KevR Posted January 7, 2023 Share Posted January 7, 2023 Looking at buying a level 1 charger from amazon as a spare to replace OEM charger. I only have a 15 amp circuit available which is fine, thats what I have used with the OEM without issues. Not looking to upgrade wiring to accomadate Level 2. Info on websites is a little confusing on what the max current of the device and the actual draw of the device. My Question is! Does anyone know if the 2022 Escape PHEV On- board charger module limit the current to 12 amps when using a 15 amp level 1 charger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j2sys Posted January 7, 2023 Share Posted January 7, 2023 (edited) The 15A rating on the circuit is the peak load, not a continuous load rating, per electrical code. There's what's referred to as the 80% rule, where continuous loads can only draw 80% of the rated current for that line. Charging an EV for hours at a time is a continuous load. So on a 15A circuit, your Escape PHEV can use 12A continuously for charging. The other 20% (3A) is essentially left as a safety buffer. For example, here's a Clipper Creek unit that supports 120V 15A, but charging is actually done at 12A. https://store.clippercreek.com/level1/pcs-15-portable-ev-charging-station Edited January 7, 2023 by j2sys 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 7, 2023 Share Posted January 7, 2023 So yes a charger designed for a 15 amp circuit should run at about 12 amps. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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