2012 Volt, San Diego, almost a month, now
#1
2012 Volt, San Diego, almost a month, now
I am enjoying the car thus far, some very nice features and really enjoying the reality of charging overnight, getting to work (25 mi) and charging, then back home with voltage to spare.
I've had a few issues with charging that seem to be related to the house current. I'm using a 12 gauge extension cord because I have to, and I'm going to replace the outlet I've been using with a GFCI outlet just to be compliant with the manual as possible. The set up worked fine for the first 15 days straight, then the upper two lights on the charger started flashing after a short while of being hooked up to the car.
I've spot checked with a multimeter. Our current fluctuates a bit, up to 125 and down to 121. I wonder if this trips it off. If the charger could be enhanced, I'd like to see some real time numbers on an lcd, volts/amps in, and volts/amps out.
Anyway, very much liking the car, I got the grey, which is subdued yet slick. The sound system is great, I compose electronic music so I love the fact I can plug in my laptop via aux in, or listen to saved tracks via usb. I'm definitely be writing some stuff that goes well with the power flow graphics
I've had a few issues with charging that seem to be related to the house current. I'm using a 12 gauge extension cord because I have to, and I'm going to replace the outlet I've been using with a GFCI outlet just to be compliant with the manual as possible. The set up worked fine for the first 15 days straight, then the upper two lights on the charger started flashing after a short while of being hooked up to the car.
I've spot checked with a multimeter. Our current fluctuates a bit, up to 125 and down to 121. I wonder if this trips it off. If the charger could be enhanced, I'd like to see some real time numbers on an lcd, volts/amps in, and volts/amps out.
Anyway, very much liking the car, I got the grey, which is subdued yet slick. The sound system is great, I compose electronic music so I love the fact I can plug in my laptop via aux in, or listen to saved tracks via usb. I'm definitely be writing some stuff that goes well with the power flow graphics
#3
Senior Member
True Car Nut
if 125 to 121 is volts its within the acceptable range. the cord seems like it would be alright, almost. the wiring in the house for a 15a circuit is 14awg solid which would be the same current capability. if its a properly installed 20a circuit should be 12awg solid wire and you could benefit from going to the hardware store and getting some cord that is 10-3 and some ends and make your own. you could leave the hot out at some point if you have or know someone with a clamp-on amp-meter. you could monitor whats going on
#5
Retired
Welcome to the forum. This may be a first! A electric gasoline car?
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2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel
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2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel
#7
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Join Date: May 2006
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If you can't make your own heavy gauge cord, go to a camping supply store and they sell heavy gauge extension cords for motor homes. The heavy gauge will have less resistance and should help your charger. The voltage will fluctuate up and down 5 or 10 volts.
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