"So....
In both countries, the two 240 VAC wires go through an RCD. It measures the difference in current between the two wires. If there is no path to ground then all is well - well almost...
In the USA you could apply a load from either wire to ground without tripping the RCD BUT the load would have to be the same. If you try that in Australia the RCD would trip because there would be very little current to ground from the neutral wire (if any) and a lot from the active wire because it is 240 VAC above ground.
This might be why GM Volts trip RCDs. The input EMI filter in the car probably assumes it will be fed with balanced 240 VAC and it's designed accordingly."
Yes , well worded Johnny .. thanks!
The man on gm Volt forums , who lives in Melbourne, had a Bulletin Service software update down on his Volt, ostensibly to allow the Volt to be more liberal in its treatment of Level 2 Charging (Perhaps the Balance was made a more liberal tolerance.)
I found the posts on GM Volt forum , and it appears it fixed the same problem, for Aus1. His Dealer is in Melbourne.
Holden are now telling Joseph that they wont allow him to modify his Volt, so I just emailed Joseph and said its not a modification, its a GM service bulletin update via software tweak.
As there are over 100 Volt owners, I hope that anyone with Vin numbers from production Volts affected, can get this update done without too much fuss.
To get the Volt to charge properly at Level 2 , using say a clipper Creek LC20 , shouldnt be too hard, and if it can be resolved via the software update, then surely it will benefit all other Volt owners, plus make GM aware that if they should decide to import the BEV Chevy Spark, perhaps they can be aware of the differences in how the Grounding works with regard to the different US/ Australian wiring
ps. .Been following the Hillman blog - -well done!
Link to the Melbourne Man (Martin)
Volt tripping fixed
NB Please Scroll down to 7th Post down on that page
