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Securing the charging cable

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by ThatTallGuy, Mar 14, 2012.

  1. ThatTallGuy

    ThatTallGuy Junior Member

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    I noticed on another thread that the charging cable does not lock when in use. It seems to me that it's quite possible the thing will grow legs someday. So I asked my dealer the price of a replacement.

    He said it was $1200!

    Really? A glorified extension cord with a circuit breaker costs more than a decent laptop computer??

    I have to assume that somebody's going to make a third-party version at some point, if that's the market, but at that price I'm definitely looking for some way of securing the thing while charging. Any ideas?
     
  2. jbrad4

    jbrad4 Active Member

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    I plan on buying a new cable from evseupgrade.com that has been modified to work with both 120v and 240v for $979.
     
  3. 9G-man

    9G-man Senior Member

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    The release trigger has a hole in it. Just buy a small padlock and put the shackle or cable through the hole. It's secure.
    If the trigger doesn't have a hole, drill one.
     
  4. Ichiro

    Ichiro Member

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    Wow

    I knew it had a lot of copper in low gauge wire, but that's like 200 lbs worth of copper for $1K.

    A lot of cost must be in the high voltage control and current regulation circuitry. But still, I'm boggled they're charging that much.
     
  5. ukr2

    ukr2 Senior Member

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    I bought the lock from Home Depot that I mentioned before.
    I needed to drill the hole slightly larger.

    [​IMG]
    Master Lock Set-your-own Combination Luggage Lock
    Model 630DHC $5.97

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]




    Works well, cheap and no keys.
     
    Potorap, mnml, I922sParkCir and 3 others like this.
  6. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    I like that there are only three numbers on the lock, I think I can remember them! Good Idea :cheer2:
     
  7. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    For those PHV owners worried about securing their portable charger...

    [​IMG]. [​IMG]

    [​IMG]. [​IMG]

    [​IMG]. [​IMG]


    Larger versions of those photos are available on this webpage.
    .
     
  8. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    this is another alternative, a little cumbersome under weather inclemencies tho.
     
  9. ThatTallGuy

    ThatTallGuy Junior Member

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    I like the non-destructiveness of the looped cable but the keylessness and relative ease of the drilled hole. :) Thanks guys.

    Best of both worlds, maybe: I wonder if it's possible to just loop the charge cable itself through the wheel and lock a loop of it with a padlock (locking the cable directly through the wheel?) Possible obstacles: plug end too large? cable too short?
     
  10. iRun26.2

    iRun26.2 New Member

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    I've seen a block diagram and schematic for the charging system and there is a lot more going on than just a 'fancy circuit breaker'. There are special communication protocols controlled by dedicated hardware and software (both in the car and in the adapter). In this manner, power (high voltage) is not delivered to the car end of the connector until the car tells the control box that the connection is secured (and safe).

    They could have made it much simple (and much cheaper), but I think the added safety is well worth the added complexity.
     
  11. in-control

    in-control Junior Member

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    Drilling the hole is the best idea for me as I would use it. Following the KISS principle. Shame Toyota has not embedded a locking mechanism within the handle - maybe rev 2!
     
  12. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    Is there anything sophisticated about this cable that would prevent one from fabricating a simple cable, it seems only the right or larger guage wire is all that is important, sure you could also incorporate a gfi in the cable if your paranoid. I removed the ground fault interuptor from my bathrooms 34 years ago and have had no trouble. During the first year they were constantly blowing everytime I shaved. :cheer2:
     
  13. epoints

    epoints Junior Member

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    Nice and clean...and usable parts... I like it...:rockon:
     
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  14. Tracksyde

    Tracksyde Member

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    You can get started here: open-evse - Open Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) - Google Project Hosting
     
  15. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    John, Beautiful photo with the setting sun ,Great Job!
     
  16. in-control

    in-control Junior Member

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    I wonder if increasing the size of the hole in the handle voids the warranty?
     
  17. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I would suggest getting a shorter cable lock that can go through the charge hole and loop it around the charger door (instead of the rim).
     
  18. iRun26.2

    iRun26.2 New Member

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    I, for one, certainly will NOT be drilling a hole in my charge cable connector! The attachment method must be non-invasive for me to consider it.
     
  19. 9G-man

    9G-man Senior Member

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    At best, finding a padlock to fit the existing hole should NOT be a problem.
    At worst, it would require simply enlarging a hole, in the trigger, that is already there for this very purpose. But, WHATEVER.

    A simple means of securing the charging plug was thoughtfully provided by the Mfr. No need to reinvent a contraption.
     
  20. 9G-man

    9G-man Senior Member

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    I wonder who would possible notice or care?