Manufacturer | Enphase |
---|---|
Brand | Enphase |
Model | HCS |
Item Weight | 20.3 pounds |
Package Dimensions | 22.4 x 19.9 x 10.3 inches |
Country of Origin | Mexico |
Item model number | HCS-40 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Manufacturer Part Number | 0922-00-003 |
Special Features | Ruggedized, rubber over-molded J1772 connector, Universal Compatibility, Safety-Certified and All-Weather Resilience, Legacy and Warranty, High-Speed Charging |
Amperage | 32 Amps |
Voltage | 240 Volts |
Wattage | 7.7 KW |
Other Sellers on Amazon
- 6 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Enphase HCS-40 EV Charger (Formerly ClipperCreek): 32A, 7.7kW, 240V Plug-in, NEMA 14-50, 25 ft Cable, 5-Year Warranty
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Enphase |
Connector Type | J1772 |
Included Components | Connector Holster |
Special Feature | Ruggedized, rubber over-molded J1772 connector, Universal Compatibility, Safety-Certified and All-Weather Resilience, Legacy and Warranty, High-Speed Charging See more |
Input Voltage | 240 Volts |
Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
Amperage | 32 Amps |
Wattage | 7.7 KW |
Specification Met | Energy Star, UL, ETL |
Power Source | Hardwired Electric |
About this item
- INSTALL WITH CONFIDENCE: Formerly ClipperCreek, the core technology that comes inside every Enphase EV charger has earned its award-winning reputation by delivering industry-leading durability and reliability. Now they're made even better with a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty and 24/7 customer support. This HCS-40 comes fully assembled and offers quick installation via a 12 inch 240V input plug with any NEMA 14-50R outlet on a minimum 40 Amp dedicated circuit.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED AND ALL-WEATHER: Enphase level 2 EV chargers are safety certified by ETL, an Independent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, to UL 2594 standards and are ENERGY STAR certified. Designed in California as commercial car charging stations, they are built tough to withstand high-traffic use and a wide range of temperatures. They also include fully sealed outdoor ready NEMA 4 enclosures to keep internal components dry and the elements out.
- FAST CHARGING: Enjoy up to 7x faster charging than the level 1 electric vehicle charger that your EV came with. With this HCS-40 240V 32 Amp NEMA 14-50 plug level 2 charger you get 7.7kW of power or up to 31 miles per hour of charging, ensuring your EV or plug-in hybrid is ready to go after a night's charge. (The HCS-40 requires a minimum 40 Amp dedicated circuit and the miles per hour charge rate will vary depending on your EV's make and model.)
- DESIGNED FOR YOUR MAKE & MODEL: Enphase electric car chargers are compatible with all plug-in EV's sold in the USA, but the HCS-40 is best for vehicles with acceptance rates up to 7.7kW like the Tesla Model 3, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Kia Soul, and Hyundai Kona. They qualify for state and federal rebates so you can even get money back by doing your electric car charging at home.
- INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED: With a rugged and flexible 25 foot long cable with J1772 connector, you can charge your plug-in on the other side of the garage or in the driveway. With a physical manual, you can reference information easily pre or post install. And the integrated cable wrap and wall mounted holster ensure you can neatly stow away your charger after use.
Frequently bought together
Compare with similar items
This Item Enphase HCS-40 EV Charger (Formerly ClipperCreek): 32A, 7.7kW, 240V Plug-in, NEMA 14-50, 25 ft Cable, 5-Year Warranty | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $758.00$758.00 | $559.00$559.00 | $559.00$559.00 | $569.00$569.00 | $229.99$229.99 | $549.00$549.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Charging power | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.5 |
Easy to install | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.6 |
Weatherproof | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.6 | — | 4.4 | — |
Smart Features | — | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.2 | — | 4.1 |
Value for money | 4.6 | 4.6 | — | — | 4.7 | — |
Sold By | Enphase | Autel Energy | Autel Energy | Autel Energy | FortressBrand Wellness | Spreetail |
connector type | J1772 | 14-50Plug 6-50Plug | SAE J1772 | MagSafe | SAE J1772 | Proprietary |
number of usb ports | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
compatible devices | — | Smartwatches, Laptops, Tablets, Cellular Phones, PC | All electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles | Monitors | Electric Vehicles | Router |
input voltage | 240 volts | 240 volts | 240 volts | 240 volts | 120 volts | 240 volts |
connector gender | Male-to-Male | Male-to-Male | Male-to-Male | Male-to-Male | Male-to-Male | Male-to-Male |
power source | Hardwired Electric | Battery Powered | Corded Electric | Battery Powered | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- MUSTART Level 2 EV Charger, 40 Amp, 240 Volt, 25ft Cable, Electric Vehicle Portable Charger Plug-in EV Charging Station with NEMA 14-50P, ETL CertificatedFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
- Autel Home Level 2 EV Charger up to 50Amp, 240V, Indoor/Outdoor Car Charging Station, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Enabled EVSE, Flexible 25-Foot Cable,Hardwired, Dark GrayFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
- Anker Electric Vehicle Charger, 7.6KW Level 2 Portable Fast Charger with J1772 Connector and 25 ft Cable, NEMA 14-50 Plug, Scheduled Charging, Works with EV and Hybrid Vehicles, for Home and Outdoor20% offLimited time dealFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
- Autel MaxiCharger Home Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger, up to 40 Amp, 240V, Level 2 WiFi and Bluetooth Enabled EVSE, NEMA 14-50 Plug, Indoor/Outdoor, 25-Foot Cable with Separate Holster, Dark GrayFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
- Enphase 32 Amp Level 2 EV Charger, Safety Certified, 240v Level 2, Hardwired, 25ft Cable, J1772, HCS-40 Home Electric Car Charging Station - Formerly ClipperCreekFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20Only 12 left in stock - order soon.
Important information
To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.
From the brand
-
Enphase transformed the solar industry with our revolutionary microinverter-based solar and battery systems, helping millions of people gain access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. Now Enphase is taking that same innovation and reputation for quality and bringing it to EV charging.
-
-
-
Product Description
Hello home charging. Goodbye gas stations.
Wake up to a full charge with the 32 Amp NEMA 14-50 plug HCS-40 EV Charger. This Level 2 charging station is permanently mounted on your wall and is rated for indoor or outdoor use.
Park almost anywhere and keep your garage organized with a 25ft cable, integrated cable wrap, and holster.
Ruggedized HCS EV Chargers are built for extreme weather conditions and their impact resistant SAE J1772 connector makes them ideal for high-traffic use. All our electric vehicle chargers are safety certified, backed by 24/7 support, and work with virtually every EV sold in North America.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Fast charging at homeThe HCS-40 EV Charger:
|
Safe & UniversalEvery Enphase Charging Station is:
|
It pays to install an EVSE
|
Hardwired or Plug-in?
Enphase EV chargers are available in hardwired installation and plug-in installation options.
The hardwired EV chargers include service wires which are routed through a three-foot flexible conduit with an additional six inches of wire extensions for easy installation into a junction box. With a hardwired EV Charger the installation is more permanent, the EV Charger can still be moved, but you would need an electrician to uninstall the EV Charger and then reinstall it at your new location. Enphase hardwired EV Chargers are rated for indoor or outdoor installation.
With a Enphase plug-in EV charger, it will come with a high quality over molded 240V plug attached instead of the flexible conduit included with a hardwired charger. The plug length is 12 inches, the longest length allowed per National Electric Code, and this includes the plug itself in the measurement.
Hardwired EV Charging Stations
- Three feet of flexible conduit.
- Up to 6 additional inches of service wires coming from a conduit for installation into a junction box.
- Typically more permanent installations than a plug-in, but the station can be uninstalled and reinstalled if necessary.
- Highly recommended for outdoor installations, as a hardwired appliance provides a more weather-resistant connection.
Plug-in Electric Car Chargers
- Overmolded 240V plug instead of flexible conduit (smooth cabling, and plug attached at the end).
- The length of the plug is 12 inches, including what is inside the enclosure, per National Electric Code. Please note that this is approximately 10 inches of available length from the enclosure to the outlet.
- For plugged installations, a matching 240V NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 receptacle to fit the matching plug type is required. Any licensed electrician can install this receptacle for you. Once installed, the station can be mounted and you can begin charging.
- Some homes already have an existing 240V NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 receptacle installed. In this case, the owner's cost would be reduced to virtually zero, as they would only need to mount the station before they plug in.
- If you install a plug-in EV charger outdoors, we recommend installing a watertight cover over the plug and outlet combination.
Types of Plugs on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- NEMA 6-50 outlets and plugs are commonly used by welders or plasma cutters.
- NEMA 14-50 outlets and plugs are commonly used for electric ovens and often found in RV parks and campgrounds.
Hardwired or Plug-in
Hardwired Stations
Plug-in Stations
6-50 vs. 14-50 Plugs
HCS-40 Hardwired EV Charger | HCS-40 NEMA 14-50 Plug EV Charger | |
---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars
520
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
520
|
Can Charge | 1 EV | 1 EV |
Charging Power | 32 Amp | 7.7kW max | 32 Amp | 7.7kW max |
Installation Type | Hardwired | Plug-in NEMA 14-50 |
Installation Cord or Whip Length | 3 ft whip | 12 in cord including plug head |
Minimum Dedicated Electrical Circuit Required | 40 Amp | 208/240V | 40 Amp | 208/240V |
SAE J1772 Charging Cable(s) | Single 25 ft | Single 25 ft |
Fully Sealed NEMA 4 Enclosure(s) | ✓ | ✓ |
Certifications | ETL, cETLus, ENERGY STAR | ETL, cETLus, ENERGY STAR |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I determine which EV Charger will charge my car the fastest?
A: Three key elements determine how fast an EV battery will charge: (1) Battery size and storage, which differs by EV, (2) power acceptance rate, which differs by EV, and (3) EV charging station maximum power delivery rating, which varies by EV charger. To determine how fast an EV charger will charge a given electric car, here are the basic rules to consider: (1) If the charging station offers less power than the vehicle's maximum acceptance rate, the charging station would be the limiting factor in determining the charge time. (2) If the vehicle's acceptance rate is lower than the charging station's maximum output rate, then the vehicle will be the limiting factor. (3) To determine your estimated total charge time, you would take your vehicle battery pack rating and divide it by whichever number is lower, the vehicle's acceptance rate, or the station's output rate.
Q: Do I need an electrician to install an EV charger?
A: We recommend that you have a qualified electrician install your EV charger because there are certain electrical requirements for the product itself, wiring size requirements, and local electrical codes that an electrician will have knowledge of, which ensures that the charging station will be installed properly and safely. A qualified electrician can also assess the home’s current electrical infrastructure and advise you if there's any additional work necessary (for example, an electrical panel upgrade in an older home). Most homes will have capacity available, and the work will merely be wiring the station to a dedicated circuit in the case of a hardwired charger or installing an appropriate and safe receptacle/outlet in the case of a plug-in charger.
Q: What is the difference between UL and ETL ratings and why is it important?
A:UL and ETL are both considered Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL). NRTLs provide independent safety and quality certifications for electrical appliances. UL develops the testing standards and tests to them, ETL tests to UL standards. Products with UL or ETL listings are recognized as safer than units without these listings. Make sure the logos of one of these testing laboratories are shown directly on the product you purchase to ensure its safety. An inspector sign-off on a permitted installation in line with the National Electric Code requires that the EV charger be NRTL listed (in the US that is either with ETL or UL).
Q: Will using an EV charger with a higher output current rating than my EV can accept damage my vehicle?
A: No, using a higher amperage EV charger will pose no harm to the vehicle. EV chargers are a pass through, electrical safety appliances. The EV is in complete control of the charge and will only take the power it can accept and no more. The actual charging takes place on the vehicle. Our units will supply AC power to the vehicle and the vehicles onboard charger will convert the AC power to DC power and charge the vehicle’s batteries. For example: A Chevy Volt can take in 3.3kW for charging and the HCS-50 EV Charger can deliver up to 9.6kW. When an HCS-50 EV Charger is plugged into the Volt the station will “tell” the Volt how much power is available through the charger's communication system. From that point the vehicle will take over, activate the charger and accept the power it wants, up to the limit established by the EV charger. Some of our customers purchase EV chargers that offer a higher power level than their current vehicle can accept, which allows them to future proof their installation in anticipation of purchasing a vehicle that could accept more power.
Q: Will your EV charger work with my EV’s onboard timer?
A: Yes, Enphase EV Chargers provide pass-through electricity and will not supply power to the EV unless the vehicle is requesting a charge. The vehicle is in complete control of the charge and if a timer is set within the vehicle the EV charger, even if plugged into the car, will not supply power to the vehicle until the vehicle requests a charge at the scheduled time.
Q: How much energy does an EV charger use when it’s not charging an EV?
A: Enphase products consume very minimal power when not in use. We call this "standby power," and the draw on the HCS EV Charger for standby power is approximately 2 watts.
Q: Can I charge my EV when it’s raining or snowing outside?
A: Yes, the charging head on Enphase EV chargers are designed to drain water and the inlet on your vehicle is designed to drain water as well. Once the charging head is connected into your vehicle’s inlet, a water-tight seal will be formed.
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B013VNIAEU |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #24,929 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive) #32 in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations |
Date First Available | February 29, 2016 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
What's in the box
Product guides and documents
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the packaging, ease of installation, performance, and value of the charging adapter. They mention that it came very well packaged, the documentation was very clear, and that it works great. They also like the quality, and charging. That said, opinions are mixed on the weight and length.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the charging adapter. For example, they say the nozzle on a bungee cord works great, the charger works as it should, and the included holster works well. That said, they're impressed with the quality and functionality of the product.
"...I was able to mount it myself easily and it works perfectly...." Read more
"This EVSE (electric car charger) has fairly basic functionality, but it wins out in industrial design...." Read more
"...cord is flexible, its J1772 connector feels stout and the included holster works well...." Read more
"...install outside of the changing the whip, and once connected it worked perfectly. Setting up was a breeze, connecting to WiFi was a breeze...." Read more
Customers find the installation process of the charging adapter to be easy. They mention that it plugs into the wall, is super easy to use, and is easy to mount to the wall. The documentation is clear, and anyone who's even moderately handy can install it. Overall, customers find the product to be a great option for those looking for an easy-to-install charging adaptor.
"...The unit is reasonably light so it wasn't cumbersome to position. I was able to mount it myself easily and it works perfectly...." Read more
"...Super easy to install. The only warning I have is the plug cord is very short, about 12 inches...." Read more
"...Setting up was a breeze, connecting to WiFi was a breeze...." Read more
"...This unit is simple. Lights on the outside panel tell you it has power and when it is charging...." Read more
Customers like the charging adapter. They mention that it charges their car to 100% relatively quickly, it starts charging with no problems, and it's a great charger. They also appreciate the 240V charging, which is particularly good when the float portion is enabled. Overall, customers are happy with the charging capabilities of the adapter and recommend it to others.
"Did lots of research but decided on this one. No fuss charging, no settings to mess with, it just works. Car takes care of what it needs...." Read more
"...I have had it for a month now and so far seamless charging experience. Highly recommended." Read more
"This feels like a pretty heavy duty charger...." Read more
"...This thing charges fast. I'm very pleased with this purchase." Read more
Customers like the quality of the charging adapter. They say it's well-made, durable, and reliable. The cord is a nice heavy duty unit, and the contactors inside are heavy-duty. It's reliable indoors and outdoors under extreme temperatures, and its J1772 connector feels stout.
"...I really appreciate the peace of mind knowing this is a quality piece of equipment...." Read more
"...The charging cord is flexible, its J1772 connector feels stout and the included holster works well...." Read more
"Looks to be a well made charger, I got the 64 amp version (80a breaker) and was a bit disappointed/worried because the supplied pre-installed whip..." Read more
"...kinds of weather, here are the the things I like: The unit is very well built and impervious to heat, rain, snow and ice...." Read more
Customers like the value of the charging adapter. For example they say it's a great product at a very good price, and it delivers the best value for the price.
"...All together the best EVSE for the money. I am impressed." Read more
"The installation was done by an electrical contractor at a reasonable rate. I received 2 incentive payments from our local utility, SMUD...." Read more
"...This is a premium priced charger so I expect an exceptional experience." Read more
"...ClipperCreek continues it's tradition of making great quality, affordable EVSEs!..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the packaging of the charging adapter. They mention that it was well-packaged, and the recyclable packaging was well thought out.
"...The unit arrived earlier than promised. It was well-packaged, came with all hardware, and features a printed manual with mounting instructions...." Read more
"Charger was packaged nicely...." Read more
"...This unit just works. The packaging is very good and unit arrived in perfect condition. Easy installation and very straight forward...." Read more
"...station arrived direct from Clipper Creek in just a few days, very well packaged. I have used it about a week and so far am extremely happy with it...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the length of the charging adapter. Some mention that the cord is long enough to park outside of their garage and the 25 foot cable for plug-in is key. However, others say that the AC outlet because the 12 -inch cord is so short and stiff, the power plug is short and not flexible enough to make that configuration, and the to plug into the wall is extremely short.
"...The nice long power cable gives me a lot of flexibility on where I park my car...." Read more
"...Super easy to install. The only warning I have is the plug cord is very short, about 12 inches...." Read more
"...between the charger and the plug and I really like that the cable is long enough so I can charge the car whether the car is in the garage or in the..." Read more
"Charger works as it should. Be aware power cord is only 6 inches long where it plugs into the wall." Read more
Customers are mixed about the weight of the charging adapter. Some mention it's light weight, easy to hang, and compact, while others say that it' a bit bulky and not as portable as they'd like.
"...The unit is reasonably light so it wasn't cumbersome to position. I was able to mount it myself easily and it works perfectly...." Read more
"...The charger is quite large and must be installed directly above the NEMA wall receptacle...." Read more
"...The unit feels very solid despite being lightweight. The charging and plug cables are very thick yet flexible...." Read more
"...delivered contents - the hardwired service whip conductors were severely under sized to accommodate a safe installation...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
I am very happy with it, it charger my 75kw battery in less than 7 hours. For those who never had EV car, you generally are advised not to charge beyond 80%, and you probably don’t drive it till it’s empty, so maybe till 10%. So that gives you an effective range of about 70% of the total range. In my case that’s only about 5 hours of charging. The EV car normally has settings where you can set it up on when to charge, for example past midnight, to save money by charging only during non peak hours.
The cable gets warm during charg8ng but not hot. Mostly it lays on the cold garage floor. I’m in California so we’ll see how hot it gets after the winter is over. This is a good brand I’ve seen used at car dealers. I’d stay away from chargers with all the fancy options, they tend to be flakey. I’ve always believed to get the one single tool for the job instead of getting something that promises to do all.
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2019
The unit has no controls or settings you can change; it is all controlled from the car being charged. Feed it with power from a 40A 240V circuit breaker, and you're ready to charge. What I really do like is the way that the cord storage is integrated into the case, the way the case mounts to the wall, and the separate plug storage holster that holds the plug compactly almost parallel to the wall. Mounted on the side of the house next to the driveway, it's nice to not have that be very obtrusive, or sticking out where it can be damaged.
The main case mounts with a pair of lag-type screws (included), vertically aligned on a single stud. They are driven from the front, so there is no need to mess around with measurements or opening the case and risking damage to the weatherproofing. I had to drill pilot holes through my stucco wall, but otherwise the included screws don't even need any pre-drilling. I store the cord in three generous loops around the built-in channel on the top of the case, although I usually only need to pull off two of the loops to get to my car's charging port. I have the plug holster mounted one stud over, to the left of the main case, which works very well. This convenient arrangement makes it much easier to hang the cord and plug up when the car is done charging, and leave the driveway tidy.
I was very deliberate about the install process, thinking about how I wanted things arranged before I started drilling, and it still took me less than two hours to get it installed and operational.
All that said, I do wish that this unit had some sort of connectivity for monitoring and programmability for my electric company's Time of Use plan. It makes much more sense for that programming to be on the fixed EVSE side, rather than in the car (as in the Nissan Leaf) which may use other chargers in other locations.
I purchased two wall mount travel brackets since I wanted to use my charge inside and outside of my garage. Super easy to install. The only warning I have is the plug cord is very short, about 12 inches. So you need to install it right next to the plug.
I really appreciate the peace of mind knowing this is a quality piece of equipment. I have had it for a month now and so far seamless charging experience. Highly recommended.
Top reviews from other countries
Issue 1 - Whip Tail vs Your Electrical Code
The HCS units have a hardwired whip tail that is meant to be connected to your electrical service. The problem is that HCS-80 units require an 80-amp breaker hookup, but the wires in the whip tail connector built into to the unit are only 8 AWG.
Our local electrical inspector says that's not thick enough to comply with our municipal building code, which requires an 80-amp hookup to use thicker wires (at least 6AWG). We contacted the manufacturer who said that unit is an "appliance" and was tested with the whip tail, so all is well. But guess who makes the final determination? Not the manufacturer! Your INSPECTOR makes that call.
And if 8 AWG whip tail is not consistent with our electrical code, your inspector won't care what the manufacturer says. YOUR INSPECTOR HAS THE FINAL SAY. So in our case, we were forced to install a breaker subpanel *and* a downstream junction box and then connect the whiptail into that. Have a look at the attached photos to see what we had to do. The total cost for all this extra work was significant.
Issue 2 - Unwieldy Car Hookup Cable
The unit we purchased has a nice long 20 foot car hookup cable, but the problem is that this cable is REALLY thick and heavy. Much too heavy for smaller people (like my wife) to use easily. What's wild is that you can see in the photos that the charging cable that goes to the car is SUBSTANTIALLY thicker than the whip tail that hooks up to the junction box. What is up with that? If you are familiar with the 80A Tesla home chargers (as I was) you will find the cable that runs to the car MUCH thicker and clumsier.
Issue 3 - Canadian Certification
The label on the side of the unit (see attached photo) makes it appear that these units have been fully certified in Canada. Yet when I search the official ULC database for Canada, the HCS line of is not listed. (See attached screen shot.) That's pretty concerning.
Conclusion
These chargers are okay. They do charge my car, although sometimes a little noisily. But I strongly, STRONGLY suggest that you investigate your local electrical codes before your purchase the higher end HCS units. In our case they were much more trouble than they were worth.
Overall it was TON of a lot of hassle and extra cost to hook up these units. I wish I had purchased different, lower power chargers with thinner car hookup cables. Ones that are explicitly listed in the ULC database.
Reviewed in Canada on May 24, 2023
Issue 1 - Whip Tail vs Your Electrical Code
The HCS units have a hardwired whip tail that is meant to be connected to your electrical service. The problem is that HCS-80 units require an 80-amp breaker hookup, but the wires in the whip tail connector built into to the unit are only 8 AWG.
Our local electrical inspector says that's not thick enough to comply with our municipal building code, which requires an 80-amp hookup to use thicker wires (at least 6AWG). We contacted the manufacturer who said that unit is an "appliance" and was tested with the whip tail, so all is well. But guess who makes the final determination? Not the manufacturer! Your INSPECTOR makes that call.
And if 8 AWG whip tail is not consistent with our electrical code, your inspector won't care what the manufacturer says. YOUR INSPECTOR HAS THE FINAL SAY. So in our case, we were forced to install a breaker subpanel *and* a downstream junction box and then connect the whiptail into that. Have a look at the attached photos to see what we had to do. The total cost for all this extra work was significant.
Issue 2 - Unwieldy Car Hookup Cable
The unit we purchased has a nice long 20 foot car hookup cable, but the problem is that this cable is REALLY thick and heavy. Much too heavy for smaller people (like my wife) to use easily. What's wild is that you can see in the photos that the charging cable that goes to the car is SUBSTANTIALLY thicker than the whip tail that hooks up to the junction box. What is up with that? If you are familiar with the 80A Tesla home chargers (as I was) you will find the cable that runs to the car MUCH thicker and clumsier.
Issue 3 - Canadian Certification
The label on the side of the unit (see attached photo) makes it appear that these units have been fully certified in Canada. Yet when I search the official ULC database for Canada, the HCS line of is not listed. (See attached screen shot.) That's pretty concerning.
Conclusion
These chargers are okay. They do charge my car, although sometimes a little noisily. But I strongly, STRONGLY suggest that you investigate your local electrical codes before your purchase the higher end HCS units. In our case they were much more trouble than they were worth.
Overall it was TON of a lot of hassle and extra cost to hook up these units. I wish I had purchased different, lower power chargers with thinner car hookup cables. Ones that are explicitly listed in the ULC database.