Extension Cord Possibilities

I used a 25' 12 AWG extension cord with my OEM EVSE for the longest time, and had no issues. When it comes to EVSEs, you do NOT want GFCI, as it can be tripped too easily, in fact, Leviton sells a special EVSE friendly GFCI outlet, but most OEM EVSEs have built-in GFCI protection anyways.

If you want the option to charge at Level 2, but want to keep it cheap, I highly recommend you upgrade your OEM EVSE via EVSEUpgrade.com. This would let you charge at Level 1, Level 2, using several types of plugs.

When you are ready to sell the car, you could easily sell the upgraded unit to another member, so you wouldn't take a big hit on it, or you can just keep it, and use it with your next EV.

 

I second that.

I was plugged in at a campground recently. It was the only thing plugged in and it kept tripping...so annoying.

 

I keep two 25' extension cords in the car for charging at work and use one or two at a time, depending on how close I can get to the outlet. The cords don't even warm up while in use.
Husky 25 ft. 12/3 Extension Cord-AW62614 at The Home Depot

 

Exactly what I was going to say. Places like Home Depot will sell electrical cord by the foot in various gauges and number of wires. They also sell both male and female plug ends. I'd get the lowest gauge that works with the beefiest plugs that you can get.

 

That is exactly what I did. I got 10 feet of 12 gauge 3 wire cord, two beefy connectors (one male and one female), and made my own extension cord.

 

A useful item at Harbor Freightis a kilowatt meter. It will check your open supply voltage, tell you if your cord Is dropping voltage, look at your load and tell you the final voltage to thecar while charging and the current draw as well as the wattage . Since your Dad is a electrician , a outlet with one of 220 and one of 110 would be nice. The main thing is you must have a EVSE and brick modified to accommodate 220, once modified it will accept both. I have used outlets that are low, 105-108 volts, the only difference is a slightly longer charge time. When I am at my sons house he runs about a 10 gauge cord 150ft and it charges fine. I do check it with my Watt Meter tho.

 

There is one simple option I don't think I've seen addressed here. Get together with your father on a Saturday. Working under his supervision run a piece of steel conduit from your garage box up the the point on the outside closest to where you park. Put in a length of 10 gauge, and a weather resistant outlet on the end. Don't let your dad actually do the work, you won't learn anything. He is there for the hard part, the judgment. Then take your dad out to dinner.

 

Great advice !

 

Nice post!

Also I purchased 25 feet of 12 gauge wire, 15 amp braker, and a Heavey duty GFI plug. We ran a dedicated 110 outlet. It cost around $65 dollars. A electrician friend of mine and about 2 hours time to install. After the job was done the best time was had at the brew pub for burgers and a cold brew!

 

I don’t know about “stealing” electricity....

But I just bought a Prime, and needed a 50’ 10 gauge so I got this one.... been charging outside for almost a week..... no problems. (https://www.amazon.com/Century-Contractor-Extension-Cord- extension/dp/B071LPYYVW?keywords=century+contractor+grade+50&qid=1534862401&sr=8-3&ref=mp_s_a_1_3 )

 

Please delete, didn’t realize how old the thread was, my apologies.

 

BTDT.....

The stealing electricity part is easy and binary.
If you're paying for the electricity or you have permission from the person who is paying for the electricity?
It's not stealing.

FORTUNATELY.....plug in hybrids have been around for a while now and the vast majority of their owners do it legally and honorably......and......safely.

50' of 10AWG is more than safe for your purposes....