Plugging in during rain?

Yes... you get very wet.

Unlocking the public charger really does prevent a quick & dry experience. It's no big deal though. I've done it countless times over the years.

What's more of an issue is unplugging after getting a few inches of snow. The act of brushing off the snow prior to removal gets a bit messy. I've found myself a number of times blowing, to avoid too much staying behind the door.

What's interesting is how well design the actual socket it. The specs were very clearly thought out. Plugging in rain & snow works just fine.

 

What about plugging in using the home charger when it's raining? I haven't looked in the manual yet so not sure as of yet. We are supposed to be getting rain in socal in the next few days and it made me think... The electrical outlet spot at work tbat I know of is not under covered parking. I would think plugging into an outlet in rain is an obvious NO NO, but can anyone share experiences?

 

if it's outside, it should be ground fault protected. i plugged into one for almost 4 years, outdoors on the side of a building, rain, snow, whatever. no issues. if it isn't ground fault protected, don't use it.

 

Probably ok as long as you are also flying a kite

 

Unless you are badly out of code (no ground, no GFCI) your home unit (if purchased) will be safe. If you hand crafted it yourself, all bets are off.

Was your home unit installed by a licensed electrician?

SAE J1772 - Wikipedia

 

Plug in outdoors under a GFCI outlet during pouring rain, no issues at all. And I have no hesitation doing so.

 

I just don't know if the outlet is properly grounded/GFCI. The outlet is located at the bottom of a light post on the roof level of a hospital employee parking structure. It has side hinged covers if that makes a difference. I would hope that it is up to code but I think I will have to look around for another spot in the lower levels to plug in for now until I can test it or find out.

 

I was answering about the plug into the car. Now it sounds as if you are asking about the wall plug.

The car plug is safe. No idea what is at the wall.

This can passively test for a correct ground. To test for a correct GFCI circuit, it blows the breaker. If you know who or how to reset the breaker, it can test the wall plug to be sure it is safe. $6 well spent. I frequently buy one for prospective home owners.

amazon.com/Receptacle-GFCI-Outlet-Socket-Tester/dp/B01IR2OZ7Q

 

Been plugging in the rain over 4 years at work. I have had no issues on the car side. I have had a couple issues at the wall. Namely the GFCI did its job and tripped when I plugged in when wet. Since the problem was water, the only way to fix the problem was to reset the outlet when dry. Mother Nature didn't always cooperate and thus, I would go home empty.

 

Is the factory charger ok to sit outside in the rain? I have wondered if itis weatherproof or designed for indoor use only.

 

it is

mine has been getting soaked. For those running extension cords i'd recommend a cover.

But no issues plugging in the rain.

 

Are extension cords safe to use? The manual says not to use them.

 

I personally would not use an extension greater that 10 Gauge (smaller the gauge, thicker the wire).

If you don't know the gauge of the cord, then you shouldn't use it.
If you assume that most people don't check the gauge of the wire, Toyota's advise is good.

 

Your second sentence answers your first sentence. Remember that charging your car uses a lot of power (power equals heat) and often happens while you are sleeping. You simply cannot be too careful. An electrician is way cheaper than a fire.

 

strangely, your insurance company will not pay for the 'cheap' electrician, but will pay for your entire home.

 

if you have permission to use the plug, talk to them about finding out if it's protected. they should be able to guide you to physical plant engineering dept.