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

Question about charging and weather

Discussion in 'Prime Plug-in Charging' started by Scott_R, Sep 23, 2024 at 1:17 PM.

  1. Scott_R

    Scott_R Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2006
    413
    15
    0
    Location:
    Long Island
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I'm looking to replace a 2012, and a Prime is in my consideration. I don't have an outlet near where I park, but the breaker box is right on the other side of the foundation wall, so I could easily get an electrician over to put in an outside outlet.

    My main concern is about rain: are there potential problems if it starts to rain and the Prius is plugged in? I know that outdoor outlets have those plastic covers that let keep a cord plugged in but running through slots in the bottom--though it can be really hard to keep that cover down while a heavy cord is plugged in, since the cord doesn't really bend sharply enough to keep the cover closed fully. But there's also where it's plugged into the car--is it really sealed against serious rain?
     
    #1 Scott_R, Sep 23, 2024 at 1:17 PM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    109,615
    49,822
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    there are also outdoor units that you could hardwire, but i have a fairly large metal nema box with hinged cover that accepts the large 90 degree plug and wire.
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 23, 2024 at 1:21 PM
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    1,666
    863
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    I would probably just hang a 2x3 foot utility box there so you can roll-up the charging cable and lock everything up - especially if your gone on vacation or something. Vents and weep holes in the bottom of the box.

    Hope this helps....
     
    #3 BiomedO1, Sep 23, 2024 at 1:35 PM
  4. Scott_R

    Scott_R Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2006
    413
    15
    0
    Location:
    Long Island
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    My main question is, what happens if you're charging overnight and it starts to rain?
     
    #4 Scott_R, Sep 23, 2024 at 1:45 PM
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    109,615
    49,822
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    it keeps charging. i have charged in blinding rain, snow and ice storms
     
    #5 bisco, Sep 23, 2024 at 1:48 PM
  6. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    1,666
    863
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    Everything is sealed up and that's what that safety disconnect brick is for (part of the OEM charging plug). It's a GFCI for car chargers.

    FWIW: I park mine outside and it charges in the rain for the past 3 years. Only my charge handle and cord is exposed to the elements. Outlet and safety brick is sheltered; but I understand that the safety brick can be in a puddle and still function. I haven't tested that...
     
    #6 BiomedO1, Sep 23, 2024 at 1:59 PM
  7. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2013
    3,785
    1,324
    1
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    The connection to the car is safe. The other end of the OEM charge cord is what you want to protect from weather. The misses makes me cover the charge cord end that plugs into the car when it rains or snows and I guess she takes fore-granted that I protect the other end from weather.

    Used to work with a dude named Scott T a Smiths Point.
     
    #7 vvillovv, Sep 23, 2024 at 3:02 PM
    BiomedO1 likes this.
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    109,615
    49,822
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    you can get a waterproof charge port cover if you're nervous
     
    #8 bisco, Sep 23, 2024 at 8:43 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)