Charging with an extension cord

[Dangerfish]

I searched and I think I know the answers but I'd just like to confirm.
I'm going to Oklahoma from Dallas this Summer. I can make it on a full charge with 20% battery left according to ABRP. The problem is that there are NO public charging options in this town and I don't know how close I can get the car to an outlet at the cabin. I will be there 3 days with limited driving while there. Leaving the car plugged in to 110V will probably give me plenty of charge to get back to the first public super charger 135 miles away on my way back home. There is a dryer outlet in the cabin. From what I understand, I as long as I buy very high quality extension cables (110 or 220), I would be fine to use these occasionally without risk of damaging the car or causing a fire?
Do I need to verify a certain amp circuit at the breaker box before using one of these options?

Something like these?
https://cutt.ly/txwtHK6
https://cutt.ly/UxwyDLy


TIA,

Jay

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[AzCoronaDog]

As long as the cord you use is rated for the amperage being pulled, it should be fine. RV'rs use 50amp extension cords every day without issues.
However, I would certainly test the cord before relying on it to get you home!
If either the plug or socket end of the extension cord starts to get very warm, it is not big enough.

 

[breeves002]

If doing 110v get a high quality extension cable that is 12 gauge if the run is over 50', 14 gauge should be fine if under 50'. They're expensive but this will allow for the least voltage drop and heat. I'd still recommend 12 gauge either way though it may be overkill. Better overkill than too small. I have charged different electric cars on 110v with good extension cables without issue.

If you do have a dryer plug make sure it is a NEMA 14-50 and it must be a 40A breaker for the 30A required by the Ford mobile charger. I don't know much about the extension cables made for these but make sure it is a decent one.

 

[Rotting Piñata]

Came across this in another tread on this forum somewhere.

https://www.amazon.com/MUSTART-Extension-Electric-Charging-Stations/dp/B07W5TVFSS/ref=sr_1_12?crid=3245R62TEW8JY&dchild=1&keywords=j1772+extension+cable&qid=1614523845&sprefix=J1772+ex,aps,180&sr=8-12

 

[generaltso]

A 14-50 extension cord isn’t likely to help with a dryer outlet since those are usually 14-30 or 10-30. The 120v extension cord you linked has a 20A plug with a sideways pin, so that probably isn’t a good choice.

I‘d recommend going with a J1772 extension for max flexibility.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0821HJMJB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[breeves002]

Came across this in another tread on this forum somewhere.

https://www.amazon.com/MUSTART-Extension-Electric-Charging-Stations/dp/B07W5TVFSS/ref=sr_1_12?crid=3245R62TEW8JY&dchild=1&keywords=j1772+extension+cable&qid=1614523845&sprefix=J1772+ex,aps,180&sr=8-12

I would just do this instead. Less expensive, longer length, same result. What you did is good for stationary charging stations that you can't move off the wall or something.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Extension-PowerGrip-Convenient-Carrying/dp/B0024ECIP0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1L9O0C4O4XDNV&dchild=1&keywords=nema+14-50+extension+cord&qid=1616086297&sprefix=nema+14-50+ex,aps,196&sr=8-1

Though if it isn't a NEMA 14-50 outlet this won't work and you should go with the J1772 extension instead.

 

[Maquis]

You should be able to fully charge in 3 days using 120V. I wouldn't try to use the dryer outlet unless I knew more about it. A good, heavy duty extension cord should be fine. 14 gauge minimum, 12 is better especially if it's very long (50').

 

[Dangerfish]

Ya, I don’t think I’m going to find enough info about the dryer plug so it seems my best bet is to get a high quality, 12g extension cord and just plug in to 110V?

I’m not understanding how a J1772 would be useful because I’d still need to know that I have access to a NEMA 14-50 and I don’t know that with certainty. I could still charge 110 w the 1772 but that is more expensive than just a regular extension cord, right?

 

[Dangerfish]

Ext range, AWD

 

[generaltso]

I’m not understanding how a J1772 would be useful because I’d still need to know that I have access to a NEMA 14-50 and I don’t know that with certainty. I could still charge 110 w the 1772 but that is more expensive than just a regular extension cord, right?

Yes, but a J1772 extension gives you the flexibility to use it with any voltage in the future. It‘s a useful tool for any EV owner. It can even be used at a public L2 charger when it’s ICEd.

 

[Maquis]

Ya, I don’t think I’m going to find enough info about the dryer plug so it seems my best bet is to get a high quality, 12g extension cord and just plug in to 110V?

This is what I would do. The only wildcard is you won't really know what else is on the circuit you plug into. Worse case is that you trip a breaker (hopefully you have access to the panel to reset) and try a different circuit.

I’m not understanding how a J1772 would be useful because I’d still need to know that I have access to a NEMA 14-50 and I don’t know that with certainty. I could still charge 110 w the 1772 but that is more expensive than just a regular extension cord, right?

Agreed.

 

[DBC]

Ya, I don’t think I’m going to find enough info about the dryer plug so it seems my best bet is to get a high quality, 12g extension cord and just plug in to 110V?

I agree with your conclusion. The dryer outlet is going to be problematic. You have the unknown of the plug -- probably some version of 10-30 or 14-30, which would requite the right adapter -- and the circuit -- which would need to be wired for 40A. Unless you can get a picture beforehand seems dicey.

But 110v is going to be slow. Have you checked on PlugShare for campgrounds in the area? Lots of time these will, for a fee of course, let you plug in. And these would be 14-50R.

 

[sockmeister]

Yes, but a J1772 extension gives you the flexibility to use it with any voltage in the future. It‘s a useful tool for any EV owner. It can even be used at a public L2 charger when it’s ICEd.

This will work. The ONLY downsides with a J1772 extender are 1) cost, and 2) risk of theft I guess?

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