Fast Details About EV Charging and Extension Cords
- Automakers warn towards utilizing extension cords for EV charging due to overheating, hearth, and shock dangers.
- Extension cords limit voltage switch, making charging slower and fewer dependable.
- Safer options embrace utilizing a devoted outlet, putting in a Stage 2 charger, or consulting an electrician for correct setup.
Many electrical car producers present a Stage 1 charging wire if you purchase an EV or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). These “trickle chargers” don’t require particular gear to make use of and hook up with an ordinary 120-volt electrical outlet at house or elsewhere. Equally, moveable Stage 2 chargers available on the market plug into 240-volt receptacles — the kind used for dryers. The cable size on these moveable chargers can vary from six to twenty toes or extra, relying on the producer.
If that charging cable isn’t lengthy sufficient to plug into a close-by outlet and attain the automotive, chances are you’ll be tempted to make use of an extension wire. Right here’s why you shouldn’t.
Why You Shouldn’t Cost an EV With an Extension Twine
Is it secure to cost an EV or PHEV utilizing an extension wire? Carmakers say no, and we don’t suggest utilizing one. Charging an electrical automotive requires extra electrical energy than the quantity frequent house home equipment want. Subsequently, electrical automotive chargers include thicker wires that may deal with extra energy than smaller gauge wires in typical extension cords.
“Whereas some electrical automotive house owners have reported utilizing a typical extension wire, we don’t suggest it,” says Brian Moodya senior editor at Kelley Blue E book. “Actually, Kia and different automakers particularly say to not use an extension wire within the proprietor’s handbook. An electrical automotive pulls extra energy than a typical house equipment, and utilizing a typical extension wire when charging can hurt your private home and automotive.”
Proprietor manuals are express with warnings, resembling this one from Chevrolet to Bolt house owners: “Don’t use extension cords, multi-outlet energy strips, splitters, grounding adaptors, surge protectors, or related units.”
Restricted Voltage Switch
A Stage 1 cable provides a slower “trickle” cost and provides just a few miles of vary per hourwhich is appropriate for a lot of PHEV house owners. Pairing an extension wire with the charger restricts the voltage switch. This setup will take even longer to spice up your battery, along with creating security considerations.
We recommend upgrading to Stage 2 charging for normal house use, which is normal for many EV drivers in 2025.
Risks of Utilizing an Extension Twine to Cost
So what occurs in the event you cost with an extension wire? Since charging an electrical car attracts a considerable amount of energy, an extension wire might overheat in the event you join it to the charging cable. The prospect of fireplace will increase as a result of the extension wire makes an attempt to transmit extra power than it was made to hold. Overheating cords can soften plugs and receptacles, and the fireplace hazard is larger when left unattended in a single day or whereas you’re not house.
One other security threat is electrical shock. An EV charging cable is extra weak when related to an extension wire. Rerouting the ability provide out of your electrical outlet by way of an extension compromises the steadiness of this energy switch. Inserting and eradicating the plug then turns into a riskier activity.
MORE: What EV Charging Apps Do I Want on My Cellphone?
How you can Correctly Join a Stage 1 Charger
Seek the advice of a licensed electrician in the event you’ll be connecting an EV or PHEV to a Stage 1 charging cable for long-term, at-home charging. An electrical car provide gear (EVSE) skilled can guarantee you will have a devoted circuit to assist the ability load.
- Make sure the parking brake is engaged earlier than each charging session.
- Insert the charging cable right into a GFCI-protected 120-volt AC receptacle on a devoted circuit.
- Open the EV’s charging port door and join the charger.
- Charging ought to start when the wire is related.
- Disconnect the charger from the car when the charging session is completed.
- Coil the Stage 1 charging cable neatly to guard it from harm.
- Retailer the wire in your car for potential use away from house.
RELATED: How A lot Does It Value to Cost an Electrical Automotive?
Safer Options to Extension Cords
Utilizing an extension wire when charging an EV at house is unsafe. Think about these options:
- Rent a certified electrician to put in a devoted 240-volt outlet nearer to the EV’s charging port.
- Set up a hardwired unit with an extended cable.
- Use wire administration equipment, resembling cable reels and wall mounts, to cut back pressure and journey hazards.
Verify for incentives and rebates out of your electrical energy supplier for putting in house charging gear.
Editor’s Observe: This text has been up to date since its preliminary publication.
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