:<ul><li style="font-family: Inter;">Age of the home</li><li style="font-family: Inter;">Electric panel capacity</li><li style="font-family: Inter;">Type of installation; and</li><li style="font-family: Inter;">Distance of the panel to the car charger</li></ul>For many, upgrading the entire service panel is required in order to install a dedicated 240v outlet for EV charging. For example, adding a new 50 Amp outlet on your 100 Amp panel would take up half the total capacity, and that is typically not an option for apartments of small homes.However, by sharing an existing 240v outlet between two devices (like a dryer and an EV charger), it&apos;s easy to save thousands of dollars on installation costs.Below is a table that breaks down various costs that go into installing home EV charging.<table style="width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th>Item</th><th style="width: 22.3985%;">Cost</th><th style="width: 44.0755%;">Note</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width: 33.3333%;">Home Charging Station (the &quot;Charger&quot;)</td><td style="width: 22.3985%;">$300 - $700</td><td style="width: 44.0755%;">Cost varies on charger features such as WiFi connectivity or maximum amperage</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3333%;">Permit</td><td style="width: 22.3985%;">$100 - $500</td><td style="width: 44.0755%;">Cost is subjective to local jurisdiction</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3333%;">Materials&#xA0;(outlets, wiring, breaker, panels, etc)</td><td style="width: 22.3985%;">$300 - $2000</td><td style="width: 44.0755%;">Cost varies depending on charger location relative to the electrical panel. Also subject to the home&apos;s electrical capacity and if a panel upgrade is required</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3333%;">Labor</td><td style="width: 22.3985%;">$200 - $1800</td><td style="width: 44.0755%;">Depends on the local market and the time spent by electricians on installation</td></tr><tr><td class="fr-thick fr-highlighted" style="width: 33.3333%;">TOTAL</td><td class="fr-thick fr-highlighted" style="width: 22.3985%;">$900 - $5000</td><td class="fr-thick fr-highlighted" style="width: 44.0755%;">Costs may vary</td></tr></tbody></table> Alternatively, your home may have a viable setup for a&#xA0;<a href="https://getneocharge.com/products/neocharge-smart-splitter">NeoCharge Smart Splitter</a>. The Smart Splitter is end-user installable and does not require an electrician.

How much does it cost to have an electrician install a dedicated 240V outlet in my home?

Important information about charging limitations for specific vehicle brands when using 30A circuits.

Some electric vehicles have inherent limitation with their provided charger that makes it challenging to charge at home if you plan to use a 30 amp outlet. If you own or are thinking of purchasing an EV from any of the following car makers, please read on to learn about a specific home charging dilemma that could apply to you:<ul><li style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Chevrolet (Bolt)</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Ford (Mach-E and Lightning)</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Nissan (Leaf)</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Jeep (4xE)</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Lucid</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Volswagen</li><li style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Cadillac (Lyriq and Escalade EV)</li></ul><hr><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/8zoo/hc/jra5/undefined-4960a043-506d-4564-a84a-63d5b598dda2-ab5888e9-b4a7-4399-ae04-b5f176589e53.webp" style="width: 651px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Considerations for those using the provided charger:<span id="isPasted" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; font-family: Arial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have a 30 amp outlet (NEMA 10-30 or NEMA 14-30) and you are planning to charge your car with the OEM charger that came with the car, there has been a critical oversight on the part of EV manufacturers that overlooks millions of homes that might not have the panel space for a 50A outlet. These chargers are programmed to pull 32 amps by default, which is more than the allowable continuous current load according to the National Electric Code (NEC) for 30A breakers. While charging at 32A may not immediately trip the breaker, over time this may cause the breaker to trip at lower current draws.&#xA0;The manufacturers recommend you use a dedicated 50A outlet in order to charge your vehicle, but if you don&apos;t have one already installed this could lead to an expensive panel upgrade costing thousands of dollars - and changing up the electrical aspects of a home or apartment is rarely a viable option for home renters.Solutions:Don&apos;t let any of this deter you from buying your next car. There are a few solutions and work-arounds that can get you up and running:1. Purchase a third party EV charger that has adjustable amperage capabilities so you can set the charge current to the required 24A or less. You will be able to use your existing 30amp outlet (with a <a href="https://www.getneocharge.com/smart-splitter">Smart Splitter</a> if you are sharing the outlet with an appliance) and an adapter and will have access to Level 2 charging without the need to hire an electrician. Some recommended chargers that have adjustable amperage capabilities include:<ul><li><a href="https://getneocharge.com/products/lenz-level-2-home-charger-nema-14-50">LENZ</a> (official NeoCharge partner)</li><li>JuiceBox</li><li>ChargePoint</li><li>Wallbox</li><li>Grizzl-E</li></ul><div data-block="true" data-editor="7b2g7" data-offset-key="c2rq7-0-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: rgb(27, 28, 29); font-family: Inter, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">1. The other option you have is to contact an electrician and have them come install a high amperage (50A) circuit in your home. This will allow you to use the 240V charger that comes with the car, and if you ever purchase a second EV then you would then be able to use a <a href="https://store.getneocharge.com/products/neocharge-smart-splitter?variant=41833619357891">NeoCharge 50A Smart Splitter</a> and share that outlet amongst two EVs for dual charging. The downside of this is it will likely be more expensive due to the electrician labor cost.<hr>If you have any questions on this matter, please feel free to reach out to our <a href="https://neocharge.gorgias.help/en-US/contact">Customer Support</a> team and we will be happy to answer any additional questions you might have.</div>

Level 2 Charging Limitations for 32A Chargers

Guidelines for determining when professional installation is required versus DIY setup.

The Smart Splitter is an end-user installable device and does not require an electrician if you have access to an existing outlet. Most installations can be completed in 5-10 minutes.However, every home setup is unique, and we understand that the Smart Splitter solution may not work for everyone. Sometimes the issue of 240V outlet access can be as simple as purchasing an extension cord to run across the garage, but in older homes where 240V outlets are less common, you may be in a situation&#xA0;where an electrician will be needed. This includes but is not limited to:<ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Inter;">There is no 240V outlet near your intended charging location (garage) and a new line needs to be installed.</li><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Inter;">There is an existing outlet, but it may be on the other side of a wall or blocked in some other way.</li></ul>If you do need an electrician you can get a free quote through our partner, <a href="https://treehouse.pro/">Treehouse</a>, if you live in California or Arizona. If you live elsewhere, you can get a free quote through our partner, <a href="https://www.coil.co/">COIL Electric</a>.<hr><h2 id="1-need-to-install-a-dedicated-240v-outlet">1.) Need to install a dedicated 240V outlet</h2>If you don&apos;t have an existing 240V outlet and are looking to install one in your home, get in contact with a local electrician who can best assist you. You may consider hardwiring a charger instead of installing a 240V outlet, as this could be less material cost.<h2 id="2-240v-outlet-is-on-the-other-side-of-the-wall">2.) 240V Outlet is on the other side of the wall</h2>What we officially recommend to our users is that you have an electrician run a non-flexible conduit through the wall that terminates near your Smart Splitter and charger for easy plug-in on both ends. On the Smart Splitter side there should be 2-3 feet of flexible cable that ends in a male plug (match the plug type to the existing outlet/Smart Splitter). The charger side will terminate in a NEMA outlet receptacle that will allow the EV charger to plug into. This solution will satisfy all NEC guidelines for passing wiring through the wall and also allow for the Smart Splitter to be utilized as an end-user installable product.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/P4k1n6jALLxreOX9/hc/r1WE86rb816J4Mvg/2024050220-c9b275ea-d372-43e8-9417-1c25fb0e0ba6-graphic%203%20(1).png" style="width: 537px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><hr>We designed our Smart Splitters with the intention of being compatible with all 240v appliances and outlets, so 240v dryers aren&apos;t the only thing to look for when identifying if this solution would work for you; check to see if you have an electric water heater, AC 240v outlet, electric range, etc. In the event that you did install a dedicated 240v outlet in your garage, you have the ability to future-proof your home by installing a 50A Smart Splitter to share one outlet between two chargers.&#xA0;We&apos;re here to help as many people as we can, but in reality, the Smart Splitter solution really depends on the way your home was built and what region you live in. In many homes throughout California, Washington, Florida, Texas, and many other states, it makes a lot of sense to split a common 240V outlet, such as a dryer circuit, as they are commonly found in or near the garage. Colder regions in North America, such as the Midwest, have 240v outlets installed in other areas of the house, like the basements, much further from where they&apos;d like to charge their cars. This is a case where the Smart Splitter would not be a feasible solution, so we recommend contacting your local electrician to help determine the best installation plan.

Installation - When to contact an electrician

Overview of different charging connector standards and their compatibility with various vehicles.

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, various charging standards and connector types have emerged. Not to be mistaken with NEMA wall outlets, these are the chargers that plug into the car side of the charger. Two common types of EV charge ports are NACS (North American Charging Standard) first introduced by Tesla, and CCS (J1772). Understanding the differences between these connectors is essential for EV owners and charging station operators.&#xA0;<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/uploads.gorgias.io/P4k1n6jALLxreOX9/undefined-4e6c259b-c365-48c2-b8b3-df0fed217c69" style="width: 589px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">At the time of this article (November 2023), Tesla is the only OEM to actively use the NACS charge port design. However, almost all other OEMs have committed to transitioning to to this new standard by 2025. There are a few issues with the existing CCS design, including the bulky plug that requires a larger charge port on the side of the vehicle, and the fact that CCS requires separate plugs for AC (Level 1 and 2) and DC (Level 3) charging.Within the next 4-5 years the general expectation across the industry is that the NACS plug will become standardized. In the meantime, adapters can be used to convert CCS to NACS and vice versa. The most prominent example of this is the Tesla Magic Dock which will enable CCS vehicles to use Tesla&apos;s supercharger network.

Charge Port Connectors - CCS vs NACS

Essential safety guidelines and best practices for home EV charging setups.

Content:<ul><li style="font-family: Inter;">Commercial Grade 240V Outlets - The best safety upgrade for home charging</li><li style="font-family: Inter;">Why basic Y splitters are unsafe</li><li style="font-family: Inter;">Inspecting an older 240V outlet</li><li style="font-family: Inter;">Is the NEMA 10-30 Outlet Safe for EV Charging?</li></ul><hr>Commercial Grade 240V Outlets - The best safety upgrade for home chargingIf you are looking for the best possible setup for home charging, it is strongly recommended that you install a commercial/industrial-grade 240V outlet. These outlets have a clamping mechanism that is vastly superior to a standard outlet that you might buy from your local hardware store.<img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/uploads.gorgias.io/P4k1n6jALLxreOX9/undefined-f5419a25-9976-4f43-aa85-feadd87eb47b" style="width: 458px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Industrial-grade outlets are built to withstand heavy use, providing increased safety and reliability, ensuring that your electric vehicle charges quickly and without interruptions, ultimately saving you time and ensuring a more consistent and dependable charging experience.Let your electrician know that you would like to install an industrial outlet. The installation of the outlet will need to be performed by an electrician. Two of the best brands for industrial outlets are Hubbell and Bryant. Shop now on the&#xA0;<a href="https://getneocharge.com/products/nema-14-50-commercial-grade-outlet">NeoCharge website</a>.<hr>Why basic Y splitters are unsafeWhen it comes to a basic Y splitter cable, the biggest challenge is safety! Since both outputs of the cable are considered active at all times, there is a strong chance you will overload the circuit if both devices plugged in are running simultaneously. Overloading the circuit can cause the wiring in your home to overheat which is a significant fire hazard. Even if it is a simple mistake such as starting a load of laundry in the dryer while the EV is already charging, using a basic Y splitter can be very dangerous and is universally discouraged by electricians due to the safety concerns. NeoCharge&apos;s founders discovered this to be a major problem for homeowners and wanted to provide an alternate solution for EV drivers to still utilize their existing 240v sockets in their homes.&#xA0;<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/uploads.gorgias.io/P4k1n6jALLxreOX9/No_Y_splitter-5997aae5-1dff-4ea5-9752-7ee60f5a1d51.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; width: 411px;" id="isPasted" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <hr>Inspecting an Older 240V OutletBefore you plug in your Smart Splitter or EV charger to your NEMA 14-50 outlet for the first time, we strongly recommend a quick visual inspection.Background:Take a look at your outlet and you will see brass clamps on the inside of each of the holes. With a cord plugged in, the pins from the plug head will force open these clamps and create a mechanical connection which will allow electricity to flow through the circuit. Over time, these brass pads will slowly lose their clamping force due to a combination of retaining their stretched shape and thermal expansion during use. A loose clamp will lead to increased resistance at the point of contact and eventually lead to higher temperatures within the outlet.What to look for:Examine the two hot/live slots in the outlet and look at the distance between the brass clamps. Reference the attached picture for a visual guide.A new outlet&apos;s clamps will be practically touching one another as the clamp has not lost any of its spring force. This outlet is good to go and will be several years before you might give it another visual inspection.An older outlet that is worn from use will have a large gap between the clamps. This loose outlet could potentially cause issues if it does not maintain a secure connection with the plug.<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://getneocharge.com/cdn/shop/files/Frame_625402.png?v=1684427540" alt style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-style: solid; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: min(var(--image-max-width, 100%),100%); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; border-width: 0px; border-color: rgb(var(--text-color) / .12); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); height: auto; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; text-align: start; background-color: rgba(31, 31, 31, 0.05); margin-block-end: 0px !important;" id="isPasted" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> If your outlet is loose:If you have identified that your outlet is loose and may cause increased resistance, we recommend replacing the receptacle. This is a pretty simple task that can be completed in about 10 minutes by an electrician. You can choose to use a standard or a commercial-grade outlet:<ul><li style="font-family: Inter;">Commercial Grade Outlets&#xA0;(Recommended) - Commercial grade 240V outlets are heavy-duty outlets with superior clamping mechanisms and are identifiable by a larger outlet diameter. These outlets are a bit more expensive but strongly recommended for increased safety when EV charging in your home. Common commercial-grade outlets include the Hubbell #HBL9450A and Bryant #9450FR. These are not normally carried in retail stores but can be found online.</li><li style="font-family: Inter;">Standard Outlet - Installing a new standard 240V outlet will work fine and is less expensive than the commercial-grade option. This can be found at your local hardware store like Home Depot. If using a standard outlet for EV charging, we recommend performing a visual inspection every 1-2 years to ensure the clamps are not becoming loose.</li></ul><hr>Is the NEMA 10-30 Outlet Safe for EV Charging?In short - yes, but there are alternatives for even safer outlets.The NEMA 14-30 outlet is an upgraded 30A breaker model that replaced the 10-30 back in 1996 for all new home installations as required by the NEC. Both function the same, but the NEMA 14-30 has a built-in ground while the 10-30 only consists of a neutral pin, so this was effectively a safety upgrade.We have several thousand Smart Splitter users using a 10-30 outlet to share power with their EV and haven&apos;t had any issues that can be traced back to the outlet. If you are comfortable using this outlet you should be fine, but if you would like the ease of mind to install a NEMA 14-30 outlet instead, we recommend contacting your local electrician and asking for a quote to get an outlet swap. For the best possible safety upgrade, we strongly recommend a commercial grade outlet from either Hubbell or Bryant Electric.

Home Charging Safety

Tips and strategies for reducing your home charging costs through scheduling and utility rate optimization.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Besides their environmental benefits, one of the compelling reasons to switch to an EV is the potential for significant cost savings. In this article, we&apos;ll explore how you can save money with EV charging, including information on rebates, the cost advantages of home charging, and the benefits of charging during off-peak hours.Take Advantage of Rebates and Incentives:Before diving into the savings from charging, it&apos;s essential to be aware of the available rebates and incentives. Many governments and local utility companies offer financial incentives and tax credits to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of purchasing an EV, making them more affordable from the start. There are rebates available on the purchase of the actual car, as well as for Level 2 Chargers and installation costs. Be sure to research the incentives available in your area and take full advantage of them.<a class="fr-green fr-strong">Click here for the full list of rebates.</a>&#xA0;Charge at Home for Cost Efficiency:Charging your EV at home is typically the most cost-effective way to power your vehicle. Home charging stations, or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), allow you to charge at your convenience and avoid the higher costs associated with public charging stations. You can plug in your EV overnight, taking advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, and wake up to a fully charged vehicle.Embrace Off-Peak Charging Hours:Electricity rates often vary throughout the day, with off-peak hours offering significantly lower costs. Charging your EV during these times can result in substantial savings. Many utility companies offer Time-of-Use (TOU) plans that provide lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, making it even more cost-effective to charge your EV at home. Be sure to check with your utility provider to explore available TOU plans.For those who would like a gas comparison to TOU charging: Imagine if gas prices suddenly dropped 40-60% every night starting at 12am... and the gas station was also conveniently located in your own garage. It&apos;s a no-brainer!Plan Your Trips and Opt for Free or Low-Cost Public Charging:While home charging is the most cost-effective option, there may be times when you need to use public charging stations. To save money, plan your trips strategically and consider free or low-cost public charging options. Some EV charging stations may offer free charging, while others may have lower rates during specific hours or at certain locations. Smartphone apps and websites can help you locate affordable or free charging options in your area.

How can I save more on my home EV charging?

Information about running conduit to extend charging access to different locations in your home.

<div data-block="true" data-editor="2t8pd" data-offset-key="88k7a-0-0" id="isPasted"><div data-offset-key="88k7a-0-0">What we officially recommend to our users is that you have an electrician come out and run a non-flexible conduit through the wall that terminates near your Smart Splitter and charger for easy plug-in on both ends. This solution will satisfy all NEC guidelines for passing wiring through the wall and also allow for the Smart Splitter to be utilized as an end-user installable product.</div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="2t8pd" data-offset-key="ap1eu-0-0"><div data-offset-key="ap1eu-0-0"> </div></div><figure contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="2t8pd" data-offset-key="8k573-0-0"><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://neocharge.gorgias.com/api/attachment/download/P4k1n6jALLxreOX9/Graphic_3_1-90c5cd36-b9b6-4f13-97b7-0216c5b0cdaa.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></figure><div data-block="true" data-editor="2t8pd" data-offset-key="c63p2-0-0"><div data-offset-key="c63p2-0-0"> </div> </div>

Dryer or EV in another room (Conduit)

What is Amperage?. Amperage (measured in Amps) represents the rate of electrical current flow - think of it as how much electricity is flowing through your charging cable at any given moment. Simple Analogy - comparing Electricity to a water hose:. W

What is Amperage?Amperage (measured in Amps) represents the rate of electrical current flow - think of it as how much electricity is flowing through your charging cable at any given moment.Simple Analogy - comparing Electricity to a water hose:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Voltage = The diameter of your water hose</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amperage = The speed at which the water flows through per second</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Power = Voltage x Amperage. Think of Power as the volume of water flowing through (larger diameter* faster speed = more volume moving through the hose)</li></ul>Why Amperage Matters:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Determines your charging speed</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Must stay within safe limits for your circuit</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exceeding limits can trip breakers or cause safety issues</li></ul>Important: Who Controls Charging Amperage?The Smart Splitter does NOT control charging amperage.Amperage is controlled by either:<ol><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Electric Vehicle (Tesla, BMW, etc.)</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your EV Charger/EVSE (Level 2 charger unit)</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or both working together</li></ol>The Smart Splitter simply monitors and manages power distribution - it cannot adjust how much current your EV draws.How to Find Your Current Charging AmperageMethod 1: Check Your EV Charger DisplayMany Level 2 chargers show current amperage on:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LED/LCD display on the unit</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indicator lights (some models)</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mobile app (for smart chargers)</li></ul>Common Displays:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&quot;32A&quot; or &quot;24A&quot; shown directly</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Light indicators for different amperage levels</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Real-time power draw in kW (divide by 240 to get amps)</li></ul>Method 2: Check Your Vehicle SettingsTesla:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tap the lightning bolt icon while charging</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shows current amperage clearly</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adjustable using slider in car or mobile app</li></ul>Other EVs with Displays:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Navigate to charging settings in dashboard</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look for &quot;Charge Rate,&quot; &quot;Current,&quot; or &quot;Amperage&quot;</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May show in kW (divide by 240 for amps)</li></ul>Vehicle Apps:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BMW, Ford, Chevy, VW, Hyundai apps often show charging status</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look for &quot;Charging Power&quot; or &quot;Charge Rate&quot;</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some show real-time amperage during active charging</li></ul>Method 3: Check Your Charger SpecificationsFixed-Rate Chargers:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check the label on your charger</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look for &quot;Output: XXA&quot; or &quot;XX Amps&quot;</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Common fixed rates: 16A, 24A, 32A, 40A</li></ul>Adjustable Chargers:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LENZ: Check DIP switch settings</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wallbox: Check app settings</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other brands: Refer to manual for current setting</li></ul>Method 4: Check Your Owner&apos;s ManualIf you&apos;re using the charger that came with your vehicle:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ford Mobile Charger: Typically 32A (non-adjustable)</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">VW Mobile Charger: Usually 32A (non-adjustable)</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tesla Mobile Connector: Varies by adapter (24A for 14-30, 32A for 14-50)</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nissan/Chevy: Check specific model documentation</li></ul>Quick Reference: Is Your Amperage Safe?Safe Charging Limits (80% Rule):<pre><table><thead><tr><th>Circuit Breaker
</th><th>Maximum Safe Charging
</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>30A Breaker
</td><td>24A or less
</td></tr><tr><td>40A Breaker
</td><td>32A or less
</td></tr><tr><td>50A Breaker
</td><td>40A or less
</td></tr></tbody></table></pre>What to Do NextIf Your Amperage EXCEEDS Safe Limits:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charging above 24A on 30A breaker</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charging above 32A on 40A breaker</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charging above 40A on 50A breaker</li></ul>&#x27A1;&#xFE0F; See our [Circuit Breaker Tripping Guide] for solutionsIf Your Amperage is WITHIN Safe Limits:But you&apos;re still experiencing issues:<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breaker trips at safe amperage</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smart Splitter showing error lights</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intermittent charging problems</li></ul>&#x27A1;&#xFE0F; Contact NeoCharge Support - There may be other factors affecting your setupCommon Amperage Scenarios&quot;My charger says 32A but I have a 30A breaker&quot;<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is unsafe - exceeds the 24A limit</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to reduce amperage or get adjustable charger</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Common issue with Ford, VW chargers</li></ul>&quot;I don&apos;t see amperage anywhere&quot;<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try charging and check vehicle display</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calculate from kW: Amps = kW &#xF7; 0.240</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contact your EV manufacturer for guidance</li></ul>&quot;My Tesla shows different amperage options&quot;<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tesla allows adjustment</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set to appropriate level for your circuit</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smart Splitter compatible with all settings</li></ul>Still Can&apos;t Find Your Amperage?Contact us with:<ol><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your EV make and model</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your charger brand and model</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photos of any labels on your charger</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Screenshots of your vehicle&apos;s charging screen</li></ol>Our support team can help identify your specific charging rate and ensure safe operation with your Smart Splitter.Remember<ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Smart Splitter works with ANY amperage within circuit limits</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You MUST know your charging amperage for safe operation</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When in doubt, start with lower amperage and increase gradually</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Safety first - never exceed the 80% rule for your circuit</li></ul> My EV Charger exceeds my Circuit Breaker rating - What now??If your current charger exceeds your circuit breaker rating and cannot be adjusted, NeoCharge offers two excellent adjustable charging solutions: LENZ Level 2 Home EV Charger<ul><li style="line-height: 1;">Manually adjustable amperage using DIP switches</li><li style="line-height: 1;">Perfect for 30A circuits that need 24A charging</li><li style="line-height: 1;">Simple, reliable solution for fixed amperage needs</li></ul>Wallbox Pulsar Plus Smart Charger<ul><li>App-controlled amperage adjustment</li><li>Compatible with the NeoCharge App for scheduling</li><li>Adjust charging rates remotely anytime</li><li>Smart features for optimal charging management</li></ul><a href="https://getneocharge.com/collections/ev-chargers">Shop Adjustable Chargers &#x2192;</a> Why Choose an Adjustable Charger?&#x2713; Safety First: Set charging within safe limits for your circuit&#x2713; Flexibility: Adjust rates based on your needs&#x2713; Smart Splitter Compatible: Works perfectly with all Smart Splitter models&#x2713; Future-Proof: Ready if you upgrade your electrical panel later If you would like any recommendations on other EV chargers with adjustable amperage, please reach out to our team and we would be happy to point you towards some other options!Our support team can help you choose the right adjustable charger for your setup: Email: <a data-fr-linked="true" href="mailto:support@getneocharge.com">support@getneocharge.com</a>Text: 805-622-2783

How to Find Your EV Charging Amperage

When using a NEMA 10-30 Smart Splitter with a 10-30 to 14-50 adapter, many customers ask about the ground connection. This article explains how grounding works with this adapter configuration and what safety considerations to keep in mind. The NEMA 1

<h1 id="isPasted">Overview</h1>When using a NEMA 10-30 Smart Splitter with a 10-30 to 14-50 adapter, many customers ask about the ground connection. This article explains how grounding works with this adapter configuration and what safety considerations to keep in mind.<h2 id="understanding-nema-10-30-outlets">Understanding NEMA 10-30 Outlets</h2>The NEMA 10-30 is an older 3-prong dryer outlet design commonly found in homes built before 1996. This outlet configuration includes:<ul><li>Two hot wires (240V)</li><li>One neutral wire</li><li>No dedicated ground wire</li></ul>This differs from the newer NEMA 14-30 outlets (4-prong) which have:<ul><li>Two hot wires (240V)</li><li>One neutral wire</li><li>One dedicated ground wire</li></ul><h2 id="how-the-adapter-handles-grounding">How the Adapter Handles Grounding</h2>Since modern EV chargers (EVSEs) require a ground connection for safety, the NEMA 10-30 to 14-50 adapter creates what&apos;s called a &quot;functional ground&quot; by connecting the neutral and ground pins together. This is the industry-standard and safest method for adapting older outlets without dedicated ground wires to work with modern equipment.<h2 id="is-this-safe">Is This Safe?</h2>Yes, when properly installed and used as intended. The functional ground created by the adapter provides the necessary safety path for electrical fault protection. This configuration has been used safely for decades in similar applications.<h2 id="upgrading-to-a-dedicated-ground-recommended">Upgrading to a Dedicated Ground (Recommended)</h2>For the highest level of safety and to meet current electrical codes, we recommend upgrading your outlet to a NEMA 14-30 configuration. Here&apos;s why this might be easier than you think:<h3 id="hidden-ground-wire">Hidden Ground Wire</h3>Many homes built with NEMA 10-30 outlets actually have a ground wire already run to the outlet box - it was simply left disconnected because the older outlets didn&apos;t use it. An electrician can often:<ol><li>Verify if a ground wire exists in your outlet box</li><li>Connect the existing ground wire to a new NEMA 14-30 outlet</li><li>Complete the upgrade in under an hour</li></ol><h3 id="benefits-of-upgrading">Benefits of Upgrading</h3><ul><li>Dedicated ground connection (meets current NEC code)</li><li>No need for the 10-30 to 14-50 adapter</li><li>Peace of mind with modern safety standards</li><li>Compatible with our NEMA 14-30 Smart Splitter</li></ul><h2 id="using-your-current-setup-safely">Using Your Current Setup Safely</h2>If you choose to continue using your NEMA 10-30 outlet with the adapter:<ol><li>Ensure proper installation: Make sure your Smart Splitter is securely connected and the mounting bracket is installed</li><li>Check connections regularly: Verify all connections remain tight and secure</li><li>Monitor for heat: Check occasionally that connections aren&apos;t getting warm during charging</li><li>Set proper amperage: Remember to limit charging to 24A or less on a 30A circuit</li></ol><h2 id="professional-installation-resources">Professional Installation Resources</h2>We recommend consulting with a qualified electrician for any outlet upgrades. NeoCharge partners with trusted electrician networks:<ul><li><a href="https://treehouse.pro/?utm_source=neocharge&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=evse_ffi">Treehouse</a> - Specializes in EV installations in CA, AZ, NV, UT, TX, FL, VA, NJ, PA, and Chicago</li><li><a href="https://ev2.qmerit.com/search">Qmerit</a> - Nationwide electrician network for all other locations</li></ul>

NEMA 10-30/10-50 to 14-50 Adapter: Understanding the Ground Connection

Please take a look at our articles to see if we may have an answer to your question. If you would still like some additional help, please reach out to our Customer Support team and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Resources - Home EV Charging