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Fast Information About EV Charging and Extension Cords
Many electrical automobile producers present a Degree 1 charging twine whenever you purchase an EV or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). These “trickle chargers” don’t require particular tools to make use of and hook up with an ordinary 120-volt electrical outlet at residence or elsewhere. The cable size can vary from six to twenty toes or extra relying on automobile make and mannequin.
If that charging cable isn’t lengthy sufficient to plug into a close-by outlet, chances are you’ll be tempted to make use of an extension twine. Right here’s why you shouldn’t.
Why You Shouldn’t Cost an EV With an Extension Wire
Is it secure to cost utilizing an extension twine? Carmakers say no, and we don’t suggest utilizing one. Charging an electrical automobile requires extra electrical energy than the quantity frequent residence home equipment want. Due to this fact, electrical automobile chargers comprise thicker wires that may deal with extra energy than smaller gauge wires in typical extension cords.
“Whereas some electrical automobile house owners have reported utilizing a typical extension twine, we don’t suggest it,” says Kelley Blue Guide Govt Editor Brian Moody. “The truth is, Kia and different automakers particularly say to not use an extension twine within the proprietor’s handbook. An electrical automobile pulls extra energy than a typical residence equipment, and utilizing a typical extension twine when charging can hurt your house and automobile.”
Proprietor manuals are express with warnings, equivalent to this one from Chevy to Bolt house owners: “Don’t use extension cords, multi-outlet energy strips, splitters, grounding adaptors, surge protectors, or related units.”
A Degree 1 cable gives a slower “trickle” cost and provides just a few miles of vary per hour, which is appropriate for a lot of PHEV house owners. Pairing an extension twine with the charger restricts the voltage switch. This setup will take even longer to spice up your battery, along with creating security issues.
Risks of Utilizing an Extension Wire to Cost
So what occurs in case you cost with an extension twine? Since charging an electrical automobile attracts a considerable amount of energy, an extension twine could overheat in case you join it to the charging cable. The possibility of fireplace will increase as a result of the extension twine makes an attempt to transmit extra vitality than it was made to hold. Overheating cords can soften plugs and receptacles, and the hearth hazard is bigger when left unattended in a single day or whereas you’re not residence.
One other security danger is electrical shock. An EV charging cable is extra risky when linked to an extension twine. Rerouting the ability provide out of your electrical outlet via an extension compromises the steadiness of this energy switch. Inserting and eradicating the plug then turns into a riskier activity.
Easy methods to Correctly Join a Degree 1 Charger
Seek the advice of a licensed electrician in case you’ll be connecting an EV or PHEV to a Degree 1 charging cable for long-term, at-home charging. An electrical automobile provide tools (EVSE) skilled can guarantee you will have a devoted circuit to help the ability load.
- Flip off your EV earlier than each charging session.
- Insert the charging cable right into a 120-volt AC receptacle.
- Open the EV’s charging port door and join the charger.
- Charging ought to start when the twine is linked.
- Disconnect the charger from the automobile when the charging session is completed.
- Coil the Degree 1 charging cable neatly to shield it from harm.
- Retailer the twine in your automobile for potential use away from residence.
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