Extension Cord Possibilities

Your owner's manual, by Toyota, says no extension cords. Perhaps your father, the electrician, could locate a GFCI plug where you want it.

How to do it wrong: Need advice - Outlet caught fire | PriusChat

 

If your Dad is an electrician, why not just buy a short length of 10/2 with ground, SJO and put the outlet and plug on the ends. That way you can make it whatever length you need. Black wire goes under the brass screw, white goes under the silver and green under the green. Just make sure you buy the plug and outlet that accommodates the 10awg cable. I am sure your Dad can confirm with his thoughts.

 

If you use 220v, it's more efficient because the battery is over 200v. If you use 110v, the charging system has to step up the voltage. In the long run, you're better off using 220v. For now, I don't see why you couldn't use an extension cord if you cord is thick enough. If you think about it, the wires inside your walls that run from the panel to the outlet is sort of like an extension cord. It's just an extension cord you can't see.

The bottom line is that I never had any problem using extension cords as long as the wire is thick enough for the job. 10 gauge should be thick enough for you but the first time you use it, keep a close watch on the cord temperature, if it gets too hot, then you'll need something thicker.

 

You're over thinking it.
There are a lot of Pip owners that use extension cords to charge their cars, and I've seen at least one video review where the reviewer did so as well.
I can't speak for Toyota, but I think that the warning not to use extension cords is lawyer inspired. You're not powering an unlicensed Nuclear Accelerator. It's a charger that IIRC draws about 12-amps.

You have at least three areas of concern:

The Outlet.....you say that it is installed on a 20 amp breaker. Is there anything else that's powered by this circuit and is the wiring in your house done to code? If you have a 20-amp breaker protecting a circuit that's been wired with 16AWG wire (small).....you're not really going to want to sleep in the house while you're charging the Prius, especially if there's a refrigerator, a freezer, and a couple of incandescent exterior lights on the same circuit.
If it really is a 20-amp circuit and there's not much else on the same circuit then you have more than enough overhead to charge your pip.

The Extension cord....shorter and thicker is better, but you're not going to have any problem using a 10-foot, 10 gauge cord...trust me. There are pip owners driving right now with 100' 14g extension cords so that they can steal electricity from parking garages, employer's exterior outlets, etc. If it's a new cord and it's in good condition you'll be more than fine with a 10-foot cord rated at 20A.

The Weather....Is your garage outlet a GFI outlet? How about the extension cord? Where do you live? (that's rhetorical....I really don't care!)
Obviously if you live where it rains or even snows a lot you'll want to be careful about plugging the pip in to charge, but if there's a carport in front of your garage or a 4' overhang then you're probably golden as well.
See how much it would be in your area to install an exterior outlet....either in 110 or 220. If you live in the county and can DIY (or get Pop to do it) then you're only looking at parts...maybe a few hundred all in...IF you do it right. If the breaker panel in in the garage (many are) and you're good at pulling wire maybe even cheaper!
If you live in a more 'civilized' area where you have to pay graft for pretend inspections and permits then having an additional exterior outlet installed can very quickly rocket into four-figures----but that's what you get for living the big city life.
Short answer: Get the 10' 10AWG cord and try it out. Some of these are equipped with a GFI protector which is even better.
If it trips the breaker, investigate other loads (things plugged in) on the circuit. Don't run screaming to the fire department if the breaker trips. That's what they're for.



Good Luck!

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FWIW I have used a 150' standard outdoor extension cord for charging. Without looking at it i believe it was 12-14 gauge and rated for 10-12 volts. Charged my PiP without issue.

This is my personal experience and risk. I know Toyota does not recommend using an extension cord.

 

^ You may or may not have to move the fridge.
Me?
I'd try to charge the pip with it in place. If your Dad is halfway competent, the 20A circuit is fine for both and I think that you'll have enough overhead on the circuit to run the fridge and the pip.
Pruis owners tend to worry about stuff too much.

Go to a Big Box store and get a heavy duty extension cord in as short a length as they offer. Do some internet shopping. Even a 25' 10AWG cord is fine for this application....IMHO.
Your car draws about 12A while charging.
The wire that's hooked to your garage outlet is probably 12AWG (which is smaller) and probably longer than 10'. It's not that hard, really.
The problems start happening when you combine small wire with long lengths, an exterior location and an overloaded, non-protected circuit.
You're going to be OK....really.


Besides...you have a smoke detector and fire insurance, right?

Good Luck!

 

Best to run a separate dedicated circuit with GFI to the exact location where you park. Chances are, you'll only pay for materials. Should be inexpensive. If you have a Harbor Freight in your area, give them a call. I was at one recently and I believe they have a 10 gauge extension cord , short length.

 

IMO, you don't need a GFCI circuit. The EVSE already has such a circuit in the brick in the cord.
Don't overthink this. But do be cautious when you first use whatever extension cord you get. After 20-30 minutes of charging touch the cord and see how warm it is getting. Yes it will be a bit warm, but is it too hot to hold? Yes...then stop using it. No, the it is OK. Make sure you don't use a cord that is too long and coil it up partially. The coils thermally insulate each other and add to the destruction of the insulation over time. I think it is better to get a fatter longer cord than a thinner shorter one. Don't run the cord under a rug, for example.

Don't bother with 240v L2 charging circuit. You'll never save enough on the difference (in a PIP) to pay for it. Wait and see for your next car.

Mike

 

search here for extension cord threads. they're quite extensive and illuminating.

 

Well said, Mike.

 

Don't forget that in the UK we have 230V as standard. Charging in 90 minutes is normal and lets us do a run, charge over morning tea, a run, charge over lunch, a run, charge over high tea, a run................

 

Yes we do. it comes with a UK 3 pin 13A plug so that would need altering otherwise I can't see any problems apart from the price £414+20% tax in UK. Much more from Toyota.

Non Toyota supplier:
EV Charging Cable. Mode 2, Type 1 to Domestic Plug. 10A. 230V 1 Phase. 4M