$19 TO SAVE $2K ONBOARD CHARGER?

When I’m in a hurry, I use my OEM charger plugged into the 240 in my garage via the blue adapter from Amazon. Amazon also sells these 110-250 global surge strips that could be used in between. We don’t get much lightning here, but I may get one anyway for peace of mind. Edit- It looks like this one Is limited to 10 amps and 2500 watts, so have to keep looking for a heavier duty one.

Amazon.com

LBC 500 said:

We don’t get much lightning here, but I may get one anyway for peace of mind.

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Ya, you don't need lightning to get a voltage spike. Apparently even just cycling the breaker can do it!

...& even less avoidable: Voltage spikes can happen without doing anything, which is why we use them for all our other computers (TV, DVR, etc...)

I thought some EVSEs include surge protection.

Maybe, maybe not, maybe they should, & maybe that won't save the OBCM anyway.

But I'm sure going to always use one just in case it helps, & even switch it off when not charging, especially after this second report within 3 days!...:

https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/obc-onboard-charger-issue.153897

The one I mentioned in post #1 was a Private Message on the 16th, from the US, with the breaker turned off & on intentionally, & the car plugged in but not even charging!

I disagree. I don't think that's a good general suggestion. It has the same risks as using a cable extender: you have to get one that's rated for continuous high amp use and you have to make sure your plug doesn't wiggle itself lose over time..

Better to get a whole-home version or an EVSE from a reputable brand.

We don't know what brands the blown OBCs were using.

The whole-home unit in that link is $119, with professional installation required, & you still have to make sure your plug doesn't wiggle itself lose over time, the same as with a plug-in unit or with no protector at all.

I've been using this $29 one that's rated for 125% of the OEM cord's max power: 15A $29 Amazon surge protector

Right. It's much easier for manufacturers' lawyers to recommend against extensions, in order to cover their butts against people who can't understand this:

• 10awg is fine for 100 feet or less. .It's rated for 150 feet at 12A.
• 12awg is fine for 50' or less. It's rated for 100 feet at 12A.
• 14awg is fine for 25' or less. It's rated for for 75', sometimes even 100', but that seems risky.

• 16awg gets warm, especially if coiled upon itself. It IS rated for 50' or less, so for emergency use check periodically for heat.
• 18awg melts! DO NOT USE!! It's so thin that many charts don't even list that thin at all!

Sorry, I often forget to say "Thanks! That's a great idea, but..." So here's that part:

Thanks @hastalavista ! A whole-home surge protector actually does seem like a great concept to me, & the parts cost looks like maybe only about the same as what I've already spent on separate plug-in units for my car, TV/DVR, sound system, & computer. The problem for me & many others is I rent my home. On top of that, my garage has a separate power supply.

& come on. How hard is it to check 2 plugs?


But I'm wide open to recommendations for any of the many other 125%-rated plug-in protectors. My so-called "cheaply-made" unit has 35,997 reviews, averaging 4.8 stars out of 5, for which I see 1 (one) bad image above.

However, I still recommend a lower-power charge-cord, which puts even less load on the connections. It still recharges an average daily drive overnight, even at 10A: Prevent Melted OEM Wall Plug

This Popular Mechanics rating seems pretty thorough. APC is their top pick. I can also add that I’ve worked for the federal government for 27 years and my agency has always used APC. I’ve never heard of one failing.

These Power Strips and Surge Protectors Can Protect Your Devices While Charging

Also available at Walmart for the same price:

APC Surge Protector at Walmart

Here’s another APC with more protection and a lower price.

https://www.amazon.com/APC-12-Outle...ics&sprefix=APC+s,electronics,213&sr=1-3&th=1

For $19, this Amazon Basics unit appears identical to the above APC, minus the USB ports. Since it’s clearly a rebranded APC, this one should be hard to beat for the money.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GPF72B...d_r=6e7eca59-e2de-4054-ba49-5dad16e388a3&th=1

TWO THIRDS OF THE $2K FAILURES WERE NOT FROM LIGHTNING !!!

IT'S FROM ANY 5-SECOND POWER OUTAGE !!!

IT'S FROM ANYONE TURNING THE BREAKER ON !!!

Sorry for "yelling" but it's my fault for "burying the lead". Both of the users who replied seem to have missed that part. Some of the 287 other viewers likely missed it too.

LBC 500 said:

OEM charger plugged into the 240 in my garage... We don’t get much lightning here...

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So anyone plugging their OEM cord into 240 would want a surge protector that works for that.