Posted on 12/05/2012 11:57:12 AM PST by ExxonPatrolUs
In late 2011, photos of melted and damaged Volt charging cords appeared on the internet. GM initially blamed wiring problems in the electrical outlets, eventually, the company announced that they would replace all the 120V chargers in all 2011 and some 2012 models with a new unit. About 9,500 charging units were replaced.
When the 2013 model came around, Volt owners were faced with a new and improved feature: Longer charge time. In self-help groups on the Internet, the culprit was quickly found: GM had reduced the default circuit load of the charger from 12 Ampere to 8 Ampere. Then, a low intensity war on the message boards ensued, and is still rages on. Here the latest dispatches from the front:
Volt owners found out that there is a way to make the Volt charge at 12 Ampere and therefore faster. But that is buried a few levels deep in a maze of menus – and most annoyingly, it can’t be made sticky. Must wade through menus every time. Of course, the most practical solution would be to use the 240V charger on a 240 V circuit (something yours truly could install in a few hours, including a trip to the hardware store), but owners confess that they are too lazy/stingy to do that, and the complaints continue.
“Melissa” of “Chevrolet Customer Svc” intervened.
Chevrolet must have the matter outsourced, because Melissa identified herself as an “Associate of Morley Companies, Inc.” On its website, Morley introduces itself as a “group travel, business theater, interactive, research, performance improvement, exhibit, display and experiential marketing firm,” which more than establishes its credentials to handle the matter. Especially after its associates receive some remedial English lessons. Melissa informed the frustrated Volt owners that it’s not a bug, it’s a feature: “As a safety feature the Volt will automatically default to the 8amps. This was designed by the engineers as a safeguard the Volt needs. This is to assist and remind owners that the Volt needs to be on a dedicated, grounded, oriented outlet on an individual circuit to be able to charge. This feature is to prevent the outlet getting “warm” and overheating.” To change from 8A to 12A, says Melissa, is very simple. It also reminds the Volt owner that there is a competing product from Nissan:
“The 2013 owners only have to push the “Leaf” button, select the charging tab, then charge level, and then push the amps they would like to charge at. You can change this level while driving. “
Oops. Don’t let Ray LaHood read that last. No, you can’t make the 12A setting sticky, and don’t hold your breath that this will ever change:
“This is the way the Volt was designed for the 2013, there will not be an option to retrofit, or change the charge cord charging design. We truly do value your feedback regarding this safety feature.”
Howls of protests ensued. “This is absolutely idiotic form a usability stand point.” You honestly want us to push FOUR times?
Yep, says Melissa. “I understand your frustration for the safety feature and we appreciate your feedback for the option.” That exchange happened in early September. It did not appease the Volt owners, and the discussion is raging on, wisely sans Melissa. Tired of talking to themselves, enraged 100 Volt owners widened the conflict. Complaints appeared in comment sections of Forbes. Expect more elsewhere. TTAC just received a reader’s letter, complete with headline! (See above.)
BS comment: Of course, pushing buttons four times won’t make charging at 12A any safer, and it won’t help the outlet keep its cool. It simply gives GM opportunity to instruct the user each and every time of the potential hazards, and (hopefully) lets GM off the hook. A standard three prong (with ground) U.S. outlet is good for 15 Amp, should be connected to a 15A wring with a 15A breaker, and therefore plenty for a 12A load. If something else is on the line, the breaker should blow. Note the shoulds.
The list, Ping
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On a dedicated circuit, yes. If you’re plugging in something that will consume 80% of the circuit’s rated amperage on a non-dedicated circuit, between swing voltages and any fluctuations, it’ll pop real quick.
I worked in datacenters for 10 years. We kept everything below 80% on our 30A circuits. If we ever lost a redundant circuit, the swing voltage alone on a dual-PSU server or storage device would put a live circuit near capacity before stabilization on a fully-populated rack.
Gotcha. I’m used to dedicated circuits.
I was interested in what you were saying about CB ratings.
So I took a look here. I hope it clears things up.
http://ecmweb.com/content/sizing-circuit-breaker
really? i get skittles from my unicorns when they fart rainbows.
When did that change?
Seems to me that most 120V circuit breakers are rated at 15A.
In UBC states, only lighting and control circuits can be 15 A. 20 A 12 Ga wire is required for all convenience outlets.
Where can I find a list of UBC states?
Probably at I.C.B.O.
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