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

Using power strip for charging

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by TrinaF., Jan 12, 2017.

  1. TrinaF.

    TrinaF. Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2014
    74
    23
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Is it okay to use a power strip to plug the Prius in? Using the power strip as an extension cord, making it easier to plug in the car. However, the last two times it's shut itself off. I'm suspecting the car is taking too much power from it?
     
  2. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2016
    2,730
    2,640
    0
    Location:
    Farmington Hills, Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    The car draws about 12 amps, so a power strip is not a good idea.
     
  3. TrinaF.

    TrinaF. Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2014
    74
    23
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Thanks!
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    The car draws a LOT of power.
    There are threads here about folks houses catching fire due to old electrical circuits.
    I would have an electrician wire a receptacle where it was convenient to charge.

    15 amp, 110 volt is fine for the included cord.
    30 amp 220 volts if you want level two charging, but that is about $500 more expensive.
     
    Pluggo likes this.
  5. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2005
    3,686
    699
    2
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    Again, a power strip is NOT a good idea at all.
    Please, use a well rated (15 Amps) extension cable, not exceeding 25 feet for this particular task.
     
    priuscatprimeguy likes this.
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,751
    48,964
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    get a good 6 or 12 foot 12 gauge extension cord. it's worth it for your safety.
     
  7. trescenzi

    trescenzi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2016
    29
    42
    0
    Location:
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Ive linked a thread below where some people have posted cords they have had success with. The ones I've used are linked in there along with a few others. But basically what bisco said. 12 gauge and the shorter the better. They aren't cheap but we're talking about your car and your safety here it's worth the investment in a quality cord.

    I hope this link works. I'm on my phone so not sure it will.
    extension cord specs | PriusChat


    iPhone ?
     
  8. horent135

    horent135 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2016
    44
    12
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I think manual does say Do Not use power strip. They recommend using extension cords.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,751
    48,964
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    toyota does not condone extension cords, but you gotta take personal responsibility at some point.