I carry a bright yellow 40 ft 10 gauge all weather extension cord with me for this purpose. What I have found is that some outlets work with the EVSE but not with the extension cord.
Recommdation for Extended Charging Cord
Does anyone have a specific recommendation/link to where I can get the best charging cord for my new 2021 Honda Clarity hybrid plug-in? I have the standard but it won't reach any of the hotel electrical outlets from it's parking spot. How many amps should I get and what type specifically? Do I need a convertible one? Looking for something versatile yet effective and cost and time-effective overall. Does it need any other attachments? Can it be used in rain? Thanks in advance!!
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Thanks for your input! So this is okay to do? I thought they had specified that we can't use extension cords? And 10 gauge specifically is the equivalent size?
10 gauge is used for 240 volt building wiring. Also, the longer the cord the higher the resistance (and voltage drop) so while you could probably get away with a 50 or 60ft cord, I've discovered that a 40 ft cord has been more than sufficient for my travel needs. Also, don't forget that weather rated (look for a W on the cord descriptor) cords are bulky and that longer cords require more storage space required. My cordThanks for your input! So this is okay to do? I thought they had specified that we can't use extension cords? And 10 gauge specifically is the equivalent size?
The other thing I do when I'm using this cord is keep the EVSE plug off the ground so if it does rain or there's a heavy dew then there's less chance of water damage.
The reason for the "ban" on extension cords is that most extension cords are rated for 110v 13 amp indoor use only, not even sufficient to support 8 amp charging. Using these cords for household purposes is technically a violation of NEC code since the circuit breaker is normally 15 amps.
One of the great things about a PHEV is that you don't have to bother with any of this if you don't want to. A common way to drive the Clarity on a long trip is to start from home with a full charge but then drive HV the entire trip, using EV only when driving in a city, or maybe going up a steep grade. Many times there will still be EV range left over when the trip ends. If EV range gets low during the trip then HV Charge can be used to build it back up to 50% as needed.
I haven't made any trips yet in my Clarity but I don't think I want to carry my EVSE and a heavy duty extension cord in my trunk. And when I arrive at a hotel I'm not interested in spending any amount of time searching for an outlet with a parking space nearby, just to save what is basically the equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. I'm sure it's not that hard to find one usually, but it may not be conveniently located in relation to my room. And I would not want to run the extension cord over a sidewalk. I suppose you could tape it down, but that only helps somewhat. Yes people should watch where they are going but realistically people arriving late at night and carrying luggage from their car are not necessarily going to be on the lookout for electric cables strewn across the sidewalk.
I can understand why it's nice to charge and get some extra miles of range, but again the nice thing is if you don't want to, the Clarity still works great on a road trip.
I haven't made any trips yet in my Clarity but I don't think I want to carry my EVSE and a heavy duty extension cord in my trunk. And when I arrive at a hotel I'm not interested in spending any amount of time searching for an outlet with a parking space nearby, just to save what is basically the equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. I'm sure it's not that hard to find one usually, but it may not be conveniently located in relation to my room. And I would not want to run the extension cord over a sidewalk. I suppose you could tape it down, but that only helps somewhat. Yes people should watch where they are going but realistically people arriving late at night and carrying luggage from their car are not necessarily going to be on the lookout for electric cables strewn across the sidewalk.
I can understand why it's nice to charge and get some extra miles of range, but again the nice thing is if you don't want to, the Clarity still works great on a road trip.
I've found that asking about charging also leads to conversations about EVs in general, which helps raise awareness of the benefits of EVs.One of the great things about a PHEV is that you don't have to bother with any of this if you don't want to. A common way to drive the Clarity on a long trip is to start from home with a full charge but then drive HV the entire trip, using EV only when driving in a city, or maybe going up a steep grade. Many times there will still be EV range left over when the trip ends. If EV range gets low during the trip then HV Charge can be used to build it back up to 50% as needed.
I haven't made any trips yet in my Clarity but I don't think I want to carry my EVSE and a heavy duty extension cord in my trunk. And when I arrive at a hotel I'm not interested in spending any amount of time searching for an outlet with a parking space nearby, just to save what is basically the equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. I'm sure it's not that hard to find one usually, but it may not be conveniently located in relation to my room. And I would not want to run the extension cord over a sidewalk. I suppose you could tape it down, but that only helps somewhat. Yes people should watch where they are going but realistically people arriving late at night and carrying luggage from their car are not necessarily going to be on the lookout for electric cables strewn across the sidewalk.
I can understand why it's nice to charge and get some extra miles of range, but again the nice thing is if you don't want to, the Clarity still works great on a road trip.
And it might get some of them thinking about installing an actual charge station. You could mention to them that Tesla will install a Destination Charger for free, the business owner pays only for the electricity. Destination stations usually come with both a Tesla connection (non-Supercharger) and a J1772.I've found that asking about charging also leads to conversations about EVs in general, which helps raise awareness of the benefits of EVs.
Glad I saw this. I wasn't sure about using an extension cord with the charger either. I have a Level I charger in my garage, but could use more length. With a trampoline in the driveway (no other place for it), I have to squeeze my Clarity into a small space to be charged. I'd like to avoid damage. If I had another 15 + feet, I could park at the end of my driveway, where there's a lot more space. Would this cord fit the bill?
https://www.amazon.com/30Amp-3-Pron...ocphy=9001935&hvtargid=pla-943841630608&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/30Amp-3-Pron...ocphy=9001935&hvtargid=pla-943841630608&psc=1
That extension cable is for a 10-30 240V outlet.Glad I saw this. I wasn't sure about using an extension cord with the charger either. I have a Level I charger in my garage, but could use more length. With a trampoline in the driveway (no other place for it), I have to squeeze my Clarity into a small space to be charged. I'd like to avoid damage. If I had another 15 + feet, I could park at the end of my driveway, where there's a lot more space. Would this cord fit the bill?
30Amp 3-Prong NEMA 10-30 Dryer Extension Cord with Heavy Duty Thick Anti-Weather Cord (25FT) - - Amazon.com
Sorry, I meant to say I have a Level 2 charger outlet/cord set-up...
Any discussions that I have seen regarding the use of extension cords were about using the OEM Honda 12 Amp EVSE. The main issue being that you have to pay attention to the quality and gauge of the extension cord because most 120V extension cords are inadequate for a continuous power draw at that number of amps. And of course other safety items like making sure the cord won't get stepped on or otherwise abused, using as short of a cable as possible, and checking the temperature of the cable and especially the plugs while in use to make sure they don't get too warm. Level 2 gets into even higher amperages, however 240V extension cables tend to be more heavy duty. But again I haven't seen any discussions here regarding using an extension cord for level 2 charging, you may want to check some EV sites for discussions. How many amps is your EVSE?Sorry, I meant to say I have a Level 2 charger outlet/cord set-up...
Your outlet is 14-50? The extension cable that you linked to is 10-30.This is the one I have: Electric Vehicle Level 2 EV Charger 32 Amp ADJUSTABLE 14-50 Plug 25ft 240V
View attachment 680
I'm not recommending using an extension cord in your situation but if you do then at least adjust the EVSE down from 32 Amp to the lowest setting.
Sorry. I'm not too well versed with this stuff. Just checked the panel. It's a 40 amp breaker outlet. The outlet is a NEMA 14-50. The charger is a Zencar Level 2 charger with three setting: 10 amp, 16amp, 32 amp. I use the 32 amp for faster charging.
Setting aside for a moment the extension cord question, your current setup is all fine. According to code you should not continuously use more than 80% of a circuit's rating, so for a 40 Amp circuit the maximum is 32 Amps. Which is the maximum that your EVSE uses so that's a perfect match. And 32 Amp is also the maximum amount that the Clarity will use so that's also a perfect match.Sorry. I'm not too well versed with this stuff. Just checked the panel. It's a 40 amp breaker outlet. The outlet is a NEMA 14-50. The charger is a Zencar Level 2 charger with three setting: 10 amp, 16amp, 32 amp. I use the 32 amp for faster charging.
If you later get an EV, 32 Amp will be adequate for charging it. You could in theory later upgrade the circuit to 50 Amp which would allow the use of a 40 Amp EVSE (80% of 50 Amp) which would be even faster charging for an EV. However the cost of upgrading the circuit and purchasing a 40 Amp EVSE may not be worth it.
Back to the extension cord question, the main reason they say not to use one is because it has the potential to be unsafe. Some argue that while that's true, if you do it correctly then it can be safe. That's a decision you will have to make. To list some things that will make it safer, even if not 100% safe,
- use an extension cable designed for your size outlet, which in your case is 14-50. Don't try and use adapters to make a different type of extension cable fit.
- use as short of an extension cable as possible.
- make a semi-permanent off the ground installation so that the cables don't get stepped on, and so that you don't have to constantly unplug the extension cable. Ideally the extension cord will be completely in your garage, and that's where the extension cord should connect to the EVSE cable. The EVSE "box" should be mounted on the wall. Only the EVSE cable should extend outside of the garage to the car. When you are done charging you would bring the EVSE cable back into the garage where you would have a place on the wall to hang the EVSE and its cable.
- Regularly check the cables and especially the connections to make sure that they are not getting hot during use.
- using a lower setting on your EVSE will make this situation safer which is why I mentioned it. I.e. if there are any imperfections in the setup, running 10 Amp will be more forgiving than 32 Amp and will be less likely to overheat. Running 10 Amp at 240V will be nearly twice as fast as using the OEM EVSE on 120V, so it should be adequate. Of course much slower than you are used to with 32 Amp, but for the Clarity still probably fast enough. Even though 32 Amp is fine for your current setup, as an experiment you might try using 10 Amp and see if it's something that you can live with. Might be a slight tradeoff, but probably worth it if it allows you to park your car in a better location.
Thank you so much for this very informative and helpful information. I really appreciate it!
I have a ChargePoint Level 2 EVSE hardwired (by a licensed electrician) to a 240V/50A breaker, and I used this cable for about 6 months to extend the length of the EVSE cable so I could park on the street: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YD2LBZW/
It works well, and the cable shows no signs of decay or wear on the plug or the cable after being out in the elements for that time. I have since brought the cable indoors for storage because I no longer have a need to park on the street, but if I ever do, I will certainly be bringing the cable back out to do so.
Combining the length of the built-in EVSE cable with this extension basically gives the cable the length to run past about two and a half full-size car lengths and still reach to plug into your vehicle.
It works well, and the cable shows no signs of decay or wear on the plug or the cable after being out in the elements for that time. I have since brought the cable indoors for storage because I no longer have a need to park on the street, but if I ever do, I will certainly be bringing the cable back out to do so.
Combining the length of the built-in EVSE cable with this extension basically gives the cable the length to run past about two and a half full-size car lengths and still reach to plug into your vehicle.
That's interesting I have not seen one of those before. Seems like it might be a better way to go even if it is somewhat pricey, since the connection between the two cables is J1772. The NEMA plugs on extension cords seems to often be a point of weakness especially on lower quality cables.I have a ChargePoint Level 2 EVSE hardwired (by a licensed electrician) to a 240V/50A breaker, and I used this cable for about 6 months to extend the length of the EVSE cable so I could park on the street: Amazon.com: BESENERGY EV J1772 Extension Cable Upgraded 40Amp 220V-240V Charging Cord for Electric Vehicle 20ft 6m Compatible All SAE J1772 Chargers¡: Automotive
It works well, and the cable shows no signs of decay or wear on the plug or the cable after being out in the elements for that time. I have since brought the cable indoors for storage because I no longer have a need to park on the street, but if I ever do, I will certainly be bringing the cable back out to do so.
Combining the length of the built-in EVSE cable with this extension basically gives the cable the length to run past about two and a half full-size car lengths and still reach to plug into your vehicle.
I can use my level 2 portable charger that has a 40 foot length and plug into my dryer outlet. Just find one on EBay.Does anyone have a specific recommendation/link to where I can get the best charging cord for my new 2021 Honda Clarity hybrid plug-in? I have the standard but it won't reach any of the hotel electrical outlets from it's parking spot. How many amps should I get and what type specifically? Do I need a convertible one? Looking for something versatile yet effective and cost and time-effective overall. Does it need any other attachments? Can it be used in rain? Thanks in advance!!
Dave
Some people are okay with using equipment that cannot be UL or CE certified and violates the NEC, some are not.I can use my level 2 portable charger that has a 40 foot length and plug into my dryer outlet. Just find one on EBay.
Dave
25' is the max total length (from the plug) allowed for portable EVSEs (for mounted units the 25' is measured from where charge cables exits the box)
Equipment like this either intentionally violates code or the manufacturer doesn't know about the restrictions. The former is vastly preferable to the latter in my book, but I tend to avoid both types of vendors. YMMV
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