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What about securing and protecting J1772 adapters

Here in South Florida there is not much public charging yet and the few places people charge are nice secure locations.

Recently I was contacted by a person who charges in a public area and his vehicle is unattended while charging. The area has mischief makers, vandals and thieves. The person presently uses a older Avcon claw to NEMA 14-50 adapter which is in a steel box and has a handle he can fasten to his vehicle with a cable and lock. He asked what we were going to do.

As we started to look at this problem it does seem like an important feature for leaving a valuable adapter that just plugs in next to your car while you are away doing something else.

The plain adapter

Top ring

Side Ring now standard on all Units

The 3D CAD renderings above show the options.

A top ring is the simplest. An eye bolt is added to the J1772 end to keep it away from power wires. Adjusting the nut on the eye bolt screw should make it more attractive. A regular nut on the outside and a nut with a nylon lock is used on the inside. We recomend a tread and bolt size is 3/8 inch. Washers could be added but we don't believe they are required. The eye bolt is available in zinc plated steel and stainless steel at most hardware stores. This being a plastic box with electrical parts inside, the ring needs a grounding wire to the green wires inside.

Initially we looked at a Side Ring that is a square bend "U" bolt. The inside gap is 2 inches and the length is 3 inches. The thread is 3/8-16 and nuts are used outside and nuts with a nylon lock on the inside. The placement of this is very critical to keep it from hitting the NEMA connector and wires, there is one spot, off center. This being a plastic box with electrical parts inside, the ring needs a grounding wire to the green wires inside. WHen we built one it was ugly and was just too heavy.

We have decicded to add a chome plated steel handle or security ring to all units. It is smaller and looks like it belongs.

What should you do if you want this security ring for your older adapter?

You can get your own ring and add it.
We would recommend the top ring because it is simpler and the ring should be a hardware store item. Click here for the best spot to drill the hole.

If you just want parts from modular EV power LLC to add to your existing adapter. A chrome plated steel Side Ring will cost $8.00. This includes, the screws, a ground wire and drilling template. Parts are shipped prepaid Priority Mail in the USA, multiples can ship together and we can work out a price.

We would like to better understand how you are using these adapters and what is needed to make them work, be safe, and secure in your environment.

Do you have another problem? Do you have a better solution please let us know.

e-mail: david@modularevpower.com