Securing the charging cable

I plan on buying a new cable from evseupgrade.com that has been modified to work with both 120v and 240v for $979.

 

The release trigger has a hole in it. Just buy a small padlock and put the shackle or cable through the hole. It's secure.
If the trigger doesn't have a hole, drill one.

 

Wow

I knew it had a lot of copper in low gauge wire, but that's like 200 lbs worth of copper for $1K.

A lot of cost must be in the high voltage control and current regulation circuitry. But still, I'm boggled they're charging that much.

 

I bought the lock from Home Depot that I mentioned before.
I needed to drill the hole slightly larger.


Master Lock Set-your-own Combination Luggage Lock
Model 630DHC $5.97








Works well, cheap and no keys.

 

I like that there are only three numbers on the lock, I think I can remember them! Good Idea :cheer2:

 

For those PHV owners worried about securing their portable charger...

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Larger versions of those photos are available on this webpage.
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this is another alternative, a little cumbersome under weather inclemencies tho.

 

I've seen a block diagram and schematic for the charging system and there is a lot more going on than just a 'fancy circuit breaker'. There are special communication protocols controlled by dedicated hardware and software (both in the car and in the adapter). In this manner, power (high voltage) is not delivered to the car end of the connector until the car tells the control box that the connection is secured (and safe).

They could have made it much simple (and much cheaper), but I think the added safety is well worth the added complexity.

 

Drilling the hole is the best idea for me as I would use it. Following the KISS principle. Shame Toyota has not embedded a locking mechanism within the handle - maybe rev 2!

 

Is there anything sophisticated about this cable that would prevent one from fabricating a simple cable, it seems only the right or larger guage wire is all that is important, sure you could also incorporate a gfi in the cable if your paranoid. I removed the ground fault interuptor from my bathrooms 34 years ago and have had no trouble. During the first year they were constantly blowing everytime I shaved. :cheer2:

 

Nice and clean...and usable parts... I like it...:rockon:

 

You can get started here: open-evse - Open Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) - Google Project Hosting

 

John, Beautiful photo with the setting sun ,Great Job!

 

I wonder if increasing the size of the hole in the handle voids the warranty?

 

I would suggest getting a shorter cable lock that can go through the charge hole and loop it around the charger door (instead of the rim).

 

I, for one, certainly will NOT be drilling a hole in my charge cable connector! The attachment method must be non-invasive for me to consider it.

 

At best, finding a padlock to fit the existing hole should NOT be a problem.
At worst, it would require simply enlarging a hole, in the trigger, that is already there for this very purpose. But, WHATEVER.

A simple means of securing the charging plug was thoughtfully provided by the Mfr. No need to reinvent a contraption.

 

I wonder who would possible notice or care?