You should go with a 12AWG extension cord, not that the 12A draw requires it, but because of voltage drop.. There is less with larger gauge wire. Technically, Toyota doesn't want extensions cords used, because before the EVSE, the cord may not be GFCI protected. With that said, if it's indoors, shouldn't be an issue, if outdoors, you should use a GFI outlet.
This one works great and doesn't even heat up on the ends. It also has good visibility to prevent tripping on it: Shop Utilitech 25' 12/3 Extension Cord at Lowes.com
I just used what I had, typical extension cord. Obviously use the proper gauge and shortest length for saftey
I’m planning to get Extreme weather extension cord, 50 ft 10/3 wire gauge 20A for $72.92 from elecordset.com
I regularly use a 6 foot long 16 AWG 3 conductor extension here at the house, with no trouble at all. It's just what I need to reach the car outside of our little front garden area. It doesn't get any warmer than any other part of the chord.
Does anybody think it would be worth the extra money to buy a cord with a built-in GFCI? Here's ahttp://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B00004SQGW?tag=priuschatcom-20 for $45. I have not seen anything longer than 6', but the shorter the better...right?
Do not bother, the Toyota supplied EVSE has a GFCI built into it, you are actually making it less reliable with a 2nd unneeded GFCI
Other than the GFCI cord, my next contender would be the Utilitech 15' 12/3 industrial extension cord.
I want to correct the above, but please don't construe this as any advice in doing something going against Toyota's recommendations as the Owner's Manual says not to use an extension cord. The GFCI in the L1 portable EVSE only GFCI protects from the box to the J1772 plug and does not protect the extension cord which comes before the box. The extension cord with GFCI would protect the extension cord, so it isn't "a 2nd unneeded GFCI".
Reality is, there is nothing wrong with using an extension cord. If you use the proper one. Basically as short as possible, and min 12ga. Sure other extension cords will work but you're potentially stressing your battery charger with lower voltage
Asked my electrician .. he told me the gauge to buy. He also installed an external 120v gfci protected box. Have been charging it for a week and a half now. No problems and no overheating. Here is the question... what do we do when it rains?
Shouldn't be a problem, sounds like you have a GFCI outlet to protect from the outlet to the EVSE, and the EVSE has a GFCI from itself to the car, just keep the brick out of water and you will be fine.
So the question is: Even though the EVSE has a built-in GFCI, if we connect to a non-GFCI outlet (indoors), will it be worth using an extension cord with its own built-in GFCI as well?
