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Two vital questions

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by schmultzburger, Jul 2, 2012.

  1. schmultzburger

    schmultzburger New Member

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    Hi all. We are considering trading in our '04 Prius with 165k on it for a new one. The plug-in looks like a good option for us except for two concerns...
    1. Are there longer plug-in cables/tethers/cords (not sure what they are called) available? I live in the city with with a narrow lot and a tiny garage that is useless for vehicles. The only place to park the Prius is behind the lightly used minivan, in the single-width driveway. The van is rarely parked right up next to the garage door either as we need space to get the bikes out (my commuter vehicle of choice) and (in winter) give room for the snow/ice slide off the slate roof from damaging the vehicle. So I'm looking at an easy 30 feet minimum to get toward the back of a Prius.
    2. Does the Prius console clearly show when the car is plugged in or is it prevented from starting up or being put in gear? The plug in side of the Prius parked in our driveway would be away from the front door and I just know I would come running out to get somewhere quickly, jump in and not notice/forget to check that the Prius was still plugged in. I undoubtedly will attempt to drive away while still plugged in. I suspect that is a bad thing.
    I appreciate any answers or suggestions you have to offer.

    S-
     
    #1 schmultzburger, Jul 2, 2012
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I just use an outdoor extension cord, I think it's a 12 gauge. No problems.

    There is a light which lights up right next to where it plugs in while it is charging. When done charging it goes off. But that doesn't matter since iIf it is plugged in and you get in and try to engage drive reverse etc, it reminds you you are plugged in and will not engage the gear. Also, if you are unplugged but forget to shut the charging door it'll remind you also of that being open and not properly closed.
     
    #2 Paradox, Jul 2, 2012
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    2) it will not start when plugged in. 1) can you have an outdoor outlet installed next to the driveway near the back of the car? you can use an extension cord, but you have to be careful about the size.
     
    #3 bisco, Jul 2, 2012
  4. schmultzburger

    schmultzburger New Member

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    Does the extension cord plug directly into the Prius, or do you plug the special cable/tether (What is that thing called?) into the extension? Assuming the latter, my concern is an unprotected electrical connection laying on the ground during rain/snow/whatever. I was assuming I would install one of the Leviton charging stations, but the cord is too short (from what I can tell).

    Here's a thought... Is it possible to replace the cable for the Leviton charging stations with a longer one? Can the box and head be dismantled to rewire it myself?
     
    #4 schmultzburger, Jul 2, 2012
  5. schmultzburger

    schmultzburger New Member

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    That is unlikely. That side of the driveway is about a foot from the property line, and is where all the snow from my and the neighbor's driveway gets piled (over 6, hard-packed feet two winters ago).
     
    #5 schmultzburger, Jul 2, 2012
  6. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    #6 Paradox, Jul 2, 2012
  7. schmultzburger

    schmultzburger New Member

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    #7 schmultzburger, Jul 2, 2012
  8. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    I already posted this, but I have a situation like yours. I installed a dedicated GFCI circuit breaker and ran new Romex to a new, weatherproof outlet on the side of my house. Then I put some hooks in to hold it.


    [​IMG]
     
    #8 Rebound, Jul 3, 2012
  9. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

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    But this is a "soft" reminder; the car will still operate normally with charge door open, as long as you are unplugged.
     
    #9 CharlesH, Jul 3, 2012
    bfd likes this.
  10. bfd

    bfd Plug-In Perpetuator

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    How well do I know that one! There is a serious disjuncture in my routine when it comes to unplugging and closing that door. You would think it would just be that easy, but for some reason, I can't make that move: Unplug, close door. For whatever the reason, I miss more times than I get it done.
     
    #10 bfd, Jul 3, 2012
  11. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Yes, I did not mean otherwise, should I have mentioned that? If someone wants to drive around with that long message displayed on the screen, well... :LOL:
     
    #11 Paradox, Jul 3, 2012
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i drove my wife to the gas station to pick up her car the other day with the charge door open all the way. i never noticed the message.:whistle:
     
    #12 bisco, Jul 3, 2012
  13. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    :cautious: So it happens I guess Bisco lol
     
    #13 Paradox, Jul 3, 2012
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    mia culpa. it's a good thing you can't start it whilst plugged in or i'd have already dragged half my garage down the street.:D
     
    #14 bisco, Jul 3, 2012
    Tracksyde likes this.
  15. chesleyn

    chesleyn Active Member

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    I use an extension cord that I picked up from Lowe's. I asked my electrician what gauge to pick up.. it is a thick extension cord that is heavy to lug around. Sometimes I take it with me not knowing how far I will be from a plug.

    As for weather issues... make sure your electrician installs a GFCI on the outdoor plug.
     
    #15 chesleyn, Jul 4, 2012
  16. ukr2

    ukr2 Senior Member

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    Bisco,
    I tested my PIP.
    I can't put it in gear when the plug is still connected.
    After removing the plug, I can put the PIP in gear and drive away, but the display shows "Recharge Inlet Door is Open". You can change the display to another screen, like HIS, but the message re-appears every time you change gears.
     
    #16 ukr2, Jul 4, 2012
  17. schmultzburger

    schmultzburger New Member

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    That looks nice, but I'm already planning on installing a GFCI, weather-proof outlet at the closest corner of the house. I need an additional 30 feet or so from that point. I had figured I'd get one of the Leviton "home charging stations" until I saw the price!

    How long is the charger cord in your picture?
     
    #17 schmultzburger, Jul 4, 2012
  18. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    That's the charger which comes with the PiP, and it's approximately 24' in length.
     
    #18 Paradox, Jul 4, 2012
  19. ProximalSuns

    ProximalSuns Senior Member

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    What does Toyota say about the car with charger plugged in sitting out in pour rain? Do they say the connection at the car is waterproof or the charger? I'm thinking of running 300 feet from the house in mining cable and mounting a charger in my parking spot but started wondering about the car mfg. saying this was not safe.
     
    #19 ProximalSuns, Jul 4, 2012
  20. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    The cable that comes with the car is safe in rain, assuming that the 120V outlet meets electrical code. Code varies by locale, but usually states you have to have a GFCI circuit or outlet, and the outlet has to have a weatherproof cover. The manner of running the cable from the breaker panel to the outlet is also prescribed by the code, and it depends on whether it runs through a wet or dry location, above ground or under.

    It's NOT complicated; you're not memorizing the whole electrical code. You can like explain what you want to do to your city and they'll tell you exactly.
     
    #20 Rebound, Jul 4, 2012
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