Lesson Learned with 120v Charging

[Bubz]

We've had our Mach-e for 2 years and really love it. Even though we drive it regularly we mostly charge it on a standard 120v outdoor outlet and up until now never had an issue with it. Last week I woke up to a very cold morning and an amber light on the charger and my initial thought was it just needed to be unplugged for a bit and plugged back in - it fixed itself before by doing this. However, when I unplugged it from the outlet I immediately saw the issue - the outlet was scorched and there was a clear indication of overheating on the cable prongs. Long story short, the charger didn't reach the nearest outlet so I attached a short extension chord to it. Apparently this is a no-no and after taking it to the dealer they reported that Ford told them this will cause the extension chord to overheat. So word to the wise, if you're doing this, stop now.

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[devmach-e]

What gauge extension cord did you use?

 

[RickMachE]

From the manual:

WARNING: Do not use the charging equipment with an extension cord, surge protector, timer or other adapter. Failure to follow this instruction could result in electric shock or fire.

Note: Plug the connector for the mobile charger directly into the wall plug receptacle. Do not plug the mobile charger into any form of extension cord.

 

[Wallie]

Looks like that flat pin did not have a good connection with the outlet. If it starts sparkling it gets real hot real soon.

 

[hack-e]

Thank you for the reminder.

 

[moog]

Glad you found out before it went really wrong.

Do NOT use extension cords for large draw appliances.....this includes you EV!

Even with a heavy gauge "appliance" cord, it's generally not a good idea.

 

[AZMMESTAR]

What gauge extension cord did you use?

Notice,,,no response!

 

[superdave80]

Given that the damage happened at the prongs, this looks more like a loose outlet connection rather than a cord gauge problem. I've used a long, heavy duty extension cord many, many times without problem. I even once put TWO heavy duty extension cords in series on my charger, and even after charging all weekend the cords weren't warm at all, even in the middle of the day.

 

[Schmedlack]

Glad you found out before it went really wrong.

Do NOT use extension cords for large draw appliances.....this includes you EV!

Even with a heavy gauge "appliance" cord, it's generally not a good idea.

Yes!! Extension cords cause fires! This is a real problem in older houses with poor heating. Forum readers are smart enough to know that portable heaters should not be connected with extension cords. BUT many people don't know this and plug a high-current appliance into any old dimestore extnsion cord..... and you know the results.

 

[Mach-Lee]

We've had our Mach-e for 2 years and really love it. Even though we drive it regularly we mostly charge it on a standard 120v outdoor outlet and up until now never had an issue with it. Last week I woke up to a very cold morning and an amber light on the charger and my initial thought was it just needed to be unplugged for a bit and plugged back in - it fixed itself before by doing this. However, when I unplugged it from the outlet I immediately saw the issue - the outlet was scorched and there was a clear indication of overheating on the cable prongs. Long story short, the charger didn't reach the nearest outlet so I attached a short extension chord to it. Apparently this is a no-no and after taking it to the dealer they reported that Ford told them this will cause the extension chord to overheat. So word to the wise, if you're doing this, stop now.

Throw the extension cord out, and you also have to replace that outlet now.

120V should not be used for long-term charging. Most wiring devices are not designed for the duty cycle of EV charging.

 

[Billyk24]

Throw the extension cord out, and you also have to replace that outlet now.

120V should not be used for long-term charging. Most wiring devices are not designed for the duty cycle of EV charging.

Going further, it is recommended to have a 20amp dedicated 120V outlet if you are going to use such for EV charging.

 

[superdave80]

120V should not be used for long-term charging.

Wait... what? Are you saying that all these EV manufacturers have sent us little wired death-boxes in the form of our EV chargers?

 

[Rj786]

one more thing to note is that the outlet must be dedicated for EV charging only.

 

[ipca204]

one more thing to note is that the outlet must be dedicated for EV charging only.

ummmmm, what? Sorry, I don't think that's a "thing"...

 

[onepunch]

What gauge extension cord did you use?

cmon now, its still perfectly good!! LOL

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