Help with your Spark charger

It mostly depends on your electrical panel and your car.

The 48A suits most homes and most EVs. Choose the 80A only if your car can accept more than 11.5 kW and your panel has room for a 100A circuit. Choose the 40A if you already have a suitable 240V outlet in place.

The plug-in 40A is easy to unplug and move if you already have a proper 240V outlet. Hardwired models (48A, 80A) deliver more power and remove the outlet as a possible point of failure, which is why many electricians prefer them for daily charging.

Spark 40A plug-in: if you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a dedicated 50A, 240V circuit that was installed by a licensed electrician, you can mount the charger and plug it in yourself. If the outlet is old, worn or you're not sure how it was installed, have an electrician check it first.

Spark 48A and 80A hardwired: these must be installed by a licensed electrician, following your local electrical and building codes.

Improper installation can be a safety hazard and may void your warranty.

Ask your electrician to do a load calculation. If your panel can't support a full-size circuit, the charger can still be installed on a smaller breaker. You then set a lower charging current in the Spark app to match:

Most areas require a permit for a new 240V circuit. Your electrician will know the local rules. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance claims and home inspections.

Many utilities, provinces and states offer rebates for Level 2 chargers and installation. See our rebates and grants page to find programs in your area. Some programs need pre-approval or an approved product list, so check before you buy. Contact us if you need product documents for a rebate application.

• Charger with a 24.6 ft (7.5 m) charging cable already attached (this is the cable that plugs into your car)
• Mounting bracket
• Connector holster and cable holder
• Installation template
• Hardware pouch with screws
• Printed card with QR codes for the Quick Start Guide, Installation Guide and Spark app

Each charger needs its own dedicated 208 to 240V circuit with a two-pole breaker. Use the table below, and confirm sizes with your electrician and local code. The circuit must be rated for 125% of the charger's maximum load.

The 40A model plugs into a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a dedicated 50A, 240V circuit, properly installed and grounded. Use a heavy-duty, industrial-grade receptacle. Low-cost outlets are a common cause of overheating with EV chargers, because charging draws high current for hours.

Never modify the plug, and never use an extension cord or adapter.

For residential installs, the Spark manual calls for a dedicated, non-GFCI two-pole breaker. The charger has its own built-in ground-fault protection. Some local codes require GFCI protection on 240V outlets in garages or outdoors. If your electrician must use one and it trips during charging, contact our support team.

No. Use copper conductors only, sized for your circuit and the length of the wire run.

Yes. Spark works on 208 to 240V. On 208V, which is common in apartment and commercial buildings, charging power is about 13% lower than on 240V at the same current.

No. Each charger needs its own dedicated breaker. Do not share the circuit with other appliances or equipment.

There's no fixed limit, but longer runs may need thicker wire to prevent voltage drop. Your electrician will size it. For hardwired installs, the flexible conduit (supply whip) from the building wiring to the charger can be no longer than 6 ft (1.8 m).

• Close enough for the 24.6 ft (7.5 m) cable to reach your car's charging port without stretching
• Away from lawnmowers, snowplows and heavy traffic that could hit the charger or cable
• Within strong 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi range, so the Spark app can schedule off-peak charging, track your costs and keep the charger updated
• For the 40A plug-in, close enough to the outlet that the power cord hangs naturally

Mount it so the bottom of the charger is 32 to 48 inches (81 to 122 cm) above the finished floor, and the power cord does not touch the ground.

Not on its own. Fasten the mounting plate into a wall stud, or into solid concrete or brick. Use at least one screw in each of the three rows of holes, and keep the large pass-through hole at the bottom.

Yes. The charger is IP66 rated, so it is protected against dust and strong water jets, and it works from -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to 122°F). Avoid spots where water pools or where it could be hit.

Yes. Watch how to mount and install your Spark charger:

Hardwired models must still be wired by a licensed electrician.

• Tape measure, pencil and spirit level
• Drill with bits for the wall material
• Phillips PH2 screwdriver and 2.5 mm hex key
• Torque driver (0 to 4 Nm). Terminals are torqued to 2.0 Nm by hand, no power tools
• Wire stripper, hammer (for the knockout), voltage tester and multimeter
• Conduit and a gland sized for the knockout

Mount the metal cable holder first using the bottom hole only. Slide the holster over it and screw it to the wall through the top hole and two bottom holes. Wrap the cable over the holder. Remove the rubber cap from the connector before docking it, or it won't fit.

1. Turn the breaker on. The lights flash blue, then turn solid blue when ready.
2. Download the Spark app and add your charger.
3. Set the maximum charging current in the app to match your breaker. This step is important for safety.

• Dedicated 240V circuit for each unit, never shared
• 48A model: minimum 60A breaker, typically #6 AWG copper
• 80A model: minimum 100A breaker, typically #3 AWG copper
• Dedicated copper ground to the building's main ground
• GFCI breakers where your local code requires them

Yes. It can be mounted on a wall or a pedestal. Install the pedestal first, following its manufacturer's instructions. Keep 6 in (15 cm) of clearance on the sides and 24 in (61 cm) in front.

For ADA-accessible spaces, mount the charger so its bottom sits 27.6 to 33.5 in (700 to 850 mm) above the finished floor.

Bottom entry suits surface-run conduit and pedestals. Rear entry suits conduit coming flush out of the wall. Remove only one knockout. Removing both breaks the weatherproof rating.

A 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) router or access point with WPA2 security, within about 50 ft (15 m) of each charger. Signal must be stronger than -60 dBm for stable operation.

1. Confirm the charger lights are solid blue.
2. Download the Spark installer app and follow its steps to connect the charger to the site Wi-Fi and your CMS.
3. The default CMS is ChargeLab. To use another OCPP 1.6 provider, have the OCPP server URL from that provider ready.
4. The charger reboots, and the lights turn solid white once it's connected.

This usually means a loose input terminal, a missing ground, or supply voltage outside 220 to 240V. Turn off the breaker and check the terminations and ground.

If the breaker trips before any car is charging, the cause is almost always the wiring, not the breaker size. Turn off the power and have the electrician recheck every terminal connection (torqued to 2.0 Nm) and the ground.

If it only trips during charging, or after charging for a while, the breaker is usually too small for the current the charger is drawing. Check that the breaker matches the charger (60A for 48A units, 100A for 80A units), or lower the maximum current in the app to match the breaker that's installed.

• The charger may be too far from the router. The signal should be stronger than -60 dBm.
• The Wi-Fi password may be wrong. Test it by joining the same network on your phone, then try again.

Yes. Chargers can be set to either keep allowing charging or stop charging during a network outage. Email our team at info@soneilspark.com with your site details and the setting you want, and we'll set it up for you.

Yes. Spark comes in two models, and you need to pick the one that matches your car's charging port when you order:

• Spark J1772: fits nearly every non-Tesla EV and plug-in hybrid sold in North America
• Spark NACS: fits Teslas and newer EVs with a NACS (Tesla-style) port

Not sure which you have? See "How do I know which connector my car needs?" below.

• Look at the charging port. A J1772 port is round with five pins. A NACS port is smaller and slimmer, the same as on a Tesla.
• Check your owner's manual or the spec sheet on your automaker's website. Look for "J1772" or "NACS / SAE J3400".
• Teslas use NACS. Many 2025 and newer models from other brands are also switching to NACS.
• Still not sure? Send us your car's make, model and year and we'll tell you which Spark to order.

Yes. Order the Spark NACS model and it plugs straight into your Tesla or NACS-equipped car, no adapter needed. If you already have the Spark J1772, it also works with a certified J1772-to-NACS adapter rated for the charger's current.

Yes. Plug-in hybrids use the same J1772 port. Most hybrids accept only 3.3 to 7.2 kW, so they'll charge at their own maximum rate.

Spark is a Level 2 charger, up to 14 times faster than a standard Level 1 wall outlet. As a rough guide:

Actual results depend on your car's efficiency, its onboard charger and the temperature.

Only if your car's onboard charger accepts more than 11.5 kW. Most EVs top out at 7.2 to 11.5 kW, so they charge at the same speed on the 48A and 80A. Check your car's maximum AC charging rate in its manual or spec sheet before choosing the 80A.

• Your car's onboard charger may have a lower limit than the charger.
• Cars slow down near a full battery to protect it.
• The current limit set in the Spark app may be lower than your circuit allows.
• Cold batteries charge more slowly.
• Low voltage (208V) or voltage drops in your home's wiring.

Yes. In the Spark app you can set the current from 6A up to your model's maximum. It must never be higher than your breaker allows (see the breaker table in Installation). It can't be changed while the car is charging.

No. Spark charges as soon as you plug in, with or without Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi adds app features: scheduling, cost tracking, live status, history and firmware updates.

24.6 ft (7.5 m) on all models.

Yes. It's IP66 rated against water and dust and works from -30°C to +50°C. Make sure your car's charging port and the connector are clean and dry before plugging in, and put the connector back in the holster after use.

Built-in protection against current leakage, ground faults, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent and overheating.

Yes. ETL listed to UL 2594 and CSA C22.2 No. 280, and FCC/IC certified.

Spark chargers are engineered, tested and assembled in Canada.

Yes. Charger firmware updates are delivered over Wi-Fi through the Spark app, so keep your charger connected to get them. The Spark app itself is updated regularly with new features and fixes. Turn on automatic updates in the App Store or Google Play to stay on the latest version.

Spark commercial chargers support OCPP 1.6. They connect to ChargeLab by default and can be pointed to any other OCPP-compatible charger management system.

Spark home (residential) chargers work with the Spark app only. They can't be connected to other networks or charger management systems.

If the site offers Free Charging, charging starts as soon as you plug in. Otherwise, start the session in the Spark app, or tap your phone on the charger's NFC reader to open a page where you can start charging and pay.

Turn off the breaker, then wipe it with a damp cloth. Don't spray water or use a pressure washer, solvents or abrasive cleaners. Check the cable and connector for damage now and then.

No. Never use an extension cord or a plug adapter with the Spark charger. It's a fire risk and it voids the warranty.

Spark has a 5-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, from the date of purchase. It covers original purchases from Soneil Spark or authorized sellers.

It does not cover damage from improper installation, extension cords or adapters, unauthorized repairs or modifications, power surges or lightning, normal cable wear, or cosmetic damage.

Email info@soneilspark.com with the subject "WARRANTY". Include:

• Your name, email and mailing address
• Model number and serial number
• A description of the problem
• Your proof of purchase showing the date

If the claim is approved, we'll send a return label and packing instructions, then repair or replace the charger.

Keep it in its original box in a clean, dry place. Never lift or carry it by the charging cable. Have a charger inspected before use if it was stored for more than 2 years.

1. Turn the charger's breaker off in your electrical panel.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Turn it back on. The charger takes about 15 seconds to start up (flashing blue).

For the 40A plug-in, you can also unplug it from the wall for 10 seconds.

• Make sure the breaker is fully ON. A tripped breaker can sit in the middle position. Switch it fully off, then on.
• For the 40A, check that the plug is fully in the outlet.
• Look for visible damage on the power cord.
• If it still won't power on, have your electrician check for power at the circuit.

• Push the connector in firmly until it clicks. The lights should turn yellow.
• Check the connector and car port for dirt, ice or debris.
• If all green lights are flashing, a schedule is set. Change or remove it in the Spark app.
• Check your car's own settings: a charging schedule, charge limit or departure time in the car can block charging.
• Power-cycle the charger.

The charger is in scheduled mode and will start at the time you set. To charge now, open the Spark app and pause or remove the schedule.

1. Open the Spark app to see the specific error.
2. Unplug from the car and power-cycle the charger.
3. If the red light returns, contact support with your serial number and the error shown in the app.

Stop using the charger, turn off the breaker and contact support with your serial number.

Possible causes:

• The charger got too hot, or it's above 50°C (122°F) around it. Let it cool.
• A grounding problem in the installation.
• High or low voltage from your home supply.

Have your electrician check the grounding. If it keeps happening, contact your utility or installer, then our support team.

• Make sure the current set in the app is not higher than the breaker allows (for example, 40A max on a 50A breaker).
• Make sure nothing else shares the circuit.
• If it's a GFCI breaker, see "Do I need a GFCI breaker?" under the Installation tab on this page.
• Have your electrician check terminal tightness and the breaker size.

Stop charging and turn off the breaker. Warm is normal during charging; hot to the touch, discoloration or a burning smell is not.

For the 40A plug-in, this usually points to a worn or low-grade outlet or a loose connection. Have an electrician inspect it before using the charger again.

• Many cars lock the connector while charging. Unlock the car, or use the car's app or screen to release the charge port.
• Press the release button on the connector fully while pulling.
• If it's still stuck, turn off the charger for 10 seconds and try again.

Remove the rubber cap from the connector first. It won't fit in the holster with the cap on.

Stop using the charger right away and turn off the breaker. Don't try to repair it. Contact support with your serial number and photos of the damage.

• Power-cycle the charger.
• Join the Spark-XXXX network within 2 minutes of turning the charger back on. The setup network is only open for a short time.
• Stand near the charger while you set it up.

• Make sure your phone is connected to the charger's network, password SparkPower123.
• Your home network must be 2.4 GHz. 5 GHz-only networks won't work.
• Check the home Wi-Fi name and password. They're case-sensitive.
• If you're on a guest network or one with a sign-in page and setup still fails, contact our support team.
• Close the app, power-cycle the charger and try again.

• Check the charger lights are white (connected). Solid blue means it isn't on Wi-Fi.
• If you changed your router or Wi-Fi password, update the Wi-Fi details from the charger's settings in the app.
• Check your Wi-Fi signal at the charger. A Wi-Fi extender near the garage can help.

• Make sure the charger is online and your app is up to date.
• Restart the charger and the app, then try again.
• If it still fails, contact support.

• The serial number from the label on the side of the charger
• Your model (40A, 48A or 80A)
• The light color and pattern you see
• Any error message in the app
• Your car make and model

Download the Soneil Spark app free from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code in your Quick Start Guide.

Open the app and sign in with your Apple or Google account. Your account is created automatically.

1. Open the Spark app and tap Add a Charger.
2. Follow the on-screen steps. The app finds your charger and connects it to your 2.4 GHz home Wi-Fi for you.
3. The charger appears on your home screen once connected.

No, it needs a 2.4 GHz network. Most routers broadcast both bands. If yours combines them under one name and setup fails, check your router settings for a separate 2.4 GHz network, or ask your internet provider.

On the label on the side of the charger, next to the QR code. It's also shown in the app once the charger is added.

No. Home Spark chargers start charging when you plug in. The app is optional, but you need it to set the current limit to match your breaker.

Use Scheduled Charging in the app to set start and stop times. Charging during off-peak hours can lower your electricity costs. While a schedule is waiting, all green lights flash on the charger.

Yes. You can set a different schedule for each day of the week. Each day can have one scheduled charging session.

Use one or the other. If both are set, charging only happens when both allow it, which often looks like the charger isn't working.

Use the start and stop controls on your charger's screen in the app. You can also stop from your car, or simply unplug. The session ends as soon as the connector is removed.

In the charger's settings in the app, set the current to match your breaker:

You can't change it while the car is charging. Never set it higher than your breaker allows.

Add your electricity rates in the app. You can enter different rates by time of day and day of week to match peak and off-peak pricing. The app then shows the estimated cost of live sessions and past charges.

Every hour of every day needs a rate. Fill in all 24 hours for all 7 days, then save. Incomplete schedules can't be saved.

Session time, energy delivered (kWh) and estimated cost, updated in real time from anywhere.

Charging History shows each session's date, duration, energy delivered and estimated cost.

Go to My Account. The app is available in English, French and Spanish.

Go to My Account to view and manage your registered vehicles.

Go to My Account and edit your account details.

Open the charger's settings in the app and update the Wi-Fi name and password. If the charger can't be reached, power-cycle it and run the Wi-Fi setup again.

Updates are delivered through the app when the charger is online. Keep the app up to date and the charger connected to Wi-Fi.

Open the Map screen in the app. Green markers show stations, and the number inside is how many chargers are free. Tap a marker, scroll to Chargers and pick an available one to start.

Yes. Tap your phone on the charger's NFC reader to open a web page where you can start charging and pay.