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Charging line with extension cord

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by kenp11, Aug 30, 2016.

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  1. kenp11

    kenp11 Junior Member

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    Ignore ..i found the answer on the blog for guage of extension
     
    #1 kenp11, Aug 30, 2016
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2016
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    The wire size of the extension cord needs to be large enough to handle the charging current or the cable may overheat.

    Also the added cable distance adds impedance and voltage drop.
     
  3. kenp11

    kenp11 Junior Member

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    Thanks. I think i saw 16 guage wire needed for extension
     
  4. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    16 gauge wire is only good for about 10A. What is the charging current?
     
  5. kenp11

    kenp11 Junior Member

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    I think it is 12amps dahboard says charging at 3.3kw
     
  6. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    That says the 16 wire is borderline undersized and is probably warm to the touch during charging. How long is the extension cord?
     
  7. Yea Right

    Yea Right Active Member

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    I use a 25' extension cord rated for 15A at work to reach the plug. No issues with heat and charging seems fine.