[sarugby4life]

As the title states. We have a new iX 50 and are running into issues with nuisance trips with the Flex Charger. The charger is plugged into a NEMA 14-50 that is connected to a 50A GFCI breaker.

Nuisance trips are not uncommon and it is typically suggested to hardwire the charger and use a standard breaker. With that said, we are renting for a few more months while we await completion of a new home. I'm debating swapping the GFCI breaker for a standard one just for the time being - in the new house, we will hard wire the charger.

Have folks encountered similar issues? Wiring is definitely OK and we had no issues with our Q5 PHEV. Maybe the BMW chargers are more sensitive. Lowering the current limit makes no difference, and the breaker is warm (to be expected), but never hot.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by sarugby4life

As the title states. We have a new iX 50 and are running into issues with nuisance trips with the Flex Charger. The charger is plugged into a NEMA 14-50 that is connected to a 50A GFCI breaker.

Nuisance trips are not uncommon and it is typically suggested to hardwire the charger and use a standard breaker. With that said, we are renting for a few more months while we await completion of a new home. I'm debating swapping the GFCI breaker for a standard one just for the time being - in the new house, we will hard wire the charger.

Have folks encountered similar issues? Wiring is definitely OK and we had no issues with our Q5 PHEV. Maybe the BMW chargers are more sensitive. Lowering the current limit makes no difference, and the breaker is warm (to be expected), but never hot.

Doesnt the EVSE have an inbuilt GFCI? I thought it was not recommended to to a GFCI outlet with EVSE since it interferes with the inbuilt one. Might wanna see what the current code is for ur area. I would just swap out the GFCI and let ur EVSE manage it

[exxxviii]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Doesnt the EVSE have an inbuilt GFCI? I thought it was not recommended to to a GFCI outlet with EVSE since it interferes with the inbuilt one.

Portable EVSEs must have CFCI. That is the problem - the code requirement dictates that we have cascaded GFCIs. Another reason that hardwire is superior - only a single GFCI in the flow.

[darylp310]

Have you tried reducing the maximum Current Limit for AC Charging in your My BMW app/car? Maybe you can just put it down to a lower number such as 12A or 18A in the meantime so it won't overload the circuit?

[sarugby4life]

The latest NEC calls for all 240V receptacles in a garage must have a GFCI breaker. But yea I suspect this is the exact issue - there are two GFCI in the chain and this is causing the breaker to trip.

With that said I would normally hardwire but this is a rental and we will only be here for a few months.

Is it definitely true that the Flex Fast Charger has its own GFCI? If so I do think I’ll swap with a standard breaker for now.

Yes I have tried reducing current but still having issues.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by sarugby4life

The latest NEC calls for all 240V receptacles in a garage must have a GFCI breaker. But yea I suspect this is the exact issue - there are two GFCI in the chain and this is causing the breaker to trip.

With that said I would normally hardwire but this is a rental and we will only be here for a few months.

Is it definitely true that the Flex Fast Charger has its own GFCI? If so I do think I’ll swap with a standard breaker for now.

Yes I have tried reducing current but still having issues.

You prob will be fine just swapping the GFCI breaker and putting a regular one in and putting the GFCI back when u r leaving from ur rental. If your outlet isnt on the exterior wall, you will be good as they are not exposed to the elements and cause issues. Chargepoint specifically states not to use a GFCI breaker when using their charger so Im presuming most EVSE chargers are similar

Can I install ChargePoint Home Flex on a GFCI breaker?

Yes. However, if local codes require a GFCI breaker for plug-in installation, ChargePoint recommends a hardwire installation. We do not recommend using a GFCI breaker as the Home Flex already has integrated charging circuit interrupting device (CCID) protection. Using a GFCI breaker in the panel, especially with a plug-in installation, can cause nuisance breaker tripping in certain circumstances and interrupt charging.

[sarugby4life]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

You prob will be fine just swapping the GFCI breaker and putting a regular one in and putting the GFCI back when u r leaving from ur rental. If your outlet isnt on the exterior wall, you will be good as they are not exposed to the elements and cause issues. Chargepoint specifically states not to use a GFCI breaker when using their charger so Im presuming most EVSE chargers are similar

Can I install ChargePoint Home Flex on a GFCI breaker?

Yes. However, if local codes require a GFCI breaker for plug-in installation, ChargePoint recommends a hardwire installation. We do not recommend using a GFCI breaker as the Home Flex already has integrated charging circuit interrupting device (CCID) protection. Using a GFCI breaker in the panel, especially with a plug-in installation, can cause nuisance breaker tripping in certain circumstances and interrupt charging.

Thanks. Yes this is the plan. The rental is an interior condo unit, so not an exterior wall.

And yes this would be swapped back with the GFCI when we leave. The owner of the unit had done some electrician work in his past and was OK with the proposal.

I'd still like to know if the BMW Flex charger specifically has its own GFCI. I cannot find anything saying specfically it does.

[sarugby4life]

Well I swapped the breaker with a standard 50A and was able to get all the way to 80% (my set limit) with no issues. I'm confident this is due to the nuisance tripping referenced above. I still cannot find details on the GFCI protection inside the Flex charger itself - I definitely don't see a reset button, but the NEC also dictates all EVSE shall have GFCI...

This will do until we move into the new house with a proper hardwired charger.

[Maverick241]

Originally Posted by sarugby4life

Well I swapped the breaker with a standard 50A and was able to get all the way to 80% (my set limit) with no issues. I'm confident this is due to the nuisance tripping referenced above. I still cannot find details on the GFCI protection inside the Flex charger itself - I definitely don't see a reset button, but the NEC also dictates all EVSE shall have GFCI...

This will do until we move into the new house with a proper hardwired charger.

Yep it's because you had 2 GFCI's in fact they used to specify NOT to have a second GFCI on the breaker when you install because it will likely cause nuisance trips

[sarugby4life]

Originally Posted by Maverick241

Yep it's because you had 2 GFCI's in fact they used to specify NOT to have a second GFCI on the breaker when you install because it will likely cause nuisance trips

A catch 22 when you are trying to be up to code. Again will hardwire once we move.

[Maverick241]

Originally Posted by sarugby4life

A catch 22 when you are trying to be up to code. Again will hardwire once we move.

Yeah but honestly who cares about code.

It also depends on your state as well not everyone has adapted the new code standard yet.

[sarugby4life]

Yes this is true. CA is always trying to do everything first 😂

[NomoTesla]

Originally Posted by sarugby4life

A catch 22 when you are trying to be up to code. Again will hardwire once we move.

There is no legal requirement to bring your house "up to code" if the things being talked about were built/installed prior to the code existing. Even when you sell, there is no requirement for anything in your house to be "up to code". That is between you and the person who is buying your home. Folks sell midcentruy homes all the time with aluminum wiring. Not a problem.

Also, a garage is not considered an outdoor space. It's considered an indoor space even though it is not liveable square footage. GFIs are only required in outdoor/wet areas. The garage is neither of those.

[Pictor]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

Also, a garage is not considered an outdoor space. It's considered an indoor space even though it is not liveable square footage. GFIs are only required in outdoor/wet areas. The garage is neither of those.

Not entirely correct. 2023 NEC does call for GFCI for circuits under 50 amp in a garage.

“GFCI protection is required for outdoor outlets rated 50 amp or less in garages and for outlets rated not over 150 volt to ground, 50 amp or less in accessory buildings and boathouses.”

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

There is no legal requirement to bring your house "up to code" if the things being talked about were built/installed prior to the code existing. Even when you sell, there is no requirement for anything in your house to be "up to code". That is between you and the person who is buying your home. Folks sell midcentruy homes all the time with aluminum wiring. Not a problem.

Also, a garage is not considered an outdoor space. It's considered an indoor space even though it is not liveable square footage. GFIs are only required in outdoor/wet areas. The garage is neither of those.

Might be where you live but not true based on the latest NEC guideline but some states are still in the 2017 so havent gotten to the new one yet. I think if you think about it from the electrical point of view, why wouldnt you have a GFCI breaker for an outlet thats exposed to the heat, cold and could have water exposure etc. It is a safety hazard.

Also, "bringing it up to code" is all subjective as you had mentioned but if his electrician is pulling a permit to install that 50A circuit, then he will fail the inspection if he doesnt put the GFCI breaker. He can bypass it by not pulling the permit and dealing with it later when he is trying to sell the house by claiming ignorance as the home inspector will point these out to be fixed before buying the house and its upto the buyer to enforce it or not

[Maverick241]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Might be where you live but not true based on the latest NEC guideline but some states are still in the 2017 so havent gotten to the new one yet. I think if you think about it from the electrical point of view, why wouldnt you have a GFCI breaker for an outlet thats exposed to the heat, cold and could have water exposure etc. It is a safety hazard.

Also, "bringing it up to code" is all subjective as you had mentioned but if his electrician is pulling a permit to install that 50A circuit, then he will fail the inspection if he doesnt put the GFCI breaker. He can bypass it by not pulling the permit and dealing with it later when he is trying to sell the house by claiming ignorance as the home inspector will point these out to be fixed before buying the house and its upto the buyer to enforce it or not

You wouldn’t because the EVSE already has a GFCI built into it which is what causes the nuisance trips if 2 are on the same circuit. You don’t need a second one on the breaker.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by Maverick241

You wouldn’t because the EVSE already has a GFCI built into it which is what causes the nuisance trips it 2 are on the same circuit. You don’t need a second one on the breaker.

Right if you are hardwiring the EVSE. If you have an outlet that means you can plug anything in it. You may just use it for EVSE but who knows what the person coming after you is gonna plug in. Thats why the GFCI requirement. There is no telling what the plug is being used for from a code standpoint

[NomoTesla]

Originally Posted by Pictor

Not entirely correct. 2023 NEC does call for GFCI for circuits under 50 amp in a garage.

“GFCI protection is required for outdoor outlets rated 50 amp or less in garages and for outlets rated not over 150 volt to ground, 50 amp or less in accessory buildings and boathouses.”

Fortunately, having a GFCI in the EVSE fulfills this requirement without having a GFCI breaker.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

Fortunately, having a GFCI in the EVSE fulfills this requirement without having a GFCI breaker.

Are you talking about plugging it into an outlet (receptacle) or hardwiring it? If it hardwiring, then yes. If its plugging it into an outlet, then NO unless you can cite something that says otherwise.

[exxxviii]

Originally Posted by Aalfred

Are you talking about plugging it into an outlet (receptacle) or hardwiring it? If it hardwiring, then yes. If its plugging it into an outlet, then NO unless you can cite something that says otherwise.

[Aalfred]

Originally Posted by exxxviii