Issue with Level 1 cable using GFI outlet

[CanadianLurker]

Has anyone come across having an issue with using the supplied Level 1 portable charger on a GFI outlet? Usage patterns changed recently where we need to charge outside using the Level 1 portable charging cable that came with the vehicle (2018 Kia Soul EV) and plugging it into an outdoor GFI plug.

Using an outlet that a GFI, the box on the charging cable will light up green at first and after a few seconds it’ll light up the orange fault light. Sometimes it doesn’t light up the fault light until after it’s plugged into the vehicle.

Normal non-GFI plugs work fine so fairly certain the issue isn’t with the cable.

Is this a common experience? Is this an issue with using an older GFI plug that should be replaced or is this an issue with any/all GFI outlets?

 

[IanL]

I have used my 2018 SoulEV level 1 charger with an extender cable fitted with a GFI plug, with no problem. I suspect you have a defective outlet.

 

[Hopefulsoul]

Has anyone come across having an issue with using the supplied Level 1 portable charger on a GFI outlet? Usage patterns changed recently where we need to charge outside using the Level 1 portable charging cable that came with the vehicle (2018 Kia Soul EV) and plugging it into an outdoor GFI plug.

Using an outlet that a GFI, the box on the charging cable will light up green at first and after a few seconds it’ll light up the orange fault light. Sometimes it doesn’t light up the fault light until after it’s plugged into the vehicle.

Normal non-GFI plugs work fine so fairly certain the issue isn’t with the cable.

Is this a common experience? Is this an issue with using an older GFI plug that should be replaced or is this an issue with any/all GFI outlets?

My charger has three lights. Green indicates ready, orange that it’s charging and red if there’s been a disruption or fault. If the first two are lit it should be charging normally.

 

[Jand_91]

It’s a common issue, some GFI outlets trip due to sensitivity with EV chargers. Replacing with a newer, high-quality GFI outlet might solve the problem, as older ones can be overly sensitive to slight electrical variations.

 

[CanadianLurker]

My charger has three lights. Green indicates ready, orange that it’s charging and red if there’s been a disruption or fault. If the first two are lit it should be charging normally.

In my case the orange light comes on beside "Fault"

 

[CanadianLurker]

It’s a common issue, some GFI outlets trip due to sensitivity with EV chargers. Replacing with a newer, high-quality GFI outlet might solve the problem, as older ones can be overly sensitive to slight electrical variations.

The GFI never trips though. I tried doing a test and then a reset on the GFI but that doesn't work either.

 

[CanadianLurker]

I have used my 2018 SoulEV level 1 charger with an extender cable fitted with a GFI plug, with no problem. I suspect you have a defective outlet.

I'm thinking this is the issue. I checked the outlet and there doesn't appear to be any issues - the wiring is in good order with nothing loose and no signs of burns. I'm going to try changing the outlet as it is 25 yrs old. Hoping it's just this.

 

[chilibt]

If you have an Arc fault breaker it can also be sensitive to some loads. (i suspect the GFI at this point)

 

[Akovia]

It’s a common issue, some GFI outlets trip due to sensitivity with EV chargers. Replacing with a newer, high-quality GFI outlet might solve the problem, as older ones can be overly sensitive to slight electrical variations.

This solved our issue.

 

[Jamie B.]

I have used my 2018 SoulEV level 1 charger with an extender cable fitted with a GFI plug, with no problem. I suspect you have a defective outlet.

I have also had no problems using my Level 1 charger on the GFI outlet in my carport.

 

[CanadianLurker]

Update:

We were getting occasional charging errors using level 2 so took it in to Kia. They diagnosed that it was due to the small 12 volt battery being in very poor health as well as some possible issues with the On Board Charger.

The OBC was on back order so we continued to drive it home until the OBC was available. There was still the odd level 2 charging errors, but it was generally less flakey. Still couldn’t get any charging done via the level 1 cable as it still threw an error every time it got plugged into the car.

The OBC is now available and it’s going into the shop tomorrow to replace the OBC.

Will report back on the level 1 cable charging experience after that’s done.