BMW charger query

[jamesbilluk]

Hi all

I'm looking to have an ouiside plug attached for my charger (at the moment we have to rig it through the downstairs window.. So it's indoors) it's the standard BMW one,

Does anyone know of its water proof? It does look robust,

This is the one-

[Heres Johnny]

Devices get categorised on an IP system and the minimum is likely to be IP44 which in relation to water means "Water splashed from any direction shall have no harmful effect."

In other words, as long as its off the ground and not sitting in water, and you don't turn the jet wash on it, it will be fine.

[uknick]

It is supposed to be weather proof. However, advice is generally, if you're going to use it outside, place it on top of the wheel to give it some protection from the rain etc..

[jamesbilluk]

Thank you both

I'll pop it inside the wheel arch, just to make sure.

[shep1001]

Waterproof box with knock-outs?

[jamesbilluk]

shep1001 said:

Waterproof box with knock-outs?

Good plan that, I shall look in to it.

(annoyingly the cars too low for the charger to be in the wheel arch)

[mickyh7]

American style Post Box.
In fact a guy near me has bought an old Parking Meter, which is installed next to his Driveway.
Looks pretty good, and I guess is waterproof.

[theboss]

I’ve had one plugged into the M5 without any problems for the last few weeks. I don’t have enough flex on the cable to rest it on top of the tyre but I was planning to get a waterproof box big enough to accommodate the whole unit and it’s plug, and an extension cable for the 12V piece

[anonymous-user]

If you are going to install an outside socket, persumably that's going to be on a post of wall? Simply get a hook next to the socket to hang the EVSE on! You could even arrange a little roof from a simply bit of sloping wood to keep the worst of the weather off things! I have my socket on the wall next to the car, and tbh, being vertical and on a wall, it doesn't actually get that wet as it sits in the lee of the wall mostly.

[craig1912]

If you are going to the trouble of getting an outside plug why not get a proper charging point? I know it costs more but worth it in the long run

[V8 Bob]

Tupperware box with two nicks for wires or an empty butter/spread container

[964Cup]

craig1912 said:

If you are going to the trouble of getting an outside plug why not get a proper charging point? I know it costs more but worth it in the long run

This. Get one now before the government realises that we don't have the local grid capacity and starts to make it harder to get them, or requires control over when they can charge your car. The i8 (which is what I assume you have) won't benefit much from a higher wattage charger as the on-board unit is limited to 3.3kW, but get a 7.2kW unit at least in anticipation of a full EV in the future.

[jamesbilluk]

Thanks all, some good options there.

I did wonder about a wall charger, could be well worth it, as my next car will be another hybrid, or full electric I think.

I'll start having a research, would have to be a a small one if they do them.

Edit, just seen the 'eo mini pro 2' on the octopus website, looks like a neat unit.

Edited by jamesbilluk on Saturday 5th December 17:47

[wassap]

My BMW granny charger is IP67. You’ll have no issues with leaving it outside.

[Mr Squarekins]

The one that came with my i8 has a curved back, designed to sit on the front wheel, out of the rain.

[jamesbilluk]

Hmm, very odd, this is quite a large charging unit (also ip44 rated it turns out.. )

[buggalugs]

Mine is quite large too, it's a Delphi unit, I don't know what IP rating it is but I just leave it outside and it's been fine. It gets rained on directly but water doesn't pool where it is.