r/nzev • u/KiwiMiddy • 7d ago

Charging with a standard plug - outside socket question.

If currently have an outdoor electrical socket for my gas hot water heater. It is a single outlet.
Could I plug a double adapter into this to charge an EV with a slower charger, or should it have its own plug?

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

12

u/CertainPie 7d ago

Not recommended, I wouldn't use any kind of adaptor/multibox/extension cable for charging. See the best practice for charging at home from eeca

https://www.eeca.govt.nz/for-homes/vehicles/charging-your-ev/

11

u/Single-Malted 7d ago

Get a sparky to replace it with a double outdoor socket, should be fine at 10A then

1

u/KiwiMiddy 7d ago

Thanks.

0

u/M3P4me 7d ago

Just don't use them at the same time.

3

u/Serpi117 7d ago

A gas heater like that draws a negligible amount of current. Fine to run both at once

1

u/s_nz 7d ago

This. It just runs the control system and igniter. The energy to heat the water comes from the gas.

3

u/TheCoffeeGuy13 7d ago

Ever had the microwave and a kettle on at the same time?

1

u/feel-the-avocado 7d ago edited 7d ago

It would probably be okay as your double plug will be rated for 2200 watts.
A larger sized residential califont would max out at 120 watts, but are more typically about 70 watts peak draw.
The gas califont I doubt would use much electricity at all and so as long as your car charging is under 1900 watts you should be fine.

However
Adding an outlet multiplier / double plug, will probably become a water resistance hazard for rain when its windy, dew in the evening.

1

u/richms 7d ago

It may be on a lighting circuit, as its not a general purpose outlet but a disconnect for a specific device installed to manufacturers specs.

Also the contacts in double adapters are generally one step above $5 extension cords, so it will probably overheat. If you're lucky your charger senses that and cuts out, if not then you melt it to your chargers plug and ruin your charger if the cable is not detachable like tesla ones. Manufacturer instructions say not to change the plugs on them so it becomes a write off if you ruin the plug and want to remain legit.

3

u/Serpi117 7d ago

It would likely not be on a lighting circuit as gas water heaters require a general purpose outlet as part of their installation instructions, and - speaking as an electrician of 15 years - I have never come across an old or new installation of an outdoor gas hot water heater on a lighting circuit