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PiP Extension Cord Weatherproof Box

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by brogrimm, Apr 12, 2016.

  1. brogrimm

    brogrimm Junior Member

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    Just sharing an idea which seems to be working well. I must use a 110VAC extension cord for charging my newly acquired PiP. During inclement weather I didn't charge out of fear that the line would short, trip the GFI, or worse - damage the PiP. I asked around and hadn't found anything like this so I made this to keep moisture out from the cord coupling. After several storms, snow, sleet/ice, and a flash storm with 70mph winds I've never had water in the box or the GFCI circuit tripped. If anyone knows of something made for this please do share the info. Thanks.
     

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    #1 brogrimm, Apr 12, 2016
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  2. Silver Pine Mica

    Silver Pine Mica Junior Member

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    There are several such products on amazon.

    Hot Headz Extension Cord Safety Seal Water Resistant Cord Cover, 8.25 x 3 x 3-Inch, Green


    On a related note, I would like to know if there is any sort of 120v magnetic disconnect that would safely disconnect an engine block heater connection if you forgot about it and drove off. The connections on deep fryers are made to disconnect easily so as not to pull the fryer full of hot oil onto someone, and a similar connection would be ideal for an EBH.
     
    #2 Silver Pine Mica, Apr 12, 2016
  3. brogrimm

    brogrimm Junior Member

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    Yes, I have one of these I use with my snow thrower. It leaks a little bit and doesn't keep out much of the melting snow without putting additional weather seal foam around the cord. They are pretty good.

    A magnetically attached cable would be nice! They are used in low voltage low current applications, but I don't know why not 110VAC.
     
    #3 brogrimm, Apr 12, 2016
  4. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    There was a development of such a product a few years back but I never found if it is commercially available> NEC regulations are very strict.
     
    #4 mrbigh, Apr 12, 2016
  5. Jan Treur

    Jan Treur Active Member

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    I sometimes put the connection under the car to keep it dry. What I also heard from somebody is having it inside the car with the cables through a slightly opened window.
     
    #5 Jan Treur, Apr 12, 2016
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well done o/p! thanks for the tip.(y)
     
    #6 bisco, Apr 12, 2016
  7. N.J.PRIUS

    N.J.PRIUS Member

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    When at the office and outside I plug in and put everything under the rear bumper out of sight. If the weather looks bad, I too did not want to take the chance of anything happening so I do not charge. Was also afraid of shorting something out and possibly doing some damage.
     
    #7 N.J.PRIUS, Apr 21, 2016
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i've plugged in outside in the driving rain and snow, no issues. makes me wonder why they completely revamped the prime charging port.
     
    #8 bisco, Apr 21, 2016
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  9. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    Revamped the charging port on the Prime? Like how? Still in the same location, right? Or are you talking about the CHAdeMO hole they plugged?
     
    #9 drash, Apr 21, 2016
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe. you have to take the cover off and put it in its holder? what was wrong with the current pips cover? pop it open, plug in, unplug, close, done.
     
    #10 bisco, Apr 21, 2016
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  11. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    Maybe it was those focus groups Toyota relied on? They gave them something more than coffee and they all looked like Jeremy Clarkson trying to plug the EVSE in.
     
    #11 drash, Apr 21, 2016
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    these focus groups are a thorn in my side.:ROFLMAO:
     
    #12 bisco, Apr 21, 2016
  13. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    Something must have scared them enough to put a cap on the car charger. And I thought they had it right the first time when they put a cap on the EVSE business end. That can sometimes end up on the ground or dragged around.

    Hey they still have a few months to fix it. Hey @Prius Team, save your plastic. We don't need a cap on the car charger. The one on the EVSE was good enough. Thank you!
     
    #13 drash, Apr 21, 2016
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