Emporia Smart Home EV Charger: Installation and Usage Guide

Safety Information

WARNING - RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK! Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor may result in a risk of electric shock, leading to death or serious injury. Emporia recommends that installation be performed by a licensed electrician or other qualified professional in accordance with the regional electrical code where it is being installed to ensure the Emporia EV Charger is properly grounded. Do not modify the provided plug; if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a licensed electrician or other qualified professional.

Grounding Instructions

The electrical system must be grounded. If the Emporia EV Charger should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. The Emporia EV Charger is equipped with a cord having an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate receptacle that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances. In accordance with National Electric Code, breakers should be rated for at least 125% of the Emporia EV Charger's continuous load.

Safety Precautions

• Read these instructions before using the EV Charger.
• Charging should be supervised when used around children.
• Do not put fingers in EV connector.
• The Emporia EV Charger is intended for use with electric vehicles only. Specifically, it is intended only for electric vehicles not requiring ventilation during charging.
• Do not use the Emporia EV Charger in any manner other than specified in this installation guide.
• Do not attempt to open, disassemble, or repair any of the components of the Emporia EV Charger. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
• If you believe the charging station, cables, or connector gun may have been damaged in any way; do not attempt to use them.
• Do not install the Emporia EV Charger in environments with explosive gas or vapors; nor in damp or wet environments; nor in direct sunlight; nor where temperatures are outside its operating range of -22°F (-30°C) to 122°F (50°C).

What's in the Box

Your new Emporia EV Charger contains the following items. If any of these items are missing or if you believe they've been damaged, call support immediately.

An illustration shows the contents of the box: the Emporia EV Charger unit, a SAE J1772 connector gun with a 25-foot charging cord, a power cable with a NEMA 14-50P plug, a mounting bracket, a gun cradle, four M5X10 Phillips screws, an Allen wrench, eight 7/32 inch #12 Phillips screws, and eight drywall anchors.

Before You Get Started

Here are the tools you will need to install the EV Charger:

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Bubble level
• Pencil
• Hammer
• iOS or Android phone or tablet
• Drill with a 5/16" drill bit

Step 1: Get the App

Use your phone to check the signal strength of your Wi-Fi network where the EV Charger will be installed. Low/no signal may require a Wi-Fi extender for the Charger to work. Download the Emporia Energy app onto your phone or tablet from the Apple App Store, from Google Play, or from emporiaenergy.com/app. Create an account and begin the setup process.

An illustration of a smartphone displaying a QR code, with buttons to download the Emporia Energy app from the App Store and Google Play.

emporiaenergy.com/app

Step 2: How is the EV Charger Powered?

Hardwired Installation

See Step 8a

• EV Charger can supply a maximum charge of 48A to the EV.
• Requires a dedicated dual pole breaker. Emporia recommends 60A.

Plugged-in Installation

See Step 8b

• EV Charger can supply a maximum charge of 40A to the EV.
• Requires a dedicated dual pole breaker. Emporia recommends 50A.
• Requires a NEMA 14-50R receptacle outlet.

A table details breaker sizes and corresponding charge power:

Step 3: Find a Place for the EV Charger

Locate a place to mount the EV charger where the charger is 24-48 inches above the floor/ground; the distance from the vehicle allows slack for a 25-foot cable; temperatures are between -22°F (-30°C) to 122°F (50°C); the charger is within range of WiFi signal; if plugged-in, the distance from the NEMA outlet allows slack for a short cable; and if outside, the charger is not in direct sunlight.

Diagram illustrating recommended placement for the EV Charger: 24-48 inches above the floor/ground, with sufficient cable slack for the vehicle and the outlet. It also shows the charger should be within Wi-Fi range and not in direct sunlight.

Step 4: Mark the Mounting Bracket Location

Use a bubble level to draw a horizontal line where the top of the EV Charger will sit on the wall, ensuring it is 24-48 inches above the floor/ground and allows slack for the 12-inch NEMA cable if it will be plugged in. Then, align the top of the mounting bracket to the line and mark the 4 mounting holes.

Step 5: Install the Mounting Bracket

For each mark, drill a 5/16" hole in the wall. Use a hammer to tap in the 4 drywall anchors. If you would like to install the gun cradle under the EV Charger, install the mounting bracket with 3 Phillips screws into the top 3 anchors, omitting the bottom screw, and go to Step 6a. If you'd like to install the gun cradle off to the side of the EV Charger, install the mounting bracket with the 4 Phillips screws into the anchors and proceed to Step 6b.

Diagrams illustrating the installation of the mounting bracket and the gun cradle, with options for mounting the cradle below or beside the charger.

Step 6a: Install the Gun Cradle Under the Charger

The gun cradle is designed to be installed directly under the EV Charger. If you wish to install it off to the side of the EV Charger, skip to Step 6b. Hang the gun cradle on the mounting bracket hooks. Mark the bottom mounting hole of the gun cradle. Drill a 5/16" hole in the wall at your mark. Use a hammer to tap in a drywall anchor. Install the gun cradle with 2 Phillips screws into the anchors.

Step 6b: Install the Gun Cradle Beside the Charger

Use a bubble level to draw a horizontal line at least 12 inches away from the mounting bracket at the height you'd like the cradle beside your EV Charger. Holding the gun cradle up to your line, mark the top two and bottom mounting holes of the gun cradle. Drill a 5/16" hole in the wall for each mark. Use a hammer to tap in 4 drywall anchors. Install the gun cradle with 4 Phillips screws into the anchors.

Step 7: Mount the EV Charger

Use a Phillips screwdriver and the 4 Phillips bolts to install the EV Charger on the mounting bracket.

Step 8a: Hardwired Installation Instructions for Electricians

Step 8a-1: Prepare Breaker

A licensed electrician or other qualified professional can follow these instructions to hardwire the EV Charger to a breaker. If you plan to power your EV Charger with a NEMA 14-50R receptacle outlet, skip to Step 8b. First, turn off the dedicated dual-pole breaker that will power the EV Charger.

Illustration of a dual-pole breaker with 'OFF' labels.

Step 8a-2: Detach Front Cover

From the back of the EV Charger, use the Allen wrench to remove the 8 screws to detach the front cover.

Step 8a-3: Remove NEMA Cable Wires

Unscrew the screws for terminals 1, 2, and 3 to remove the Black, Red, and Green NEMA cable wires.

Step 8a-4: Remove NEMA Cable

Unscrew the screws to remove the clamp securing the NEMA cable. Then, remove the NEMA cable from the assembly.

Step 8a-5: Connect Leads

Using 3/4" conduit and proper fittings for the connections, bring leads from both phases of the breaker along with a ground/earth lead into the EV Charger assembly. Insert the phase 1 lead into terminal 1, the phase 2 lead into terminal 2, and the ground into terminal 3 and secure them with the screws.

Diagram showing electrical connections to the EV Charger's internal terminals and a simplified wiring diagram of a local service or sub panel connecting to a main breaker.

Step 8a-6: Secure Conduit

Replace the clamp to secure the conduit / leads from the panel.

Step 8a-7: Reattach Front Cover

From the back of the EV Charger, use the Allen wrench to replace the 8 screws to reattach the front cover.

Step 8a-8: Turn On Breaker

Turn on the breaker and ensure that the power light on the front of the EV Charger is illuminated.

Illustration of a dual-pole breaker with 'ON' labels, and the front panel of the EV Charger showing indicator lights.

Step 8b: Plugged-in Installation Instructions for Electricians

Step 8b-1: Install Receptacle Outlet

If a NEMA 14-50R receptacle outlet is not already at the EV Charger location, a licensed electrician or other qualified professional can follow these instructions to install one. First, turn off the dedicated dual-pole breaker that will power the EV Charger.

Illustration of a dual-pole breaker with 'OFF' labels.

Step 8b-2: Connect Leads to Outlet

Install a NEMA 14-50R receptacle outlet with the ground facing downward, ensuring the distance between the NEMA outlet and the EV Charger allows slack for a short cable. Bring leads from both phases of the breaker along with a ground/earth lead to the outlet and connect them. Neutral is not required.

Diagram showing electrical connections to a NEMA 14-50R outlet and the EV Charger, illustrating cable slack.

Step 8b-3: Plug In Charger

Plug in the NEMA 14-50P plug from the EV Charger into the receptacle outlet. Turn on the breaker and ensure that the power light on the front of the EV Charger is illuminated.

Illustration of a dual-pole breaker with 'ON' labels, and the front panel of the EV Charger showing indicator lights.

Step 9: Complete Setup

Your EV Charger is now ready to charge your vehicle. It is set from the factory to charge at 10 Amps. To raise the charge rate to match your breaker size and to take advantage of the numerous other features available from Emporia, return to the Emporia App, choose Add a Device under Manage Devices and follow the instructions to set up your EV Charger. Your phone will connect via Bluetooth to the system and then you'll connect to a nearby Wi-Fi router. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi name and password.

Illustration of a smartphone displaying a green leaf, representing the Emporia App setup process.

Charging Your Vehicle

To charge your vehicle, open the port door and plug the EV Charger gun into the port. You will see the charge light on the EV Charger switch to solid blue when it is connected to the vehicle. It will begin breathing blue as the vehicle charges. Additionally, most EVs have indicator lights on the dashboard to let you know that you're charging. Do not attempt to drive your vehicle while the charge cable is connected to your vehicle. Ensure your vehicle has stopped charging before you remove the charging cable/adapters from the charge port.

Diagram showing an electric vehicle being charged by the Emporia EV Charger, with the charging gun plugged into the vehicle's port.

Charging Your Tesla EV

The Emporia EV Charger requires a Tesla J1772 adapter to charge a Tesla. If you don't already own one, these can be purchased directly from shop.tesla.com.

Illustration of the SAE J1772 connector with a Tesla adapter attached.

EV Charger LED Lights

This section describes the status indicated by the EV Charger's LED lights.

Troubleshooting Tips

App Not Finding Charger

The Emporia app is not finding my EV Charger after I've installed it.

• Ensure the Charger has power:
  • Check for a green power light.
  • Check the EV Charger is wired properly.
  • Check that the breaker powering the EV Charger is turned on.
• Ensure your phone can connect to the EV Charger.
  • Check your phone's Bluetooth is on.
  • If you're using an Android, turn on Location Services for your phone to properly scan for Bluetooth devices.
• Try power cycling the breaker to which the EV Charger is connected.
• Try restarting the Emporia App.
• Try rebooting your phone.

Vehicle Not Responding or Charging

My vehicle is not responding or charging.

• Ensure that the latch on the EV charging cable handle is locked into place. If the handle is not latched securely, the vehicle will not charge. If the latch is pressed down during charging, charging automatically stops.
• Ensure that the vehicle is not set up to begin charging at a specific time of day.