Use your 240v Dryer outlet?

OK, if you have an available 240v Dryer Plug, you can build your own ~$20 dollar Dryer Plug by studying my pictures or you can buy a pre-made ~$50 conversion plug from Amazon.

As soon as you do this, your 100% charging times will drop down to about ~2:25 hours/minutes.


Rob43

 

Here's what I did.
My laundry room is right next to my garage so I purchased 10/2 extension cord and cut off the ends. I tapped into the dryer line (pic 1) and ran the extension cord through the wall into the garage and boxed it in a single receptacle box (pic 3) w/ the appropriate receptacle for my level 2 charger. Total cost about $30. 220V receptacle was only $3 but the 10/2 extension cord was expensive. Already had the outlet box on hand.
I regularly run the dryer and charge the car at the same time and the circuit breaker has never tripped. Telling me both together are not pulling enough power at the same time to trip the circuit.
BTW I put in a junction box (pic 2) in the garage so I can power my 60 gal air compressor. I just make sure everything runs individually.

moto z3 ?

 

I will just say this:

For anyone else doing a similar install as the one above, please don't use "extension cord" for a permanent installation.

Use something like 10, 15, or 25 feet of 10/2 Solid Romex copper wire.
www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-15-ft-10-2-Solid-Romex-SIMpull-CU-NM-B-W-G-Wire-28829026/202525573


Rob43

 

Rob is correct, don't use regular "extension cord.". I used a contractors grade wire that's outdoor rated and double insulated but this only a temporary install. Planning on a remodel where the charger will get a dedicated circuit.

moto z3 ?

 

Why no "extension cord"?

 

Extension cords are multi-strand wire, they're good when flexibility is needed.

Solid copper wire is best when doing a (non-moving) permanent installation, like wiring your home.


Rob43

 

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback. Silly question and observation - if the extension cord will not be moved (i.e. permanent installation), is an extension cord OK to use? Also, understand the charging cable provided by Toyota cannot be made with solid copper wire due to the need for flexibility. However, that Toyota supplied charging cable seems to work well and is in effect an extension cord.

 

You're welcome.

As much as I like a great quality 12 or 10 gauge extension cord for some applications, I will defer to one of our many Prius chat Electricians for the best answer.


Rob43

 

The electrical code does not allow for flexible wire to be exposed on a wall or within stud bays (i.e. Romex). Extension cord wire is not approved in any section of the code. If you surface mount wires, they must be in either armored cable or conduit. Your photos show multiple instances of non-compliance with the electrical code. Here is an example of a proper surface mount installation:

 

Why would you buy a 10-2 extension cord and cut off both connectors instead of just buying the needed length of 10-2 wire??