Understanding J1772 problems: tesla to j1772 adapter - j1772 to tesla adapter

The J1772 connector remains the backbone of Level 2 EV charging in North America, even as automakers transition to Tesla’s NACS standard. For non-Tesla EV owners (and Tesla drivers using adapters), understanding J1772 compatibility, costs, and best practices is essential. Below, we answer five top reader questions — covering pricing, Tesla adapters, charging times, usage tips, and Bolt compatibility — to simplify your charging experience.

1. "Converter from j1772 to tesla charger?" (June 2025 UPDATE)

Affordable, certified adapters like the Lectron Tesla-to-J1772 Adapter or SEGUMA Tesla-to-J1772 Adapter enable Teslas to use J1772 public stations. Key specs:

• 48A–80A max current (sufficient for Level 2 speeds),
• IP54/IP65 weather resistance for outdoor use,
• UL/CSA safety certifications (e.g., Lectron’s UL 2251 compliance)
  Tip: Press the adapter firmly into the Tesla port until it clicks—poor contact can cause charging errors.

2. "How long does a spark ev take to charge on a j1772 plug?"

The Chevy Spark EV’s 21.3-kWh battery charges from 0–100% in ~3.5 hours using a 32A J1772 charger (7.7 kW). With slower 16A chargers (3.8 kW), expect ~7 hours. Real-world times vary based on battery health and ambient temperature

3. "How to use the j1772 tesla adapter?" (June 2025 UPDATE)

• Stop charging via your Tesla app or touchscreen.
• Press and hold the J1772 handle’s release button.
• Grip the adapter and pull both out together.

Why this works: Tesla ports lock the adapter during charging. Forcing it apart risks damage. Some users apply dielectric grease to reduce friction - e.g. with the LENZ Adapter.

4. "Is siemens j1772 compatible with bolt?" (June 2025 UPDATE)

Yes, all Siemens J1772 chargers work seamlessly with the Chevy Bolt. The Bolt’s onboard charger accepts up to 32A (7.7 kW), matching most Siemens models. For optimal safety, use units with UL certification and auto-shutoff (available on Amazon).

Have you ever experienced that your NACS adapter for J1772 did not want to start charging right away? Many users in the US report similar frustrations. Sometimes it's necessary to reconnect the adapter, and in some cases, as with some Lectron adapters, the manual recommends waiting about 30 seconds after connecting the adapter to the Tesla charger before connecting it to your J1772 vehicle.

The problem may also lie in incompatibility with a particular vehicle model or type of charging station. It also happens that adapters with a lower current rating (e.g., 40A) are used with stations that deliver a higher current (e.g., 48A), which, if your car is capable of accepting such current, can lead to adapter overheating and a potential hazard. Always check the specifications of your adapter and vehicle.

Quick solution:

• Follow the instructions - Always read and follow the instructions for your adapter carefully. The “30-second” rule mentioned may be crucial for some models,
• Check the intensity - Make sure the amperage settings at the charging station are compatible with the capabilities of your adapter and vehicle,
• Solid connection - Carefully check all connections - between the vehicle, the adapter and the charging station connector,
• Test at another station - If the problem persists, try charging your vehicle at another station to rule out a failure of the station itself,
• Choose wisely - If possible, look for UL-certified adapters (although the UL 2252 standard for adapters is still in draft form) or from reputable manufacturers, checking their compatibility with your EV model. Also regularly check ports for contamination.

Safety is a priority, right? Unfortunately, there are many NACS to J1772 adapters circulating on the US market without UL certification, which raises legitimate concerns. Using an adapter that cannot safely handle the current negotiated between the charging station (EVSE) and your car is risky.

Imagine a situation where a 40 amp adapter is connected to a 48 amp source and your car is able to draw the full 48 amps - a simple path to overheating and danger. Additional dangers highlighted by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, among others, include the possibility of forced disconnection or the use of under-rated adapters.

Quick solution:

• Priority for certification - Always try to choose adapters certified by UL or another recognized safety organization. Remember that the UL 2252 standard for adapters is in the pipeline,
• Match parameters - Carefully match the adapter's rating parameters (amperage and voltage) to your vehicle's charging capability and the charging station's output parameters,
• Avoid suspicious offers - Avoid adapters from unknown companies (“sketchy companies”) and choose those from established brands that have good reviews and clearly communicate safety standards,
• Follow recommendations - Read adapter safety recommendations issued by organizations such as the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.

Have you experienced a situation where charging at a public J1772 station suddenly interrupted or would not start at all? This is unfortunately a fairly common problem. The cause could be the adapter itself, a damaged or poorly maintained public charging station, or communication errors between the car, the adapter and the station.

Sometimes the solution is a specific connection sequence or changing the settings at the station. Remember that not all public stations are regularly serviced, which can lead to such unpleasant surprises.

Quick solution:

• Secure connection - Make sure the adapter is solidly and fully plugged into both the charger and your vehicle's outlet,
• The “30-second” rule - If you're using a Tesla adapter for J1772, try the rule of plugging it into the charger first, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it into your car,
• Check the station - Verify that the public charging station is working properly; if in doubt, try another station,
• Vehicle settings - Check the charging settings on your electric vehicle,
• Report malfunctions - Inform operators about non-functioning public charging stations,
• Clean contacts - Keep the adapter's contacts clean.

Shop my favourite items below:

• Advanced NACS to CCS Electric Vehicle Adapter
• Tesla to J1772 Charger Adapter
• Lectron Level 1 J1772 EV Charger (WiFi)