Anker 7.6kW Portable Charger Review
The Anker Electric Vehicle Charger is a 7.6 kW Level 2 portable fast charger featuring a J1772 connector and 25 ft cable. With a NEMA 14-50 plug and scheduled charging, it works with both EV and hybrid vehicles, offering reliable home and outdoor charging convenience with fast, efficient performance.
The Anker 7.6kW Portable Charger offers fast and efficient Level 2 EV charging, making it an excellent choice for home and portable use. With a charging speed six times faster than Level 1 chargers, it can deliver up to 29 miles of driving range in just one hour. This speed is ideal for daily EV users who need reliable and rapid charging.
The charger features a J1772 connector and a standard NEMA 14-50 plug, ensuring compatibility with all US EV and hybrid models. Its 25-foot cable provides flexibility, though the input plug cord is short, requiring the control unit to be placed close to the outlet. This might limit outdoor setups unless the outlet is weatherproof.
Although we recommend adding an EV charger surge protection device as outlined in the installation section, safety is already a core feature of the Anker 7.6kW EV Charger. Its MultiProtect system safeguards against lightning, overheating, and overcurrent events. The IP66-rated enclosure ensures reliable performance in rain, dust, and outdoor environments. However, it’s important to note that while the charger body is weather-resistant, the input plug is not fully sealed and should be shielded from direct exposure.
Installation is straightforward, and the charger includes a wall mount, plug holder, and storage bag for convenience. Its LCD is clear and intuitive, allowing users to monitor charging status and adjust settings easily. Smart scheduling and real-time monitoring enhance usability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced EV owners.
The build quality lives up to Anker’s reputation for reliability. Many users appreciate its sleek design and ease of use. While not loaded with extra features, it excels in delivering dependable and efficient charging.
Priced competitively and backed by a 24-month warranty, the Anker 7.6kW Portable Charger is a trusted option for those seeking performance without overspending. Its combination of speed, safety, and simplicity makes it a solid investment for any EV owner.
Anker 7.6kW Portable Charger NEMA 14-50 Installation Guide
The figure below outlines the wiring connection for an Anker 7.6kW Portable Charger using a NEMA 14-50R outlet. The setup includes a 50-amp double-pole breaker, a main breaker, and neutral and ground busbars inside a 120V/240V panel. It requires 6 AWG 90°C copper wire, ¾”–1¼” conduit, and a ground rod. Labeled points: L1 (Hot 1), L2 (Hot 2), Neutral, and Ground. NEC-certified NEMA 14-50 outlets ensure safe 40A continuous charging.
Surge Protection for Anker 7.6kW EV Charger Installations
Surge protection is a key safety requirement when installing the Anker 7.6kW EV Charger. You have two NEC-compliant options: install a whole-house surge protection device (SPD) at the main panel or add a dedicated SPD to the EV charger’s circuit, especially when the EV charger is installed on a dedicated EV charger subpanel.
See also:
- EV Charger Surge Protection Guide – for NEC-compliant SPD installations and best practices
- EV Charger Surge Protection Devices – curated SPD options rated for 240V EV circuits
Whole-house Surge Protection for Anker 7.6kW EV Charger Installations
Whole-house surge protection is the preferred method for Anker 7.6kW EV Charger installations. A Type 2 SPD is wired in parallel through its double-pole breaker at the main panel. It connects to the electrical panel L1, L2, neutral, and ground as shown in the wiring diagram below, protecting the whole house’s electrical equipment, including the Anker 7.6kW EV Charger, from lightning, utility surges, or internal switching events.
To ensure effective surge protection, the SPD should be mounted close to the main breaker, with straight, short leads ideally under 18 inches.
Dedicated Surge Protection for Anker 7.6kW EV Charger Installations
If the Anker charger is installed on a subpanel or if the main panel lacks space, a dedicated SPD offers focused protection dedicated to the Anker 7.6kW EV charger branch circuit. This is especially recommended for detached garages, surge-prone areas, or commercial setups requiring high uptime.
As shown in the wiring diagram below, the SPD is connected in parallel to the 4-wire branch circuit (L1-red, L2-black, neutral-white, and ground-green) supplying the Anker 7.6kW EV charger. This circuit terminates at a NEMA 14-50 outlet. The subpanel’s ground busbar is bonded back to the main panel’s grounding system and may optionally be connected to a local ground rod for enhanced fault current dissipation and surge diversion. Learn more about EV charger earthing.
We recommend installing the Anker 7.6kW EV charger dedicated SPD close to the 50A dedicated EV charger circuit breaker, keeping the leads straight and under 18 inches. This dedicated SPD setup provides localized surge protection for the Anker EV charger, isolating it from voltage spikes on the subpanel or grid.
Compatible Anker 7.6kW NEMA 14-50 Outlets
Choose NEC-compliant NEMA 14-50 outlets for 40A continuous charging on a 50A breaker. Pair with 6 AWG wiring to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Anker 7.6kW Portable Charger Compatible Outlet Covers
In our review of the Anker 7.6kW Portable Charger, we also installed and tested compatible EV charger outlet covers. These covers stop accidental contact with live parts, prevent tampering, and guard against theft. They also improve design, save energy, and show overload indicators for safety.
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