AeroVironment EVSE-RS User manual

NOTICE TO ELECTRICIAN: Leave this User Guide with the EVSE-RS customer for future reference.
Model EVSE-RS Plug-In not for outdoor installation
USER GUIDE
100% electric
AeroVironment™ EV Solutions™ Charging Dock Model EVSE-RS Plug-In

© 2012 AeroVironment, Inc. All rights reserved.
AeroVironment, EVSE-RS Plug-In, EV Solutions, and the AeroVironment logo are trademarks of AeroVironment, Inc.
Nissan, the Nissan logo, the Zero Emission logo, and LEAF are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nissan Motor
Co., Ltd., used with permission.
Corporate names, trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks, symbols, and logos stated herein are property of
their respective companies.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Images of the Charging Dock Model EVSE-RS Plug-in are repre-
sentative; production models may vary.
No portion of these materials may be duplicated, used or disclosed without prior written permission from
AeroVironment, Inc.
Disclaimer: This user guide includes the latest information available at the time of printing. AeroVironment, Inc.
reserves the right to make changes to this user guide and/or product without further notice. Changes or modifications
to this product not completed by an authorized service provider could void the product warranty.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
AeroVironment, Inc.
EV Solutions™
181 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 202
Monrovia, CA 91016
Phone: [phone] or 888-833-2148
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.evsolutions.com

CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Before contacting Customer Support, write down the Serial Number of the Charging Dock. As
you stand facing the Charging Dock, look for the Serial Number on the left underside of
the enclosure.
Customer Support Phone: US: 1 (877) NO GAS EV (1-877-664-2738)
Canada: 1 [phone]
Customer Support Email: [e-mail]
This user guide is available in English and French.
For more information
AeroVironment, Inc.
181 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 202
Monrovia, CA 91016
Phone: [phone] or 888-833-2148
Fax: [phone]
www.avinc.com/evsolutions
Corporate email: [e-mail]
OWNER’S RECORD
MODEL:
EVSE-RS P lu g-in
SERIAL NUMBER (S/N):
On label on underside of Charging
Dock enclosure/housing
PURCHASE DATE:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTIN G STARTED ...................................................1
Introduction................................................................2
Electric vehicle compatibility ....................................3
Features.......................................................................3
Important safety instructions....................................4
Sy mbol Us age................................................................. 5
High Voltage War ning.................................................... 6
FCC Information............................................................10
Sa fet y Fea tures............................................................. 11
OPERATION.............................................................15
Overview...................................................................16
Key Features ............................................................. 17
Charging your vehicle...................................................18
Check indicator lights.................................................. .... 18
Disengage the connector................................................ 19
Connect to vehicle............................................................ 20
Automatic charge starts.................................................. 21
Charge complete........................................................ 22
Interrupt a charging cycle........................................... 23
Remove and return connector to Charging Dock ..... 25
Auto-restart ..............................................................26
Power Outage Recovery................................................27
Care and Maintenance .............................................28
Time of Use Metering................................................28
TROU BLE SH OOTING ................................... ............29
INSTALLATION .............................................................39
APPENDIX ...............................................................43
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................44
WARRANTY.............................................................45
INDEX .......................................................................46
ii iii
Serial number
Document Number: 21327-03 Rev. 2

CHAPTER 1
GETTING STARTED
iviv

2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the AeroVironment Charging Dock Model EVSE-RS Plug-in
for use with your plug-in electric vehicle. This user guide shows how to use the
Charging Dock. Installation instructions in separate document.
AeroVironment recommends that your Charging Dock be installed by a licensed, qualified
electrician. To avoid serious injury or death, installation must be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions and must comply with the provisions of the National
Electric Code (NEC) and all local codes for U.S. or must comply with Canadian Electric
Code for Canada. In cases of conflict between local codes and the NEC, local codes shall
take precedence.
This unit is for indoor use ONLY. It is recommended that the unit be wall mounted.
2
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D
3
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D
ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY
The Charging Dock is designed to charge SAE J1772™compliant plug-in vehicles. SAE
J1772 is an electric vehicles charging standard that has been developed by the Society of
Automotive Engineers.
The Charging Dock requires either a 240 VAC split phase and neutral grounded circuit or a
208 VAC 2 phases and neutral grounded circuit. This circuit must be routed directly from the
power distribution panel to the Charging Dock location.
FE AT URE S
• SAE J1772 Compliant
• Auto-restart in event of power outage or ground fault
• Integrated cable stowage with cable hanger
• Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and cUL listed and CSA compliant
• Breakaway safety cable
• Quick read status indicators
• Missing ground detection
DANGER

4
SYMBOL USAGE
Take special note of all information marked with the following symbols:
DANGER indicates information about safety practices which, if not followed, may result in
serious injury or death.
WARNING indicates information about safety practices which, if not followed, could result
in personal injury or are necessary to prevent fire or equipment overheating.
NOTE indicates helpful information for installation or usage, but does not contain personal
injury or equipment safety related information.
These symbols may also be found on labels affixed to your Charging Dock.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these important safety instructions and the charging instructions in your
vehicle owner’s manual before charging your electric vehicle. Failure to do so can
result in death or serious injury. Save this user guide for future reference.
There are many safety features built into the Charging Dock. Read all the safety
information and warnings in this guide to be aware of any hazards and risks
associated with installing and using the Charging Dock.
NOTE any missing parts and contact AeroVironment Customer Support for assistance with
obtaining replacement parts.
NOTE
4
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D
5
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D
WARNING
DANGER
NOTE

66 7
DANGER
HIGH VOLTAGE WARNING
AeroVironment recommends that your Charging Dock be installed by a licensed, qualified
electrician. To avoid serious injury or death, installation must be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions and must comply with the provisions of the National
Electric Code (NEC) and all local codes for the U.S. or must comply with Canadian Electric
Code for Canada. In cases of conflict between local codes and the NEC, local codes shall take
precedence.
Turn off power at the circuit panel before plugging or unplugging the Charging Dock.
Verify that the Power Cord Plug is completely inserted into the receptacle. There
is a potential shock hazard if Plug only partially inserted into the receptacle.
To clean the Charging Dock, wipe the Charging Dock with a clean cloth dampened with water or
a mild detergent solution suitable for use on automobile paint. Turn off power at the circuit panel
before cleaning. Do not use chemicals or solvents. Do not submerge the Charging Dock.
Do not operate your Charging Dock with a visibly damaged output cable or module housing.
Visually inspect the output cable (including the connector) and module housing for damage
before each use. If you detect any damage, stop using the Charging Dock and contact
Customer Support for service.
If, at any time, you think the equipment is unsafe, shut off the electricity at the circuit breaker
or disconnect switch (if applicable) and immediately contact Customer Support for service.
DO NOT use your Charging Dock until the problem is identified and corrected.
DANGER
NOTE
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D
DANGER

89
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
8
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D
DANGER
Use this Charging Dock to supply power to Electric Vehicles equipped with a compatible
vehicle receptacle only. For more information, see the vehicle owner’s manual.
•For U.S. Installation: State of California Proposition 65 Warnings:
•This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.
•This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect only to properly grounded outlets.
ALWAYS position the Charging Dock output cable so that it will not be driven over, stepped
on, tripped over, or otherwise damaged or stressed while in use. To prevent personal injury
and damage to the Charging Dock and cable, ALWAYS stow the output cable after use.
STRANGULATION HAZARD. Small children could become entangled in the output cable
and be strangled. Keep small children away from the Charging Dock, and ALWAYS stow the
output cable after use.
Children should be supervised when in the vicinity of the EVSE.
WARNING
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D

10
10 11
SAFETY FEATURES
The Charging Dock is designed with your safety as the highest priority and includes the
following convenient safety features to protect against the risk of electric shock:
• The Charging Dock constantly checks for the presence of a service ground
connection. If the service ground ever fails, the Charging Dock TROUBLE light turns
ON and shuts power OFF to the vehicle.
• The Charging Dock is equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) reaction
system to protect against electric shock. If the module detects an output ground fault,
it will shut off power to the output cable and illuminate the TROUBLE light.
• The Charging Dock connector and EV receptacle are designed to minimize
unintentional disconnection and to prevent exposing the user to live power if an
unintentional disconnection occurs.
FCC INFORMATION
For U.S. installation: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions. This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This product has been designed to protect against Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).
However, there are some instances where high powered radio signals or nearby RF
producing equipment (i.e. digital phones, RF communications equipment, etc) could
affect operation.
If you suspect your Charging Dock is receiving interference, take the following steps
before contacting Customer Support for service:
1. Relocate nearby electrical appliances or equipment during charging.
2. Turn off nearby electrical appliances or equipment during charging.
Important! Changes
or modifications
to this product
by anyone other
than an authorized
service provider
will void FCC
compliance.
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D

12
12 13
• Always place the vehicle in Park and Turn Off the vehicle prior to plugging in.
• When the Charging Dock connector is properly connected to the vehicle receptacle,
the vehicle drive system is disabled. The output cable has a safety break-away feature
in case the vehicle is moved or unintentionally rolls away from the parking location with
the cable connected to the vehicle. The safety break-away feature will allow output
cable separation from the Charging Dock if the output cable is yanked or pulled with
excessive force.
• The Charging Dock cable should be coiled up on the hanger when not in use to
minimize potential cable damage and to eliminate the possibility of tripping over the
cable.
If the cable becomes separated from the Charging Dock. DO NOT attempt to repair
or service the Charging Dock and cable assembly yourself. There are no user
serviceablecomponents inside. Contact Customer Support for service.
DANGER
Only a service technician authorized by AeroVironment can perform repair or service on
the Charging Dock or the Charging Dock Warranty may be invalidated. Contact Customer
Support for service.
NOTE
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D

CHAPTER 2
OPERATION
14
CHAPTER 1 lGETTIN G STARTE D

pdf pg 15
READY TO CHARGE
This light turns on when the Charging Dock is
ready to be connected to your vehicle.
VEHICLE CHARGING
This light turns on when power from the utility
company is being provided to your vehicle. The
light may stay on solid in the early stage of the
charging cycle (if vehicle battery is low), then
blinks later in the charging cycle, then finally
goes out when charging is complete.
OVERVIEW
All the lights on the front panel are green when they turn on except the TROUBLE light which is red.
POWER PRESENT
Light turns on when power from your local
utility is at the Charging Dock. This light
should always be ON if the circuit breaker
is ON. (Disconnect switch may be required
by local permitting authority but may not
always be present.)
START (RESUME)
To resume charging after the STOP
button was pressed. Also, to override
a random time delay after a utility
power outage.
STOP (PAUSE)
Interrupts the charging cycle at any time. If
vehicle is connected to the Charging Dock,
press START to resume charging.
STORAGE
Connector inserts into Charging
Dock here and stays in place for
storage when not in use.
LATCH RELEASE
Press to release connector. Then remove
connector from Charging Dock. Also,
when connector is plugged into vehicle,
press latch release to stop power flowing
to vehicle. Then, remove connector from
vehicle. The connector will not disengage
unless you depress the latch.
CONNECTOR
Communicates between Charging Dock and
vehicle and delivers power to vehicle.
CABLE HANGER
When cable is not being used, coil the cable
over the cable hanger.
VEHICLE CONNECTED
This light turns on when the Charging Dock
is communicating with your vehicle and the
connection was made properly.
TROUBLE
This light turns on when Charging Dock
has detected a problem and requires you to
take action. See the Troubleshooting
chapter on page 29.
KE Y FEATU RES
FRONT PANEL
LATCH RELEASE
CONNECTOR
CABLE HANGER
CABLE
16
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION
17
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION
POWER CORD PLUG

18
If the POWER PRESENT
and READY TO CHARGE
lights are not ON, please
see the Troubleshooting
chapter for possible
solutions on page 29.
18 19
2. DISENGAGE THE CONNECTOR
Press the latch release and remove the connector from the Charging Dock.
CHARGING YOUR VEHICLE
1. CHECK INDICATOR LIGHTS
First, make sure the POWER PRESENT and READY TO CHARGE lights are ON as
shown below. This means that the Charging Dock is ready to charge your vehicle.
POWER PRESENT
READY TO CHARGE
VEHICLE CONNECTED
VEHICLE CHARGING
TROUBLE
NOTE
pdf pg 16b
LATCH RELEASE
pdf pg 22
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION

20
20 21
3. CONNECT TO VEHICLE
Plug the connector into your vehicle’s charging receptacle. The latch release will click to
indicate proper connection. The connector should not disconnect without pressing the
latch release. The VEHICLE CONNECTED light turns ON when a proper connection is
made.
4. AUTOMATIC CHARGE STARTS
The vehicle will either start charging immediately or at a later time if the driver has
set a vehicle charging timer for scheduled charging.
• POWER PRESENT, VEHICLE CONNECTED, and the VEHICLE CHARGING lights
stay on when charging.
• VEHICLE CHARGING light blinks when the vehicle is approaching the end of the
charging cycle.
• VEHICLE CHARGING light goes out when
vehicle is finished charging.
LATCH
RELEASE
CHARGING
RECEPTACLE
pdf pg 15
POWER PRESENT
READY TO CHARGE
VEHICLE CONNECTED
VEHICLE CHARGING
TROUBLE
pdf pg 15
POWER PRESENT
READY TO CHARGE
VEHICLE CONNECTED
VEHICLE CHARGING
TROUBLE
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION

22
5. CHARGE COMPLETE
When the vehicle has completed charging, the VEHICLE CHARGING light turns OFF,
the POWER PRESENT, READY TO CHARGE, and VEHICLE CONNECTED lights
turn ON as shown below.
22
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION
pdf pg 15
POWER PRESENT
READY TO CHARGE
VEHICLE CONNECTED
VEHICLE CHARGING
TROUBLE
6. INTERRUPT A CHARGE CYCLE
You can interrupt charging at any time using one of the two following methods:
• If you want to temporarily stop charging and restart later without having to remove
the coupler, then the buttons are the preferred method (METHOD 1)
• If you are going the interrupt the charge cycle in order to drive your car, the
preferred method is to disconnect the coupler (METHOD 2)
23
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION
LATCH RELEASE
METHOD 1 (Preferred)
Press the latch release
on the connector to stop
the flow of electricity
and remove from the
vehicle as shown below.

24
24 25
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION
METHOD 2
Press the STOP button to pause charging. Press the START button to resume charging.
pdf pg 15
POWER PRESENT
READY TO CHARGE
VEHICLE CONNECTED
VEHICLE CHARGING
TROUBLE
STOP
(PAUSE)
START
(RESUME)
BLINKING
OFF
LATCH RELEASE
7. REMOVE AND RETURN CONNECTOR TO CHARGING DOCK
When the charge cycle is complete, press the latch release and remove the connector from the
vehicle. Return the connector to the Charging Dock.
pdf pg 24pdf pg 24

26
26 27
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION
AUTORESTART
Auto-Restart feature helps ensure that your vehicle will be charged and ready for use when needed. If a
charge is interrupted due to a temporary error condition, the Charging Dock automatically clears any error
codes when the cause of the temporary error condition returns to normal and then attempts to restart
the charge. The TROUBLE light remains lit while the cause of the temporary error condition is active or
awaiting a time-out delay.
The exception to immediate Auto-Restart is when the interrupt is due to a GFCI event.
To allow charging after GFCI events caused by line surges or other disturbances, the
Charging Dock will restart 15 minutes
after a GFCI event if the event did not occur
immediately upon connecting power to the
vehicle. The Charging Dock is limited to four
automatic restarts after a GFCI event during
a charge cycle. After the fourth attempt, the
Charging Dock will shut down and the
TROUBLE light will be ON.
pdf pg 15
POWER PRESENT
READY TO CHARGE
VEHICLE CONNECTED
VEHICLE CHARGING
TROUBLE
THIS LIGHT GOES OUT WHEN
AUTORESTART IS SUCCESSFUL
POWER OUTAGE RECOVERY
If there is a power outage, the utility grid might experience a large surge from multiple
Charging Docks in your area attempting to resume charging simultaneously when power
is restored. This would cause additional stress to the utility grid. The “Power Outage
Recovery” feature avoids this scenario by resuming charge with an automatic delay
after restoration of power. Power Outage Recovery ensures that Charging Dock
users in your area will resume charging in a staggered fashion to avoid stressing the
grid. If a utility power outage occurs while your vehicle is being charged, the Charging
Dock will automatically resume charging once power is returned. The VEHICLE
CHARGING light blinks and
charging will re-start automatically
after a randomly assigned time
ranging from 0 to 20 seconds.
pdf pg 15
POWER PRESENT
READY TO CHARGE
VEHICLE CONNECTED
VEHICLE CHARGING
TROUBLE
BLINKS
AFTER POWER
IS RESTORED

28
CHAPTER 3
TROUBLESHOOTING
28
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To clean the Charging Dock module, wipe the Charging Dock with a clean cloth dampened
with water or a mild detergent solution suitable for use on automobile paint.
Do not use chemicals or solvents. Do not submerge the Charging Dock.
TIME OF USE METERING
Many electric utilities have been actively promoting the use of EVs and have developed
specific utility rates to promote off-peak charging of these vehicles. This allows the utility
to charge rates on a ‘Time of Use” (TOU) basis, typically providing savings for overnight
(off peak) charging and penalties for daytime (on peak) charging. Consult your local
electric utility to determine Time of Use availability and cost.
CHAPTER 2 lOPERATION

CHAPTER 3 lTROUBLESHOOTING
If you experience difficulty with your Charging Dock or your vehicle battery does not
charge properly, please read this Troubleshooting section for possible solutions before
contacting Customer Support for service.
Do not attempt to repair or service the Charging Dock yourself. There are no user serviceable
parts inside.
Only a service technician authorized by AeroVironment can perform repair or service on
the Charging Dock or the Charging Dock Warranty may be invalidated. Contact Customer
Support for service.
NOTE
NOTE
30 31
CHAPTER 3 lTROUBLESHOOTING
POWER PRESENT LIGHT DOES NOT TURN ON
1. Make sure the AC power cord on the Charging Dock is connected to Power Outlet.
2. Turn the circuit breaker in your power distribution panel OFF and then back ON.
3. If the problem persists, contact Customer Support for service.
READY TO CHARGE, VEHICLE CHARGING, AND TROUBLE LIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON
1. Turn the circuit breaker in your power distribution panel OFF and then back ON.
2. If the problem persists, contact Customer Support for service.

32
CHAPTER 3 lTROUBLESHOOTING
33
CHAPTER 3 lTROUBLESHOOTING
32
VEHICLE CONNECTED LIGHT DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN THE CHARGING
STATION IS CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE
1. Unplug the Charging Dock connector and reinsert it fully into the electric vehicle
receptacle. Make sure the connector latch engages in the receptacle and clicks.
2. Inspect the Charging Dock cable and connector terminals for damage. If damaged,
turn off power at the panel and discontinue using immediately and contact Customer
Support for service.
3. Inspect vehicle receptacle for damage. If damaged, discontinue using immediately
and report the problem to your nearest service dealership.
VEHICLE CHARGING LIGHT DOES NOT TURN ON
1. If this occurs when the vehicle is connected and is charging, contact Customer
Support for service.
2. If this occurs when the vehicle is connected but is not charging:
»Attempt to charge using the Portable Cord Set that came with the vehicle.
»If a charge cycle starts, contact Customer Support for service.
»If a charge cycle does not start, report the problem to your nearest vehicle
service dealership.