Below grade EV charger, or nice looking pedestal

M

marmathsen

Senior Member
Location
Seattle, Washington ...ish
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
Hey All

I was curious if any of you have ever seen a below grade EV charger. I have a client who is a designer that was hoping to install an EV charger at her home that would live underground when not in use. I'm not sure if it's even a thing that anyone makes. It would go in a planting strip next to the sidewalk, so she wants it to be hidden for aesthetics and to prevent theft.

I've been able to find automatic and semi-automatic bollards like here, but none have power.
https://fastgateopeners.com/store/bollards/retractable.html

I've been able to find nice looking above ground bollards like this one
https://www.bega-us.com/categories/...al-240v-receptacle-for-electric-vehicle/98010

I've been able to find in-ground power boxes like this one
https://www.kentstainless.com/us/po...ound-units/paver-in-ground-power-unit-type-2/

And I've found these retractable power pedestals
https://www.directindustry.com/industrial-manufacturer/retractable-power-pedestal-102423.html

Some of these seems to be European/UK designs so I'm not if I'd be able to get them configured to 120/240 US standards.

I'm curious if anyone has any knowledge or suggestions on something like this. I'm not sure what her budget would be but I was trying to get as close as I can to her goal and see what she thinks.

Thanks!

Rob G - Seattle
 
Put it back on the designer to find a code compliant unit (no matter what they ask for) it isn't time you are getting paid for and she is.
you have to remember, you are only selling your time. The knowledge you have is what makes your time valuable. Stores sell material and mark it up, you sell time and only have a limited supply.
 
jaggedben said:
What handle would there have to be? Also where does the NEC specify a minimum handle height?
Click to expand...
They apparently removed the height requirement. It was in a previous code edition. I got turned down by the City of Charlotte because I was two inches high. I put it behind the cable barrier on a parking deck to protect it, but had to move them to an exposed location in front of the cable barrier. Where is the customer going to put the ESVE? The receptacle is not going to do much good unless they snail charge it.
 
hillbilly1 said:
They apparently removed the height requirement. It was in a previous code edition. I got turned down by the City of Charlotte because I was two inches high. I put it behind the cable barrier on a parking deck to protect it, but had to move them to an exposed location in front of the cable barrier. Where is the customer going to put the ESVE? The receptacle is not going to do much good unless they snail charge it.
Click to expand...

Maybe it was a local requirement.
Cord and plug EVSEs can be capable of 9.6 KW.
 
retirede said:
Maybe it was a local requirement.
Cord and plug EVSEs can be capable of 9.6 KW.
Click to expand...
No, it was a code requirement, all I did was commercial. I knew I was 2” too high, but figured the inspector would be reasonable. Found out later his brother or brother in law was a local electrical contractor, and was mad he didn’t get the jobs. The pedestal mounted met the requirements, the wall mounts had to be a certain height. Did a bunch Eaton’s, Chargepoints and others for a year or too. They were worried if Trump became president, the easy money would dry up. That would make it around 2016?
 
acrwc10 said:
Put it back on the designer to find a code compliant unit (no matter what they ask for) it isn't time you are getting paid for and she is.
you have to remember, you are only selling your time. The knowledge you have is what makes your time valuable. Stores sell material and mark it up, you sell time and only have a limited supply.
Click to expand...
I see your point.

This is as much for my own curiosity as it is for her. If I find something that works well I can see recommending it in the future as well, plus she would also likely spec it into future jobs.

We've worked together for a long time and she uses us exclusively. I charge enough money and she gets me enough work to justify me doing a little research for her own house.

In general if I end up doing more legwork on stuff like this than I feel is typical I just charge it to my client.

Rob G - Seattle
 
The NFL uses listed Leviton in ground boxes which are waterproof for cord and plug connections. Might want to check those out. Although, last i checked they did not go above 30A
 
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