Confused about amp reqiurement for SPX Voltech

[Hipo65]

I already have a 240v, 20amp outlet in my garage.
I did the SPX online survey which asked if I had 40amp and when the electrician came he said that I needed to upgrade to 40amp because with 20amp it would take 11 hours to charge.
The unit I'm getting is the SPX Voltech and I think this is the correct install instructions http://gm-volt.com/forum/register.ph...11ebb73cf90e94 which calls for 20amp and actually warns against going bigger.
I dont want to pay for something I dont need (93' of new cable run, breakers, labor) so what I'd like to know is if I'm being fed a line about the 40amp requirement.
Is anyone running this charger on a 20amp circuit and getting 3-4 hour charge times?

Thanks

[eDommer]

My Voltech charger is installed on a 20 amp circuit (per the requirements that came with the charger) and recharges my Volt in 4 hours. I've had no problems with it at all.

[Jim I]

A 20 Amp breaker is the correct size for the SPX Voltec charger.

There are other units from other manufacturers that will require a larger breaker.

Do not oversize the breaker for the unit you are going to install.

C-5277

[Jim Fallston Md.]

I was told by SPX that 40 amp is only for future upgrades of evse's (ie) quick chargers.

[solar_dave]

Aren't SPX doing heavier chargers on some of the government supported programs. The SPX Voltec charger actually only draws about 13 amps, my electrician wired ours for heavier amps with 10 gauge but used the smaller breaker needed for the SPX.

[Hipo65]

Thanks for all the input, this confirms what I thought.
I had a call in to a local electrician for a second quote anyway so I'll probably just buy the charger and have them install it along with a whole house surge protector.

[Hipo65]

I just got off the phone with SPX and they also confirmed that the Voltech will run fine on 20amp, with no increase of charge time vs 40amp.
I dont know where this electrician got his information but SPX was going to call them to straighten this out.

[mikeg3]

If your installation is government subsidized, I suppose that they can insist on a 40 amp line for future growth.

If it's just your money, you just have to meet the specs on the box.

[bonaire]

Since the 220V charging does not draw more amps than the 20A circuit, there is no way the wiring would "cause" it to run longer than it is designed. The first electrician was wrong in the statement that it will take 11 hours - he is unaware of the details of the circuit.

[voltbeaupre]

I have one ...20 amp fuse...silly electrician I would question his certifications ...great charger ..great price $500...self installed just like a dryer.3.5-4hours