[erupe]

Hello!

First off, I'm definitely going to ask a professional engineer to do this, but I just wanted to run this by the community before taking to him/her about it.

I need to install a 240V 16 amp NEMA 6-20R at my condo, along with a 20amp circuit breaker. It needs to be outside, and it'll actually be right next to the meter. How difficult will this be? What do I need access to in the home? Anything other than the circuit breaker switches and the electricity as it enters the meter?

Thanks!

Eric

[ma0641]

Access is not at the metr. You need a box for the outlet, wire from the panel box, breaker. Difficulty depends on access to power and outlet. Why an engineer? Why not an electrician?
What are you planning to run on this circuit?

[erupe]

I just need a plug to plug this into. Trying to buy a Chevy volt.

TurboCord - Portable Plug-in EV Charger (120 or 240 Volt Plug for Charging Electric Cars) by AeroVironment

[ma0641]

Why not just run 120 VAC? Charge it overnight. Outlet in a garage?

[ma0641]

Why not just run 120 VAC? Charge it overnight. Outlet in a garage is probably a GFCI outlet.

You will need a 240 VAC GFCI breaker in addition to everything else I noted. Not a cheap install. I'd go with 120.

[erupe]

Something like this would do the trick, no? Purchase Gfmdcb240202P - Bryant - 20A/240Vac 2P Circuit Breaker, 1Ph From Westway Electric Supply

And this? Molex Connector Part Number - 1301460133

Assuming if I buy the parts, it'll be cheaper. Yes it'll be in a garage, but I'll be working long hours so I'd like to have the ability to completely charge more quickly.

[Studs ad]

If the plug is outside, you will need a special outlet box & cover that allows the weatherproof cover to close over the plug in(either voltage). They can relatively expensive as far as covers go. It appears that the system will allow a faster charge rate on the 240 volt system, so it may be advantageous to go with the 240 volt system. It won't save you any money on your charge, just will allow a faster charge. The rest of the details are too sketchy to tell you what you need. I don't know where your service panel is and how accessible it is and if it has enough extra physical room for a new breaker and enough available load capacity. If it is a fairly new residence, then you probably have ample capacity to support the new load. I just can't speculate on it based on information available. A qualified electrician in your area should be able to look at these things and give you the solutions. An engineer won't be able to do anymore without looking at it, so you are wasting your money by using one in my opinion. Some electrical businesses are staffed with engineers for larger jobs but typically a respectable company that employs Journeyman or Master electricians will do you a good job for what you are doing.

[ma0641]

I will assume the GF in the heading is for a GFCI breaker although it doesn't look like any I have seen. IT may or may not be compatible with your box. Only approved breakers as rated by your box can be used and remain in code.