50 ft extension cord - 14 gauge - Is it safe to use?

Not that way!

You have to find the circuit breaker that feeds the plug and see what it says. It's going to be either 15A or 20A, most likely.

 

As stated above, no, the only way to actually test the circuit is to load it, and if you don't know what you're doing that can be dangerous. For example, I have seen breakers explode sending parts in all directions (some barely missing me) and I have seen them catch fire. The breaker won't trip at its' rated current for some time. It has to heat up first, and that is the dangerous part.

Note that a ground fault circuit is called for in the Toyota spec. The breaker can be changed to that type, but they do tend to be expensive as breakers, in the $100 range. Less expensive are ground fault duplex outlets, which can be had for roughly $10.

 

Just read the label on the device to determine the current draw, unless you have an amp meter. The capacity of the circuit is designed. If it is a 110 volt household circuit, it is either 15 amps or 20 amps. 15 amp circuits are installed with No. 14 wire, 20 amp circuits with No. 12. A 20 amp circuit has a maximum design load of 16 amps (circuits are de-rated to 80 percent of their capacity. Electrical design is a bit of a black art.

 

When I put in Chargepoint Home charger, the electrician put in a NEMA 6-50 outlet. The breaker is an ordinary two-pole type, with no mention of GFCI. Are 240V circuits not subject to the GFCI rule?

 

Did the Chargepoint require a GFI? Read the installation specifications. Ground fault and arc fault devices are available in lots of voltages. If a GFI is required for 240 volts it will require one for each side of the box.

 

Prices in the US must be different than Canada. Last year I replaced a GFCI circuit breaker for $30. I believe the GFCI receptacles are a little less expensive, but more than $10.

Shop Legrand Radiant 20-Amp 125-Volt White Indoor GFCI Decorator Wall Outlet at Lowes.com

 

Right. Very small investment. Invest in a 12ga cable for regular use. Still, if you must to use a 14ga cable uncoil it and check the plug temp regularly. If you feel any heat it stop using it.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Keep the connectors dry.

Bob Wilson

 

I use 12 gauge 50 foot extension cord with my charging cable plugged into that (when I do charge it). I wouldn't recommend 14 gauge.

 

Does the different gauge extension cord change the charge time at all?


iPad ?

 

Theoretically yes, because of different voltage drop in the cable, but it's a very small amount (low single digit percentage).

 

Dang, was hoping it would do something substantial.


iPad ?

 

A new EVSE supporting 16A would help (as long as you have a 20A circuit) and a 240V source would help even more.