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

Big black block!

Discussion in 'Prime Plug-in Charging' started by MommysPrius, Jun 30, 2019.

  1. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Hello everyone. First of all, I'd like to say that this group seems so amazing and informative. I've learned so much from here! I'm a soon to be Prius Prime owner. My Supersonic Red Prius Prime is scheduled to arrive on the docks here in Vancouver around July 4-6.
    I have a problem/question about in what is way would be best to charge my car. I live in an apartment and the outlet to plug in my car is on a concrete wall. My car spot is one car over from this wall.
    I noticed on a YouTube video that our charging cable has a big heavy black block attached right close to where you plug it in. Most members seem to have this block elevated so there is less weight of the plug when charging. I don't have this option as I don't own my own home and cannot add or modify anything to the building structure.
    Would it be safe to just plug it as is or should I buy an extension cord so the black black is on the ground?

    Thank you in advance! I'll be sure to post pictures of my new car when she gets here. It will be nice to finally get into a red car again. It's been a while lol.
     
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,768
    16,017
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Welcome to PriusChat!

    Yeah the manual recommends not letting the block hang freely. A few options include

    • Tying a piece of string or rope around the block and hanging it over the outlet (if the outlet has a frame or weatherproof box around it)
    • Depending on the height of the outlet, bring a small round stool or similar item to rest the charging block
    • If you go the extension cord route, ensure the extension cord can handle 12-16A and it's rated for outdoor use

    If you're going to use it regularly, I would recommend supporting it to reduce wear and tear on the internal wiring between the block and the plug itself.
     
    Old Bear and jerrymildred like this.
  3. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced

    Thank you for your response. I will have to get an extension cord I guess since there is no way I can do anything else to support the block. The outlet is pretty high. Chest level.
     
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,768
    16,017
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Oh that is pretty high.

    I guess another creative solution (if the outlet is on a pillar) is to find a velcro strap that can wrap around the pillar and hug the block to the pillar.

    But ultimately, the extension cord route seems to be the easiest.
     
    Prodigyplace and Mendel Leisk like this.
  5. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    :) Yes, entension cord route is the ideal plan I think.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  6. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    2,254
    2,233
    2
    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Make sure the extension cord can handle the electrical load!! Just ask any electrician and they should know.
     
    Tideland Prius likes this.
  7. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2016
    11,696
    11,317
    0
    Location:
    Central Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Do NOT leave it on the pillar though.
    Take it with you when you are out riding, enjoying your car.
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,473
    38,105
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
  9. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I saw this online from a chat here. I think I will get something like this.

    I just read your message. The screenshot I took was from this chat.

    I can't leave anything in the parking lot. High chance it might get stolen. I'm even pondering about when is the safest time to charge the car.....
     

    Attached Files:

    #9 MommysPrius, Jun 30, 2019
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 30, 2019
    Mendel Leisk and Prodigyplace like this.
  10. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2018
    2,233
    1,595
    0
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    It must be the lawyers, because there is no technical basis. The wiring to a 15A receptacle is 14 gauge solid copper back to the breaker panel, and there is no way to tell how far that is. Even a 50 foot 12 gauge extension cord added on will have negligible voltage drop, so I would use a 12 gauge as the extension cord. I travel with a 25 foot cord and use it frequently with no problems.
     
    #10 jb in NE, Jun 30, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2019
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,768
    16,017
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Which trim did you order? As long as you got the Upgrade or Upgrade with Technology Package, the car will come with a charging cable lock on the car’s receptacle. You can customize it to auto lock and unlock with your Smart Key (like the doors) or you can manually lock and unlock it (there’s a button beside the charging receptacle).

    In the specs sheet/brochure, Toyota calls it “Smart Charging Lock”.
     
    Mendel Leisk and Prodigyplace like this.
  12. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2019
    25
    15
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I ordered it with the Upgrade plus Technology package. In otherwords, fully loaded but still paranoid about some young kids trying to yank the charger out of my car for fun or taking out the plug from the outlet just to be a nuisance.

    My car will be the only car in the whole parkade that is a plug in vehicle. And it's an older building, so one of the few newer cars in the parking lot. I know I'll be sticking out like a sore thumb.
     
  13. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2017
    2,515
    3,253
    9
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    I’d respectfully disagree. There is a specific reason, aside from the general risk that an extension cord might be improperly selected or used. One safety feature of the Toyota charging cable is a temperature sensor in the plug, mentioned on page 4 of the Quick Guide (PDF):

    ● Temperature detection function
    A temperature detection function is equipped to the plug. While charging, if heat is generated due to looseness on the outlet side etc., this function suppresses heat by controlling the charging current.​

    An extension cord wouldn’t have this feature, so there would be no active protection against temperature rise at the outlet. This shouldn’t be a problem, of course, if the outlet and plug are of the proper type and in good condition, but that may not always be the case.

    For anyone who chooses to use an extension cord despite Toyota’s warning, it’s important to be sure that the plug is fully inserted into the outlet and makes good contact. If the plug is loose, the contacts in the outlet are worn out, and the outlet should be replaced. This might be a good idea, anyway; a hospital-grade (green dot) or specification-grade (Fed. Spec.) receptacle would be preferred, since these are designed and tested for better mechanical performance, further reducing the risk of overheating due to a poor connection.
     
  14. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2005
    19,604
    8,036
    54
    Location:
    Montana & Nashville, TN
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    an electrician would want you to keep the extension cord no longer than 6 feet with #12 wire minimum. Even more important - ascertain what other loads may be on that circuit, as pulling ~1kW will likely cause its breaker to trip, unless its 20amps.
    .
     
    Montgomery and Prodigyplace like this.
  15. m8547

    m8547 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    927
    615
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    There is some other basis for not recommending the use of extension cords:
    • Extension cords are subject to wear and physical damage. If someone trips over it or walks on it, that could damage the wires or wear the insulation. The EVSE is designed with a much thicker cable to withstand this abuse.
    • An extension cord likely has the receptacle end sitting on the ground, so it is more likely to get wet if there is water on the floor. Theoretically this problem is mitigated by using a GFCI outlet or portable GFCI with the extension cord, but it's better for the connection not to get wet in the first place. Besides possibly causing a shock hazard, frequent exposure to water could corrode the connections in the end of the extension cord or maybe the plug (but the contacts on the plug look very shiny and corrosion resistant).
    • Finally there is the fact that people unfortunately can't be trusted to pick an appropriately rated cord. Many cheaper cords are rated for 13A and use 16 gauge wire, and those are not sufficient for charging at 12A (since the cord should be derated to 80% for continuous loads). Obviously this is the one the user has the most control over.
    Personally I think the risk of using an extension cord is low as long as you understand the potential issues. I use a 12 gauge cord instead of 14 gauge for additional durability. And I use the shortest practical length of extension cord (15 feet is enough in my garage).

    That's all wrong, or at least misleading. At 6 feet, 14 gauge wire is fine. 12 gauge is better to withstand more physical damage, but I don't think you'll be able to find a 12 gauge cord that short unless you special order it. And you can certainly go longer than 6 feet if you need to, just keep the cord as short as practical.

    It will only trip the circuit if there are other significant loads. A 15A circuit is fine for charging if it's lightly loaded otherwise. I measure around 1350W when mine is charging. That leaves around 90W for things like lights without exceeding the 80% derating of 12A (of course watts depends on the voltage and I forgot to check current. But I think the voltage was still around or over 120). In a single family house you can easily find out what's on the same circuit. In an apartment or commercial building it might not be obvious so you should be cautious or check with building management to be completely sure.

    Here are some short extension cords to consider:
    15ft 12 gauge: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-Pro-15-ft-12-AWG-3-SJTW-15-Amps-Lighted-Extension-Cord/3191739
    6ft and 10ft 14 gauge 15A, but not rated for outdoor use: Monoprice Extension Cord - NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R, 16AWG, 13A, 3-Prong, Black, 2ft - Monoprice.com
    You can also get heavier duty cords from McMaster-Carr, including 6ft 12 gauge cords. The abrasion resistant cords would be appropriate, but they are only available 25ft or longer.
     
  16. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2018
    2,233
    1,595
    0
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    That would not be a good reason to specify not using extension cords. Anybody who can't pick an appropriately rated cord is likely not reading the owner manual in the first place.

    The electrical code (NEC 2017) also requires in Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Charging Systems) that the circuit used to charge the car shall have no other outlets (an outlet is defined as "A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment"). In other words, a dedicated circuit. I doubt most garage outlets meet this requirement, particularly in 1980's homes where the garage outlet may be on the same circuit as exterior outlets and a bathroom or two.

    625.40 Electric Vehicle Branch Circuit. Each outlet installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit. Each circuit shall have no other outlets.​
     
    #16 jb in NE, Jul 1, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2019
  17. noonm

    noonm Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2019
    575
    595
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    But it is a good line for Toyota lawyers to point to when someone sets their house on fire by overheating an undersized/poorly made extension cord.

    My view is that its in there for lawsuit proofing, not because its necessarily dangerous. Just need to take appropriate precautions (correct sizing, protection against the weather, minimize tripping hazard, etc). Plugging it into a GFCI on a dedicated circuit is also a plus, where possible.
     
  18. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2017
    2,515
    3,253
    9
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    I’m not sure that was the intention of the code-making panel. Notice how they wrote “outlet installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles” (emphasis added), that is, if you put in a new outlet for EV charging, it has to be on its own branch circuit. In 625.44, Equipment Connection, which says what outlets can be used, there is no requirement for a dedicated circuit.
     
  19. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2018
    2,233
    1,595
    0
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    Good point. I looked in the 2007 NEC and there is nothing in there that requires this temperature sensor. I haven't located the applicable UL document for EVSE equipment - UL 2594-2013.

    In my garage this morning during a 50% charge this morning, the wall mount metallic surface mount box was slightly warm to touch just above the outlet in use. Heavy duty Leviton outlet, 15A, The ambient was 82F, the hot spot was 99F.

    This article deals only with equipment connections, not the branch circuits themselves. 625.40 is specific to EV branch circuits.
     
    #19 jb in NE, Jul 1, 2019
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 2, 2019
    Elektroingenieur likes this.
  20. alexatie

    alexatie New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2021
    19
    8
    0
    Location:
    Boston
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Why not the heavy duty one? it's the same price as the medium duty one.
    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-Pro-15-Ft-12-3-SJTW-Yellow-Extension-Cord-w-Indicator/1003051800