A complete guide to using an EV charger extension cord

Charging electric vehicles (EVs) at home can be convenient, especially if your charger doesn't have a long enough cable to easily connect to your car. Sometimes, to avoid the need to install an additional charging station, EV owners turn to using an extension cord. However, it's not that simple. In this guide, we'll look at whether you should use an extension cord to charge your EV and consider all the benefits and risks of doing so.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

What is an electric car charger?

An electric vehicle (EV) charger is a specialised electrical device designed to charge the batteries of electric vehicles. Its operation is based on the process of converting electrical energy from the grid into energy that can be stored by the battery of an electric vehicle. Chargers can be connected to various sources of electrical power, such as household outlets (220 V) or specialised high-speed charging stations (380 V) for fast charging.

Charging from a regular wall outlet can be quite slow because its power is limited. For this reason, specialised charging stations with high power are often used to significantly reduce charging times. In some cases, charging stations can offer different power levels, allowing owners to choose the most suitable option depending on their needs and capabilities. These chargers can have different types of connection, including charging cables, which ensure safe and efficient charging of electric vehicles. They can also be equipped with various safety features to prevent overheating, short circuits and other potentially dangerous situations.

Is an EV charger extension cord the same as a household extension cord?

No, an electric vehicle charger extension cord has significant differences from a regular household extension cord, and these differences are critical to the safety and efficiency of charging. A regular household extension cord, which is commonly used to connect household appliances, is not designed for the high loads required when charging an electric vehicle. Such cables are not able to withstand prolonged loads at high power, which can lead to overheating, insulation damage and, in the worst case, a short circuit or even fire.

Extension cords for EV chargers are made of materials that can withstand higher loads, as charging electric vehicles requires significantly more power than conventional household appliances. Such power strips have special insulation that prevents overheating and other negative consequences during prolonged use. They may also have additional safety features, including thermal protection, which automatically shuts off the power supply in the event of overheating. This makes them more reliable and safer to use when charging electric vehicles, unlike conventional household power strips that can cause serious problems when trying to charge an electric car.

Using a conventional extension cord for an EV charger: what you can and can't do

As electric cars become more popular, the need for convenient and affordable charging solutions is becoming increasingly important. Many drivers choose to charge their electric cars at home, and in many cases, they use a regular household power strip. However, is this safe? 

Theoretically, it is possible to connect an electric car charger via a normal household extension cord, as this can provide the necessary connection to the mains. However, even if this works in the short term, it is dangerous and not recommended on a permanent basis. Using an extension cord to charge an EV can lead to serious problems. For example, the increased load on the cable can cause overheating, which increases the risk of damage to electrical outlets or even a fire. Since power strips are not designed to operate at high power for long periods of time, using them to charge electric vehicles can be unpredictably dangerous.

The main reasons why you shouldn't use a regular extension cord

A household power strip is not designed to withstand the loads that occur when charging electric vehicles. Standard power strips are designed for smaller appliances and may be limited in their ability to withstand prolonged loads. When you connect your charger to a household extension cord, there is a risk that the wires or the connector itself may overheat, which can lead to a short circuit, burning of the cable insulation, or even fire. Since electric vehicles typically take several hours to charge, an increased load on the power strip can lead to serious problems.

Most household power strips are not designed for continuous use with high power, as is the case when charging electric cars. Prolonged use can damage the cable itself or even cause the sockets to fail. The high power delivered by an EV charger can quickly wear out the materials of a standard extension cable, especially if it is longer than recommended. Over time, this can cause the wires to burn out or lose contact, increasing the risk of accidents.

Also, the power strip can affect the efficiency of the charging process. If the extension cord is too long or has an insufficient wire diameter, it creates an increased resistance to the energy transferred from the socket to the charger. As a result, some energy is lost on the way from the power supply to the vehicle. This process can significantly reduce charging efficiency and also increase the time it takes to fully charge the battery. In the worst case scenario, this can cause delays in the charging process and result in additional electricity consumption, which is an inefficient and costly way to charge.

Therefore, although at first glance it may seem that connecting via a conventional power strip is a convenient and quick solution, it can lead to serious problems. To ensure safety and efficiency, it is always better to use specialised chargers or extension cords designed specifically for charging electric vehicles.

Energy loss when using a conventional power strip to charge an EV

When you use a household power strip, some energy is lost. This is due to the increased internal resistance of the cable, which can cause a drop in voltage and therefore slower charging of your electric vehicle.

Factors affecting energy loss:

• Quality of the extension cord
• Cable length
• Operating conditions (humidity, temperature, etc.)

These factors can significantly reduce charging efficiency and increase the time required to fully charge the battery.

Charging an EV via a household power strip: a slower process

Charging an electric car via a household outlet may seem like a convenient option, especially when you don't have a specialised charging station at hand. However, by using a standard extension cord and plugging the car into a household socket (2.4 kW), the charging process can take much longer than with a special charger.

For example, charging an electric car with a 60 kWh battery via a household socket (2.2-3.6 kW) can take between 17 and 27 hours, depending on the power. This means that you will have to leave your car charging for a much longer period of time than if you used a dedicated 7 kW home charging station. Such a station charges your car three times faster and also offers a much higher level of safety.

In addition, it can be dangerous to leave the extension cord overnight or unattended. Exposing the extension cord to high loads increases the risk of overheating, which can lead to damage or even fire. Therefore, if you do decide to use an extension cable, be prepared to constantly check the cable for overheating or other signs of damage, especially if charging takes a long time.

In this regard, charging with a standard household power strip is not only slow, but also potentially dangerous. The best option is to use a specialised charging station for an electric vehicle, which will ensure fast, safe and efficient charging.

Safety when using an EV charging extension cord: tips and tricks

If you do decide to use an extension cord to charge your electric car, it is very important to follow certain safety rules to avoid possible dangers such as overheating, cable damage or even fire. The wrong choice or use of an extension cord can lead to serious consequences, so you should carefully choose a device that meets all the necessary standards and requirements.

Safety first and foremost

The first thing to consider when choosing an extension cord for charging an electric car is safety. You should only choose extension cords that are specifically designed for charging electric cars and have the appropriate safety certificates. This ensures that the cable is made of materials that can withstand high loads and will not overheat during the charging process. Extension cables for charging electric vehicles should be equipped with additional safety features, such as thermal protection to prevent overheating or automatic shutdown in the event of a dangerous situation. Therefore, you should not skimp on quality and safety - this can lead to serious consequences.

Compatibility

It's also important to check that the extension cord you choose fits your charging station and outlet. There are different types of sockets and cables, so you need to make sure they are compatible and that the extension cord does not limit the charging power. For example, some charging stations may require a specific type of outlet or cable to maintain the necessary power for fast charging. Connecting the wrong extension cord can result in reduced charging efficiency and, in the worst case, damage to the outlet or charger.

Length and diameter

Choosing the right size extension cord is also an important safety consideration. The extension cord should be long enough to allow for easy connection to your outlet, but not too long. Usually, extension cords longer than 15 metres can cause charging problems because the resistance increases over such a long distance, which can lead to energy loss and a slower charging process. In addition, long cables create additional challenges when using them - they can become tangled, mechanically damaged, or create obstacles in the way.

When it comes to cable diameter, it is important that it is large enough to transmit high power. Cables with thin wires may not be able to withstand the high load, which again will lead to overheating and damage.

Amperage rating

Another critical aspect is the ampacity of the extension cord. Amperage is the amount of current a cable can safely carry without overheating. An extension cord for charging an electric car should have the same or higher amperage than your charger. If the amperage of the extension cord is less than the charging needs, it can cause the wires to overheat, which greatly increases the risk of a short circuit or even fire. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to check that the amperage of the extension cord matches the capacity of your charger.

Resistance to weather conditions

If charging is carried out outdoors or in high humidity conditions, you should choose an extension cable that is waterproof and has appropriate insulation. External conditions such as rain, snow, or high humidity can affect the safety of the cable, especially if it is not protected from these factors. It is important that the extension cord is certified for use in variable weather conditions and is able to withstand low or high temperatures without damage. This will ensure not only safe but also efficient charging in all conditions.

Verdict.

So, should you use an extension cord to charge your electric car? In theory, it is possible, but in practice, this solution can be dangerous and inefficient. If you do plan to use an extension cord, it is important to carefully choose a suitable device that has all the necessary safety certificates and is also suitable for the high loads associated with EV charging.

However, to ensure maximum safety, efficiency and charging speed, the best option is to use a specialised charging station for electric vehicles. This will not only provide you with fast charging, but also reliable protection against possible risks associated with overheating, damaged cables or short circuits. Such stations have the appropriate safety certificates and are designed specifically for use with electric vehicles.

Always put safety first. Choosing the right charging station or extension cord will help you avoid unnecessary risks and ensure that your electric vehicle is charged safely and efficiently.

Charging electric vehicles with ECOFACTOR

We are ECOFACTOR, a company specialising in the development and production of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs), as well as providing business solutions in the field of charging infrastructure. Our activities cover not only the creation of charging stations, but also the provision of comprehensive services, including the selection, installation and maintenance of charging stations, as well as the provision of the necessary accessories and cables for EV charging.

Using extension cords to charge electric vehicles is a matter of safety and efficiency. As we mentioned earlier in the article, the wrong extension cord can lead to serious problems, from overheating of cables to possible short circuits. In such cases, it's best to turn to proven and certified solutions. In our online store you will find accessories specifically designed for charging electric vehicles. These include. cables and adaptersThe chargers meet the necessary safety standards and are able to withstand high loads, ensuring safe and efficient charging.

In addition, we offer a user-friendly application available for iOS and Android. This application allows you to find the nearest charging stationsThe system makes it easy to check their availability and make payments, which greatly facilitates the process of charging electric vehicles.

Our services

• Charging stations for business: we offer solutions for companies that want to provide their customers with electric vehicle charging. From the design and selection of the optimal stations to installation and maintenance, we are there for you every step of the way.
• Operator platformOur platform allows you to efficiently manage your charging station network, monitor energy consumption, set up tariffs and simplify reporting.
• Online shopIn our store you will find everything you need to charge your electric car: from cables and adapters to charging stations with a capacity of up to 420 kW.

Our company offers you not only a product, but also a complete service - from selecting the optimal charging solutions to providing a platform for managing charging stations. Whether you are planning to build a charging infrastructure for your business or simply looking for the right accessories for your electric vehicle, ECOFACTOR is the right partner to help you achieve your goal.

Conclusion.

Using an extension cord to charge your electric car may seem like a convenient solution, especially when the charger doesn't have a long enough cable to comfortably connect to your electric car. However, as our article shows, extension cords that are not designed for such heavy loads can cause serious problems such as overheating, cable damage, or even short circuits. Although an extension cord may work in some cases, it is not the best option for regular charging of an electric car.

To ensure safe and efficient charging, it is best to use specialised charging stations that are designed specifically for this purpose. They provide fast charging, reliability and protection against possible risks. If you are looking for a charging solution for your electric vehicle, you should turn to proven, certified products such as those offered by ECOFACTOR. 

Frequently asked questions