Granny Charging

[MG Clive]

Hi @Pascal, welcome to MGEVs, I don't think it's a good idea to charge through a smart plug, I don't think they can handle the current, but I'm sure one of our more electric savvy members will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[DBedford]

Please DON'T use a smart plug with a Granny Charger.
They may be able to do so for a couple of charges, but when they fail, boy beware !!!

 

[mikgle]

No smart plugs.. has the car not got a scheduled timer? If not, just plug in near your cheap rate. I use a 16A industrial socket with a charger lead from 3rd Rock Energy.. this gives you the option of what current to use, 8, 10, 13 or 16A and also a delay start option too. Works well, mine is 10 metres and cost about £220.

 

[Pascal]

Please DON'T use a smart plug with a Granny Charger.
They may be able to do so for a couple of charges, but when they fail, boy beware !!!

OK, better be safe than sorry.
Thanks!

 

[Pascal]

No smart plugs.. has the car not got a scheduled timer? If not, just plug in near your cheap rate. I use a 16A industrial socket with a charger lead from 3rd Rock Energy.. this gives you the option of what current to use, 8, 10, 13 or 16A and also a delay start option too. Works well, mine is 10 metres and cost about £220.

No smart plugs.. has the car not got a scheduled timer? If not, just plug in near your cheap rate. I use a 16A industrial socket with a charger lead from 3rd Rock Energy.. this gives you the option of what current to use, 8, 10, 13 or 16A and also a delay start option too. Works well, mine is 10 metres and cost about £220.

I wil check it out.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Speakasyoufind]

EV Charger APP Control 8M, 6-13A Adjustable Current, 0-24 Hours Delayed Timer, Max. 3.3kW, EV Charger Cable Type 2 to 3 Pin Plug, Wifi & Bluetooth Connection, IP65 Waterproof (8M): Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

EV Charger APP Control 8M, 6-13A Adjustable Current, 0-24 Hours Delayed Timer, Max. 3.3kW, EV Charger Cable Type 2 to 3 Pin Plug, Wifi & Bluetooth Connection, IP65 Waterproof (8M): Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

amzn.eu

Hi Pascal. If the link comes over OK, this is what I use as it is one of the only ones that comes with app control. I have mine set to come on at 00.00 and goes off at 05.00hrs to do just that, catch my EDF EV cheap rate. Obviously UK version but not sure if available in your market place? Worth a look maybe? Mine is 7.5m not sure what the longest length is, sorry.

 

[HStrophyPHEV2025rc]

@Pascal - As others say, do not use anything (e.g. a 'timer', or extension cable) unless it is designed for EV loads. Even if the device says it is OK for high amps (e.g. 13 amps) remember that you will be putting a large current constantly for many (e.g. 5) consecutive hours. Most electrical-sockets/devices were not designed to take large load for many hours. Make sure the socket that you are plugging the granny charger into is of good quality, and monitor it over the first few days/weeks that you use it (make sure it does not discolour).

• Basically, imagine plugging in a kettle and switching it on permanently for many hours. Any poor quality conductive parts (e.g. connections in the socket etc) will get hot/cold and expand/contract and could start sparking etc.

That said, I have a 10 amp (I deliberately chose one that did not do any higher ampage!) granny charger, and I have had no issues whatsoever, and I am really pleased with it. I use it for 5 hours at a time, to take advantage of 12am-5am off-peak electricity tariff. My granny charger has no 'smart' capabilities - it is simply on or off. Instead, the car decides when to start/finish the charging.
=> So all I had to do was set up my MG HS (configured either using the infotainment screen, or via the iSmart app) to only charge between 12am and 5am.

Personally, I see no reason to purchase a 'smart' granny charger. Instead, just use the car's built-in scheduling capabilities to decide when to charge.

Enjoy your new MG! (It's a great car!)

 

[Everest]

Oooh - YAPAG... yet another post about grannies - so many of them on here

For anyone reading this thread, also take a look at my posting here and the rest of that thread...

Post in thread 'MG4 - charging from a 13A socket'

Monday at 3:24 PM

I love that Aus/US term "weed eater"

Back on topic... my 2p worth...

The safety will depend largely on the quality of the socket you are connecting the granny lead into, rather than simply age of house.

If you are planning on using a granny charger for any length of time, then I'd recommend using a BS-1363-2 EV rated socket, which will a) be compliant with current BS7671 regulations and b) be able to support a sustained 10A charge rate without overheating.

If using a regular (non-EV rated socket), I'd reduce the charge rate to 8A, rather than 10A. And periodically check the...

• Everest

• 
• 

 

[Pascal]

@Pascal - As others say, do not use anything (e.g. a 'timer', or extension cable) unless it is designed for EV loads. Even if the device says it is OK for high amps (e.g. 13 amps) remember that you will be putting a large current constantly for many (e.g. 5) consecutive hours. Most electrical-sockets/devices were not designed to take large load for many hours. Make sure the socket that you are plugging the granny charger into is of good quality, and monitor it over the first few days/weeks that you use it (make sure it does not discolour).

• Basically, imagine plugging in a kettle and switching it on permanently for many hours. Any poor quality conductive parts (e.g. connections in the socket etc) will get hot/cold and expand/contract and could start sparking etc.

That said, I have a 10 amp (I deliberately chose one that did not do any higher ampage!) granny charger, and I have had no issues whatsoever, and I am really pleased with it. I use it for 5 hours at a time, to take advantage of 12am-5am off-peak electricity tariff. My granny charger has no 'smart' capabilities - it is simply on or off. Instead, the car decides when to start/finish the charging.
=> So all I had to do was set up my MG HS (configured either using the infotainment screen, or via the iSmart app) to only charge between 12am and 5am.

Personally, I see no reason to purchase a 'smart' granny charger. Instead, just use the car's built-in scheduling capabilities to decide when to charge.

Enjoy your new MG! (It's a great car!)

Thanks, I will follow the advice.