Installing wall charger outside vs inside

[AdamUCF]

My single car garage is small and filled with junk. There really isn't much wall space to put a charger. Does it make sense to just put the charger outside? My truck will be parked outside since it won't fit in the garage.

 

[chrismc]

I installed mine outside and park/charge in my driveway. My garage is filled with tools and bikes and kayaks and other outside toys.

 

[Bobthebuilder352]

It’s rated for outdoor use but as a fellow cfl guy I do whatever I can to keep stuff indoors or at least covered. Sun, humidity, water, bugs, etc. I’ve seen some unprotected outdoor chargers and after a year they look like they’re ready to die. I’d at least try and build a cover for it to keep out some sun and sideways rain

 

[AdamUCF]

It’s rated for outdoor use but as a fellow cfl guy I do whatever I can to keep stuff indoors or at least covered. Sun, humidity, water, bugs, etc. I’ve seen some unprotected outdoor chargers and after a year they look like they’re ready to die. I’d at least try and build a cover for it to keep out some sun and sideways rain

Really good point. Maybe I'll get a canvas cover (like a small grill cover or something) to put over it when it's not in use. I imagine leaving it on when used could be a fire hazard.

 

[Iatros786]

Also a central Florida guy here... I had my previous charger outside. Planted some nice taller hedges in front to give shade and provide some shielding. Leave enough room for air to circulate of course.

It's held up very well like that. It's on the side of the house that doesn't get blasted by the sun all day however.

If you're really concerned, you could always install a small awning above it as well. There's a ton if you google "door awning" to fit your taste/style

 

[Eeyore]

I have a 3 car garage with enough room to park a Civic and a Fit (yes, Honda fanboy). My new R1T won't fit in because it is just a few inches too long. I'll be installing my charger on the east side of my garage, which will eventually get a concrete pad and a carport.

 

[emoore]

Why not install the charger in the garage and run the cord under the garage door outside?

 

[AdamUCF]

Why not install the charger in the garage and run the cord under the garage door outside?

Not really any room on the wall for it. I could make room if I really needed to but it would seem to make more sense just to put it outside, hence this thread. No one has given a super compelling reason as to why it really should be installed inside.

 

[Dark-Fx]

If your mounting point has a view of the road, I've heard stories of people finding other random EV drivers plugged in and charging when they get home from work or a vacation, etc.

 

[Tommy]

Here's your solution Adam. We have some very clever and creative people on this forum.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...waiting-the-r1t-dino-electric.1126/post-39972

 

[Voronbrg]

mine is outside the garage, if you look at the rivian evse it appears to have a hood already.

 

[NY_Rob]

I have both my (Tesla and J1772) EVSE's mounted inside my front porch... I just don't care to expose them to rain, snow, ice, blazing sun heat and UV rays that break down almost any material over time.

 

[AdamsFan1983]

mine is outside the garage, if you look at the rivian evse it appears to have a hood already.

Hmmm interesting. The installation guide says outdoor installation must use the conduit knockout on the bottom, not the back….

 

[chrismc]

Why not install the charger in the garage and run the cord under the garage door outside?

It is a really fat cord, if you close your door on it you’re not going to have a good bottom seal and you’d have to adjust the closing tension so it doesn’t roll back up like it does when you squish a small child.

 

[chrismc]

Here’s mine, next to the garage door under the deck. Not in the photo- a security camera right over the garage.