[Kevin Sharpe]

We've had lots of debate here and on other forums about charging an EV using an extension lead. I thought I would share BEAMA (see below) comments;

"No you cannot use an extension lead. There is a European standard that says the use of cable reels, extension leads, and adaptors, are not permitted for charging of electric vehicles"

http://www.beama.org.uk/en/product-areas/smart-building-energy-management/electric-vehicle-charging.cfm

Start Watching At 3:21

"BEAMA is the independent expert knowledge base and forum for the electrotechnical industry for the UK and across Europe. Representing over 300 manufacturing companies in the electrotechnical sector, the organisation has significant influence over UK and international political, standardisation and commercial policy."

 

[Alexander Sims]

This is interesting, I guess I shouldn't have but on many occasions I have had no option but to use an extension cable... I've never experienced any issues and even had to use an adaptor with it when on a road trip in Europe.

I'm not suggesting it is ok, but just to put it out there that I've done it frequently and never experienced an issue. I guess if badly maintained cables or underrated cabling is used then issues will occur.

 

[Jason Wallace]

Same as you Alexander

I'm guessing that this one is near unenforceable anyhow

 

[Alexander Sims]

Yes, I cannot remember how many times I have had an extension cable going the window of a hotel room but it's quite a lot.
I always make sure to charge at 10 amps rather than 13 though to prevent serious heat build up.

It is pretty unenforceable but good to give some guidelines as it theoretically could be a safety issue if poor cabling is used... I learnt quickly that an extension cable had to be full unwound when taking a full load! I melted one very early on... This sort of thing is simply not clever to encourage without explaining the need to fully unreel the cable and then charge at 10amps rather than 13 (actually don't most cars only take 10amps from the 13 available anyway?)

 

[brian orr]

An explanation for the video is, As follows:
"In English tort law, an individual may owe a duty of care to another, to ensure that they do not suffer any unreasonable harm or loss. If such a duty is found to be breached, a legal liability is imposed upon the tortfeasor to compensate the victim for any losses they incur. The idea of individuals owing strangers a duty of care – where beforehand such duties were only found from contractual arrangements – developed at common law, throughout the 20th century. ..//..
Generally, a duty of care arises where one individual or group undertakes an activity which could reasonably harm another, either physically, mentally, or economically. This includes common activities such as driving (where physical injury may occur), as well as specialised activities such as dispensing reliant economic advice (where economic loss may occur). Where an individual has not created a situation which may cause harm, no duty of care exists to warn others of dangerous situations or prevent harm occurring to them; such acts are known as pure omissions, and liability may only arise where a prior special relationship exists to necessitate them."
What you have been watching is simply BEEMA's insurance policy against being sued and there are many instances of companies selling products and services giving similar disclaimers?
Whatever you do with your EV electics - its your responsibility, your risk. Very normal?

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

I use an extension lead quite a lot when I visit friends and family. They don't have dedicated charging yet... though I am working on that but they generally don't want to install a charging station just for me.

However, and this is the important point I think, I will ONLY use my extension lead that I take with me. I know it to be properly rated for continuous 10A and I have personally opened up and checked the connections at each end. I always unwind it fully before use.

I also regularly check the socket it is plugged into when charging and only charge overnight at 6A using my Ampera EVSE. I would feel nervous going to bed with a car charging at 10A unless I was absolutely certain of the standard and condition of the electrics.

Early on (2-3 years ago when everything was all new to most of us) I have seen melted sockets and had sockets and cables get very warm and so now I am always very cautious. In theory it should be fine providing everything is in good condition and properly rated for 10A continuous but by using a 6A EVSE I am pretty safe IMO.

What you do is up to you but be cautious and don't just assume it will be fine because it might not and the consequences could be disastrous.

There are a lot of people that permanently charge on 13A sockets all the time and if they are on a dedicated circuit and it has been inspected and passed by an electrically qualified person then that is fine but to charge regularly on any 13A socket that is part of a ring or spur and especially if using an extension that is not properly rated and fully unwound then it could result in a fire.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Historically I used a 13A extension reel as discussed here and charged at 7A-10A. I then migrated to a 32A 'professional' extension that was manufactured from 6mm HO7 cable and used "commando" plugs and sockets. I never had a problem with either of these setups although I've probably not used it for a year or more because Charging Stations are more prevalent. One factor I'm sure is that the Tesla is very good at detecting excessive voltage drops and it will prevent charging if it's not happy. Its also excellent at reporting charging volt/amps in real time to the user in the car or via OVMS so you know exactly what's going on.

I completely agree with @Paul_Churchley that safety must come first and a 13A extension should only be used as a last resort if you are confident that it is safe to do so. Obviously, if you make that decision and get it wrong then you are responsible as @brian orr discussed.

 

[Dean Hamer]

There shouldn't be any problem using a good quality extension reel every so often when you have no other alternative to charge. So long as it's a 13A rated reel and that your not an idiot and charge the car up when the reel is coiled up.

Something like this should be fine.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004R255VQ?pc_redir=1396539059&robot_redir=1

Speaking of idiots... Watch this video 15 seconds in!

Nissan Leaf electric car range test - autocar.co.…:

 

[brian orr]

Setting aside the cable discussion (on which there seems to be plenty of agreement) - when visiting friends or otherwise away from base and using an extension cable - we should to neglect to make a survey of the socket that we are using. Older building, garge sockets and patio sockets may not be the beefiest. The best power outlet to use is definitely the one on the cooker control panel - they are rated at at 45 amp (I believe) - so they will not be stressed by an EV. Trouble is no one wants to leave the window open to make it accessible!

 

[brian orr]

PS I'm sure it goes without saying - but if you plug into a kitchen while appliances are being used - something is likely to get over stressed! You don't want to be remembered as the guest who 'cooked' the kitchen circuit