Long Term Non Use. Appropriate Extension chords

[bigsky]

#12 gauge as a minimum wire size for a 110v outlet for extension. Do not leave it coiled while in use. Expect days of charging on 110v. For 240v it gets complex due to all the options

Hmm. Your premise begs the following question: what exactly does a coiled cable do!?? Thank you.

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[SkiDoc]

I’d recommend derating the charge amperage. Done through the charge settings on the main screen.

if you’re setting to 8a or less, I wouldn’t be concerned at all using any extension cord. If 10-12, a 10/3 cord, up to 25’ should work ok.

when traveling, I carry a 6/3 10’ extension cord for my 24a 240v charger and plug into a dryer circuit. This gives me 35’ from the plug to the vehicle. Been doing this for the past 12

for your longer trips, if set the charge rate to a lower amp, like 10-15a to 50-60% and park in the garage.

just keep in mind that chargers/charging should not exceed 80% of the rated circuit for continuous use. 60% or less would be very safe

 

[beatle]

I've never understood the indiscriminate fear mongering associated with charging on an extension cord. Yes, regardless of the load, extension cords carry additional risks, like coming loose, damage to the wire/jacket, insufficient wire gauge, and more exposure to elements (run in wet area) but this is why they're not designed for permanent use.

There's no code that prohibits the use of an extension cord for temporary use, and as long as you're using a properly sized cord, use it to minimize the inherent risks, and don't rely on it as a permanent solution, you should be fine. It's better to educate people on what they need to know about using one rather than just saying something is too dangerous.

When I've used extension cords to charge, they barely get above ambient temperature, if they warm up at all. That includes the junctions at the plug/receptacle. They're sized for the load, they're routed so there is less strain on the plug, and I keep the plugs inside vs. out in the elements. I generally use them only for a few days when visiting family, though sometimes they are in use for over a day of constant use. I did run one for 6 weeks while I had my Lightning and I didn't yet have an EVSE on the outside of my house.

This is a good reference for extension cords:

https://www.mikeholt.com/newsletters.php?action=display&letterID=2849

 

[HaveBlue]

Hmm. Your premise begs the following question: what exactly does a coiled cable do!?? Thank you.

Any time you run ac through a conductor it creates a magnetic field. A coiled long extension cable will create a strong magnetic field in the area. That makes heat and resistance. Enough of that for long enough will cause damage. My 220v welder will heat a long extension cord if I'm doing a lot of welding and most extension cords are not HH thermoplastic.

Here's a simple example

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