If you split the year between two homes, one portable charger can serve both, provided each home has a suitable outlet. The EV-ACS4005T plugs into a NEMA 14-50 outlet, so the simplest plan is to have a licensed electrician install a 50 A, 14-50 receptacle at each property. You then carry one charger in the car, or keep a second at one home so you never forget it.
Key Takeaways
- Install a 14-50 outlet at each home for one-charger flexibility.
- Adjustable current lets the charger suit smaller circuits.
- Plan the long drive on public fast chargers.
What Each Home Needs
Before the season starts, check the electrical setup at both properties. Seasonal homes are often older or have smaller panels.
| Item | Northern home | Winter home |
|---|---|---|
| Outlet type | NEMA 14-50 | NEMA 14-50 |
| Breaker | 50 A for 40 A charging | 50 A for 40 A charging |
| Location | Garage or covered wall | Carport or covered wall |
| Climate concern | Cold, snow, ice | Heat, sun, humidity |
| Charger setting | 40 A, or lower on smaller circuits | 40 A, or lower on smaller circuits |
If one property has only a 30 A or 40 A circuit, the adjustable current (16, 24, 32 or 40 A) lets the same charger work safely there at a lower setting.
One Charger or Two?
- One charger: lowest cost, but you must remember to pack it. A spare 120 V option can be a backup for emergencies.
- Two chargers: leave one at each house. No packing, and you still have a portable unit for trips.
- Hybrid: a wall charger at your main home and the portable unit for the winter home and travel.
Our article on whether portable chargers are worth it compares these options in more depth.
The Drive Between Homes
The long seasonal drive is usually done on public DC fast chargers. Plan stops with the U.S. DOE station locator, and check which connectors and networks your car can use. Carry the portable charger as a backup for overnight stays at hotels or family homes with a 14-50 outlet, such as RV-style receptacles. Our guide on using a DC fast charger covers the basics.
Leaving a Home for Months
When you close one home for the season, unplug the charger, coil the cable loosely and store it dry. If the car stays behind, follow the manufacturer’s storage advice for state of charge. Many owners leave a car at a moderate level rather than full for long storage. See how to store a portable charger for storage tips.
The EV-ACS4005T has IP66 protection, an operating range from −30°C to +50°C, a NACS connector and 25 or 28 ft cable options, which suits both a northern garage and a southern carport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one EV charger work at two different houses?
Yes, if both have a matching outlet on a suitable circuit. A portable charger with a NEMA 14-50P plug suits this well.
What if my winter home only has a 30 A outlet?
A 30 A circuit allows 24 A charging. The plug type must match; a 14-50 plug does not fit a 30 A dryer receptacle, and adapters should not be used.
Should I leave the charger plugged in while away?
It is better to unplug and store it, especially for months at a time.
Related Reading
- Are Portable EV Chargers Worth It? Pros, Cons and Who Should Buy One
- How to Use a DC Fast Charger: Step by Step
- How to Store a Portable EV Charger and Its Cable
- What Is a NEMA 14-50 Outlet? A Guide for EV Owners
