1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Using an extension chord for charging

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by eric smith, Nov 3, 2012.

  1. eric smith

    eric smith Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
    44
    5
    0
    Location:
    DC/Maryland
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I noticed in the manual it says not to use an extension chord for charging. If you use a quality chord of the proper gauge is it possible to extend the distance of the charging cable?

    thanks
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,762
    48,974
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    absolutely. lots of people do. the manual is just cya for the attorneys. just make sure you use the correct gauge for the distance you're running. 14 ga = 25', 12 ga = 50', 10 ga = 100'. or something in the ball park. you can search old threads to see what folks are doing. all the best!
     
  3. jbrad4

    jbrad4 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2011
    474
    148
    11
    Location:
    Rowlett, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I've been using a 25 ft 12 gauge extension cord I got at Home Depot every day for seven months. No problems, no heating of cord(s). Works fine.
     
  4. eric smith

    eric smith Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
    44
    5
    0
    Location:
    DC/Maryland
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Thanks, do you keep it in the car to use at alternate locations or is it only used at home?
     
  5. jbrad4

    jbrad4 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2011
    474
    148
    11
    Location:
    Rowlett, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I leave it in my garage. Three are still free Level-2 Blink chargers in the local área until 1 Jan 2013.

    HTCEVOV4G ? 2
     
  6. Adam Leibovitch

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2012
    498
    102
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Mine stays running along the driveway most of the time. I have a trash bag that I keep in the car to wrap around the extension cord end when I put it back in the planter, just as a precaution. I was putting the cord away every morning but its a pain, and I get dirt and grime on my arms which isn't ideal if I am heading to a job.
     
  7. imr90

    imr90 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2012
    14
    4
    0
    Location:
    Western Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I use a 25ft 12 gauge with no problems. Use 12 gauge, not 14, and don't buy one any longer than you need. There will be more loss with longer cords.
     
  8. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2010
    3,961
    2,609
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I wired an outlet for my charger... Understand that it's nothing more than insulated copper wire of the proper thickness. If you use an appropriate extension cord, it's electrically no different than running a new outlet.

    I'm amazed at all the FUD around doing something that's no different than plugging in an electric lawn mower or power saw. It's just plain old electricity, just with lots of lawyers. Of course you need a very thick extension cord, not a lamp cord. Same thing with a power saw.
     
    lensovet likes this.
  9. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2011
    6,972
    3,209
    1
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    Model:
    N/A
    Unless I back the car into the driveway, I use a heavy extension cord. I also throw it into the car, along with the charger in case I can get access to the 110 socket in the back of the place where I work.