Long term Granny Charger Use

[DB Go Rex]

My dishwasher packed up recently. Not an uncommon occurrence, as I have had 4 of them in the last 12 years.

This time the issue was with the plug/socket, or more specifically, the 1m ("high load" rated) extension cable the dishwasher was attached to as the housebuilder added the dishwasher space we specified, but failed to place an electric socket in it.

The plug melted, burnt, and fused itself on to the extension socket.

Yes, the advice is not to put an appliance like this on an extension lead, it is a fire risk. We dodged a bullet. We thought we'd be ok as the extension was a good one, and was short.

But it just reminded me - those of you relying on granny chargers as a permanent solution really need to stop that.

Running 10amps through a 13amp socket for large periods of time isn't great.

It's ok...until it isn't.

Charging my Electric Vehicle with a Granny Charger

Is it safe and reliable to charge your EV with a Granny Charger (13A charging cable)?

www.wattcharger.com

 

[Gadget Geek]

It's OK if the socket is dsigned for it.

Masterplug IP66 13A 1-Gang Weatherproof Outdoor Unswitched Active Plug Socket With RCBO - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. 13A charging socket for electric vehicles. Robust housing is IP66 waterproof rated and has a see-through cover to protect in the most ardous condition. Seals plug when in use. Socket is protected by a safety DP RCD and is suitable for periods of prolonged charging...

www.screwfix.com

 

[Caramaddy]

My dishwasher packed up recently. Not an uncommon occurrence, as I have had 4 of them in the last 12 years.

This time the issue was with the plug/socket, or more specifically, the 1m ("high load" rated) extension cable the dishwasher was attached to as the housebuilder added the dishwasher space we specified, but failed to place an electric socket in it.

The plug melted, burnt, and fused itself on to the extension socket.

Yes, the advice is not to put an appliance like this on an extension lead, it is a fire risk. We dodged a bullet. We thought we'd be ok as the extension was a good one, and was short.

But it just reminded me - those of you relying on granny chargers as a permanent solution really need to stop that.

Running 10amps through a 13amp socket for large periods of time isn't great.

It's ok...until it isn't.

Charging my Electric Vehicle with a Granny Charger

Is it safe and reliable to charge your EV with a Granny Charger (13A charging cable)?

www.wattcharger.com

It is very good of you to remind EV owners, who use granny charging, about the dangers of overloading sockets. The socket used, ideally should be on the ring main and not from a spur. Without an electrician checking the system it is hard to tell. I have one socket in my garage that runs off a single MCB with an RCD trip. To make sure I had an electrician take a look at it. He suggested uprating the RCD device to the modern standard.

I checked the wire (as it was exposed) while charging and it did not get hot. The energy consumption of the granny charger is less than an electric kettle. However, as DB Go Rex says this is running for a much longer period. Worth having the socket you are using to charge checked. Better safe than sorry.

 

[DB Go Rex]

Good points @Caramaddy @Gadget Geek - hopefully those using the granny will take action and use upgraded sockets/ones on ring main etc.

 

[Rolfe]

I ran my car almost exclusively on the granny charger for over a year. I checked the plug quite often, and it never got even warm. The pins are as shiny and unmarked as the day I bought the car.

My garage has four double power points with metal jackets. The garage electrics are on their own fused circuit. When I had an electrician in doing another job I asked him to take a look and he said it was fine - also pointing out that it was in the dark, cool garage, which made it even less likely to overheat. I've done the <10% to 100% charge two or three times, running the granny lead for more than 24 hours each time, and the plug remained stone cold.

On the other hand, I went to stay with a friend who has solar with feed-in tariff. We decided to give my car some free solar. He initially produced an ordinary domestic extension lead, and I said, uh, no, and produced the much heavier duty EV extension lead I had in the car. His garage power point was an ordinary plastic thing. After a couple of hours it was distinctly warm. It was OK, but if I'd been going to charge longer I'd have kept a very close eye on it, and certainly not left it alone overnight (as I do with my home system all the time).

So I think awareness is the key, rather than a blanket "don't do this".

 

[tsedge]

The other option is to restrict the AC charge rate to reduce the load.

 

[Caramaddy]

The other option is to restrict the AC charge rate to reduce the load.

I do not know how to do that?

Can you explain please?

 

[tsedge]

I do not know how to do that?

Can you explain please?

Tap on the battery section of the main screen and you'll get the charging display:

Then tap on "AC current" to limit the charge rate.

 

[Caramaddy]

Is this on the prefacelift SR MG5

 

[Gomev]

Is this on the prefacelift SR MG5

No

 

[gazza487]

I’d guess the contacts on the extension socket have relaxed leading to a dodgey connection and the heat. You can’t really be sure how good a socket is as they are really just thin, bent bits of metal (who knows what they are made out of as well, copper, steel, aluminium could have been some dissimilar material corrosion). I always fit MK brand stuff because they were the original stuff.

Even with a “proper” 13amp socket linked in here, I’m guessing over time the contacts could relax and let’s be honest the design wasn’t ever really intended for a large continuous draw (yes old electric fires and things but that would have been when the pins weren’t shielded so a slightly better chance of a contact).

It worried me sick charging the car even from brand new sockets on kitchen ring (I’m a worrier). Split tails from the meter to its own CU and charger really helped put my mind at ease but it’s each to their own.

As for the dishwasher I’d either fit a really good branded socket to the existing wiring or chop the plug and use a cable joiner or if feeling really brave open the dishwasher and fit a length of very good cable that suits.

 

[Caramaddy]

The screw grips do loosen over time.

Better safe than sorry!