Setup: Clipper Creek ECS Electric Vehicle Charging Station User Manual

Overview

The ECS Electric Vehicle Charging Station is a portable EVSE designed to connect compatible plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles to a 230V AC power supply. It is intended for vehicles equipped with an SAE J1772 charging port and provides a straightforward way to charge at home or another suitable location.

To begin charging, connect the station to an appropriate 230V wall outlet and insert the SAE J1772 vehicle connector into the vehicle’s charge port. The vehicle and charging station communicate through the control pilot circuit, allowing charging to begin when the vehicle is ready.

Specifications

• Product: ECS portable electric vehicle charging station
• Compatible vehicles: Plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles with an SAE J1772 charge port
• Input power: 230V AC
• Operating voltage range: 185V AC to 264V AC
• Input frequency: 50 Hz
• Available model ratings: ECS-10 at 6A or 8A; ECS-15 at 10A or 12A; ECS-16 at 13A; ECS-20 at 15A or 16A
• Approximate output: ECS-10 at 1.4kW or 1.8kW; ECS-15 at 2.3kW or 2.7kW; ECS-16 at 3.0kW; ECS-20 at 3.5kW or 3.7kW
• Charging connector: SAE J1772 vehicle connector
• Cable length: 6.5m (20ft)
• Dimensions: 280mm high by 100mm wide by 80mm deep
• Weight: Approximately 3.4kg (7.5lb), including the connector and cable
• Operating temperature: -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to +122°F)
• Enclosure rating: NEMA 4X watertight enclosure
• Approvals: ETL-EU Listed and FCC Part 15 Class B

The exact maximum charging current is factory-set and should be confirmed on the serial number label attached to the ECS enclosure. Vehicle demand can also affect the power delivered during a charging session.

Detailed Description

The ECS Electric Vehicle Charging Station acts as the controlled connection between the electrical supply and the vehicle. Its enclosure contains the charging control and safety-monitoring electronics, while the attached cable carries power and communication signals to the vehicle.

The SAE J1772 connector includes a latch release lever that secures the coupler in the vehicle charge port. Pressing and holding this lever releases the connector after charging has stopped or when the session needs to be interrupted.

Depending on the factory configuration, the front panel uses either a ground-monitoring circuit or an isolation-monitoring circuit. Check the front-panel labels or serial number information to identify which version is installed.

A connector holster is supplied for storing and protecting the SAE J1772 connector when it is not connected to a vehicle. The enclosure also provides a practical surface around which the charging cable can be loosely draped during storage.

Safety

• Use the ECS only with vehicles fitted with an SAE J1772 charge port. Confirm compatibility in the vehicle owner’s manual.
• Do not use the station if the enclosure, connector, or charging cable is cracked, open, frayed, or otherwise visibly damaged.
• Do not place fingers inside the vehicle connector.
• Keep the cable positioned so it cannot be stepped on, tripped over, crushed, or placed under damaging tension.
• Children must not operate the charger. Maintain adult supervision whenever children are near a station in use.
• The ECS contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt internal repair or modification.
• Do not use the unit in a commercial garage where flammable gasoline vapors may be present.
• Do not use an extension cord or wall-plug adapter. Connect the EVSE directly to the appropriate outlet.
• Have a qualified electrician verify that the outlet wiring is correct and meets applicable local requirements.
• A dedicated NEMA outlet is recommended. Repeatedly plugging and unplugging a worn outlet can create a loose connection, overheating, and fire risk.
• Mount the unit or place it on a suitable support so its weight does not hang from the wall outlet.
• For a 230V plug-in installation, turn off the circuit breaker before plugging in or unplugging the EVSE. These plugs are intended for occasional relocation rather than frequent daily removal.
• Turn off power at the circuit breaker before moving, servicing, or cleaning the station.
• Some vehicles require ventilation while charging indoors. The ECS cannot control an exhaust fan, so do not use it indoors with a vehicle that requires ventilation.

Setup and Operation

Mount the connector holster

• Choose a location that gives clear, safe access to the SAE J1772 connector.
• For indoor installations, position the holster 18 to 48 inches above the floor or grade.
• For outdoor installations, position it 24 to 48 inches above the ground or grade.
• Use the two vertically aligned mounting holes, which are spaced 5.45 inches apart.
• Fasten both mounting points to solid wall framing or a strong surface such as plywood.
• The included exterior wood screws and stainless-steel washers are intended for wooden mounting surfaces.
• For concrete, brick, or stone, select anchors appropriate for the supporting material.

Start a charging session

1. Confirm that the vehicle uses an SAE J1772 charge port.
2. Unwrap the charging cable without creating tight coils or sharp bends.
3. Plug the ECS service power plug directly into the suitable 230V wall outlet.
4. Insert the SAE J1772 connector firmly into the vehicle charge port.
5. Allow the vehicle and ECS to establish communication. When charging is enabled, the green Charging indicator illuminates.

Charging time depends on the vehicle battery, the vehicle’s requested current, the ECS model rating, and the vehicle’s state of charge. Overnight charging can provide a convenient routine for restoring energy between daily trips.

End or interrupt charging

1. Stop charging using the vehicle’s normal charging controls when possible.
2. Press and hold the latch release lever on the SAE J1772 handle.
3. Remove the vehicle connector from the charge port.
4. Only after removing the vehicle connector, unplug the service power plug from the wall outlet.
5. Return the connector to its holster when the station is not in use.

If the ECS remains in the same charging location, it may stay connected to the wall outlet. For storage or relocation, loosely wrap the cable around the enclosure and secure the assembly with the nylon buckle strap.

Front-panel indicators

On a ground-monitor-equipped ECS, the indicators provide the following information:

• Power, amber: Electrical power is available to the EVSE.
• Charging, green: The vehicle has requested charging and AC power is being delivered.
• Power Fault, red: The supply may be improperly grounded or missing an earth ground. Have the wiring checked by a qualified electrician.
• Charging Fault, red: Vehicle communication has failed or the station has detected a safety fault.

On an isolation-monitor-equipped ECS, the indicators operate as follows:

• Power, amber: Power is available.
• Charging, green: Power has been applied to the vehicle.
• Ground Present, amber: Shows the condition detected by the isolation monitor. It illuminates when measured resistance to ground is approximately 50kΩ or lower and turns off when resistance is higher. Charging can occur in either condition.
• Charging Fault, red: The station cannot communicate correctly with the vehicle.

Troubleshooting

• All indicators are off: The ECS is not receiving power. Check the circuit breaker and confirm that the service plug is fully inserted into the outlet.
• Power is on but Charging is off: The connector may not be connected to the vehicle, or the vehicle may not be ready to charge. Confirm the connector is fully seated and check the vehicle’s charging settings.
• Power Fault is illuminated: The outlet may have incorrect wiring or no protective earth connection. Stop using the station and have a qualified electrician inspect the circuit.
• Charging Fault remains illuminated: The ECS may have lost communication with the vehicle. Stop the session, disconnect the vehicle connector, and restart the charging sequence.
• Charging Fault flashes: A vehicle ground-fault condition or another detected safety condition may be present. Check the vehicle connector and charge port for a secure, clean connection.
• Multiple fault indicators flash: The unit may have an internal EVSE fault. Disconnect it from the vehicle and outlet, then arrange professional service.
• The isolation monitor shows low resistance: The Ground Present indicator may illuminate. This is an isolation-monitor status indication; the ECS may still charge, but continued or unusual fault behavior should be assessed by a qualified service provider.

After certain fault conditions, the ECS can restart automatically after approximately 15 seconds. If the fault returns, do not repeatedly cycle power or attempt a repair. Record the model and serial number from the enclosure label for service assistance.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The ECS does not require scheduled maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.

1. Switch off the EVSE at the circuit breaker.
2. Unplug the station from the receptacle.
3. Wipe the enclosure and charging cable with a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution.
4. Allow surfaces to dry before reconnecting the unit.

Do not use abrasive pads, scouring powders, alcohol, benzene, or other flammable solvents. Inspect the cable and connector during cleaning, and discontinue use if physical damage is found.

For storage, loosely drape the cable around the enclosure using large loops. Tight coiling can make the cable warmer during operation and can place unnecessary stress on the cable conductors.

Warranty

The ECS limited warranty provides three years of coverage for factory parts and factory labor, beginning on the installation or first-use date when that date is properly established. If the installation date is not communicated as required by the warranty terms, the purchase date shown on proof of purchase may determine the warranty start date.

For a covered defect, the manufacturer may repair the product, replace it with a new or reconditioned product, or provide a refund subject to the warranty conditions. The warranty does not cover improper installation or use, incorrect peripheral connections, external electrical faults, accidents, disasters, misuse, abuse, or unauthorized modifications.

Field service, removal, replacement, shipping, and other related costs are not included in the factory parts-and-labor coverage. Proof of purchase and purchase date are required before warranty service is performed.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Portable design, SAE J1772 compatibility, 230V charging, watertight NEMA 4X enclosure, clear front-panel status indicators, and a supplied connector holster.
• Pros: Multiple ECS model ratings support charging currents from 6A through 16A, depending on the factory configuration.
• Cons: The unit is limited to compatible SAE J1772 vehicles and cannot control ventilation fans for vehicles that require indoor exhaust ventilation.
• Cons: Correct outlet wiring, grounding, and circuit protection are essential, and electrical faults require qualified service rather than user repair.