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What is the best cord to use with a PiP?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by lexlaw69, Apr 22, 2012.

  1. lexlaw69

    lexlaw69 Junior Member

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    What is the best extension cord to use with a plug in prius?
     
  2. LenP

    LenP Member

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    #14 wire can handle 15 amps 110v. The PIP draws 12 amps 110v
     
  3. mitch672

    mitch672 Technology Geek

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    You should go with a 12AWG extension cord, not that the 12A draw requires it, but because of voltage drop.. There is less with larger gauge wire. Technically, Toyota doesn't want extensions cords used, because before the EVSE, the cord may not be GFCI protected.
    With that said, if it's indoors, shouldn't be an issue, if outdoors, you should use a GFI outlet.
     
  4. usdmattiphone

    usdmattiphone Member

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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many feet you looking for?
     
  6. khoakhoa

    khoakhoa Junior Member

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    I just used what I had, typical extension cord.

    Obviously use the proper gauge and shortest length for saftey
     
  7. TPinho

    TPinho Junior Member

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    I’m planning to get Extreme weather extension cord, 50 ft
    10/3 wire gauge 20A for $72.92 from elecordset.com
     
  8. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

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    I regularly use a 6 foot long 16 AWG 3 conductor extension here at the house, with no trouble at all. It's just what I need to reach the car outside of our little front garden area. It doesn't get any warmer than any other part of the chord.
     
  9. delz

    delz Member

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  10. mitch672

    mitch672 Technology Geek

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    Do not bother, the Toyota supplied EVSE has a GFCI built into it, you are actually making it less reliable with a 2nd unneeded GFCI
     
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  11. delz

    delz Member

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  12. ryogajyc

    ryogajyc Active Member

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    I want to correct the above, but please don't construe this as any advice in doing something going against Toyota's recommendations as the Owner's Manual says not to use an extension cord.

    The GFCI in the L1 portable EVSE only GFCI protects from the box to the J1772 plug and does not protect the extension cord which comes before the box. The extension cord with GFCI would protect the extension cord, so it isn't "a 2nd unneeded GFCI".
     
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  13. 9G-man

    9G-man Senior Member

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    Reality is, there is nothing wrong with using an extension cord. If you use the proper one. Basically as short as possible, and min 12ga.
    Sure other extension cords will work but you're potentially stressing your battery charger with lower voltage
     
  14. chesleyn

    chesleyn Active Member

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    Asked my electrician .. he told me the gauge to buy. He also installed an external 120v gfci protected box. Have been charging it for a week and a half now. No problems and no overheating. Here is the question... what do we do when it rains?
     
  15. janie

    janie 2016 Prius 3 Touring

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    What Gauge did he tell you to buy?
    Thanks:)
     
  16. mitch672

    mitch672 Technology Geek

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    Shouldn't be a problem, sounds like you have a GFCI outlet to protect from the outlet to the EVSE, and the EVSE has a GFCI from itself to the car, just keep the brick out of water and you will be fine.
     
  17. delz

    delz Member

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    So the question is: Even though the EVSE has a built-in GFCI, if we connect to a non-GFCI outlet (indoors), will it be worth using an extension cord with its own built-in GFCI as well?