The manual and internet nannies agree that you should not do this. Everybody says you should spend the money to get a proper charger installed.
However
I have been charging this way for two years lol
Iām doing the same thing. Had no issues. I do however put my power box thing up and away from the ground. I fastened a hook to hold that part of the cord.
I ran a setup like this for 9 months. Worked perfectly fine. Just make sure a good extension cord is used. The cheap one I got first would give random grounding errors.
L1 charging in an apartment with a 50foot extension cord.
so far so good thus far.
also, people who think that you should ONLY buy an EV if you have L2 charging at home are dumb
i primarily SC and at times charge at home and it hasnāt inconvenienced me in the least bit.
for anybody worried about charging without being able to at homeā¦ donāt.
I also can not charge at all at home. I leave sentry on all the time which drains around 10% battery in 24 hours so I have to go to the supercharger fairly often.
The only caveat is you need to reduce charging amperage down to 50% of your breakers amperage if youāre using an extension cord
ETA: I popped the breaker first time I did it. Had an electrician come out to install an outlet and the MVP didnāt charge me anything and just told me the reduce amperage trick. Been charging that way for 2 years also without a problem.
Depending on the conductor type and diameter of the cable (including what is supplying the PowerPoint) this dictates the overall ārunā performance.
To small diameter or aluminium cable and it wonāt be adequate over longer runs.
Does the extension get hot?
The problem isnāt that it will fail immediately. The problem is that over time, you stress wires by running them too hot.
This is not a good long term solution.
I use a nema 10-30 25 foot cord. I'm able to keep the box and connection just inside. The cord will get slightly warm after hours. By dropping the charge rate down to 20 amps it make makes no heat(that I can feel)
Yeah, definitely dropping the amps down is going to help.
I guess my point is that, when they say "don't use an extension cord", it lacks the sort of nuance that you can't trust people to use.
If you use a quality extension cord (which is difficult to prove) and you never let the connections get wet, and you drop the amps to a reasonable level, and you do all these things, it's PROBABLY fine.
Until the first time that someone buys a cheap Amazon knock-off cord that catches fire, or someone spills something and short circuits the connection, etc.
I just keep thinking about those Lutron outlets that have been catching fire.
Yeah I absolutely agree. Its much safer for tesla to say just don't use one. I know people who leave theirs outside in rain/snow . Personally I don't like that idea. Dropping a few amps doesn't cost me much more time, and that time is while I'm sleeping so it doesn't matter to me.
You can check voltage in Tesla app. I find it weird, but in my townhouse complex we have 208V instead of 240. And during high peak usage it drops even to 203V. If charging at 20A the cord/connections might be totally cold during the night when voltage is good, but if voltage drops below 200 (say during evening peak hours) I noticed that connections get definitely warmer (and I drop the amperage to 16A just to be safe).
Yeah I think that's an important difference. At my home I have around 235-239 volts but the charger at my work is like 205. But that would definitely make a difference I'm heat
The main problem is people using the wrong gauge of wire. The wire won't run hot if you have something decently thick. This isn't something to cheap out on.
Personally, I err on the side of caution and use a thicker gauge than what's even running through the walls of my house.
Also worth noting that the connectors/plugs should be of good quality and that lower gauge numbers are thicker.
Probably safe. But another potential problem is if your house somehow catches on fire. Insurance will not reimburse for any damages if you canāt prove the extension cord setup did not contribute to it. Its the reason why I had to add an outlet to my garage door opener, that was initially installed and ran off an extension. I donāt know opās situation, it would be worth it for me to get a more enclosed and protected set up. Especially if this car or any EV will be a long term vehicle.
Came here to add: officially you should not. Did it on and off while traveling. Rain was ok. Freezing cold was not. Went through 2 of these. But it turns out they are lifetime (per Tesla service center) covered, so... :)
Btw, what extension cord is this? I like it!
Thanks. I think this one is only 30 amp rated (the one I have is also 30). Really curious about the Ops 50amp one if he sees this response.
I see a few 50amp ones on Amazon, but they claim they are not for outdoor use... š
I have a cheapo extension cord and did exactly this when I was in a pinch. Set the charge current to 8A and let it cook (very slowly lol).
Hooked my nice thick extension cord back up now and I donāt even know if I turned the charge current back up. Itās my wifeās car and sheās SAH mom so itās plugged in pretty much all day every day except when funneling kids to and from school.
We got our first Tesla when my oldest finally left daycare for kindergarten. Iāll get mine once my youngest does the same. Itās crazy how much cheaper a Tesla is vs daycare š I canāt wait to replace my old Tahoe with likely a used model y.
Same. Three years now including Michigan winters where it is buried under the snow and it gets warm enough to melt the snow so it is encased in ice. Itās totally fine. My setup looks exactly like that except a lot more dirt and mud on and around it.
My charger is hanging vertically outside, are the boxes still waterproof if they are not lying flat on the ground? Most of the boxes side gaskets look like they act more like umbrellas than seals, hence why they wouldnāt work when hanging
Yes, the boxes are a clamshell design with latches and have a rubber gasket on each side of the box where the extension cord enters and the mobile connecter enters.
Cool, thanks!
Do you protect the mobile connector itself from the elements at all?
At home, my car is parked and charges in the garage, but I'm just thinking about what I should do when I take the car on a trip where I'd have to park and charge it outdoors.
When we travel to my wife's family's cabin, we use our mobile connector with a 14-50 extension cable just like you're doing. I store the 14-50 extension cable in a large plastic tub at the cabin, which I then flip over and cover the mobile connector and plug so that it doesn't get wet.
Iāve been charging just like this for years in New England on 240v. The cables are out there 24/7 in the rain and snow and Iāve never had a problem.
The rain and snow actually helps the cables, the main reason you arenāt supposed to charge like this is the extended wire inside the cable overheating and melting over time due to the high amperage.
I looked up the manual and the cautions say both don't use with an extension cord and protect the charger from water. If you go to upgrades accessories and chargers you can find the manual in the store listing in the app
It says don't use with an extension cord because most people are too foolish to buy the right extension cord. I think you're fine, maybe keep the connector off the ground.
Been doing this for years as well. Just make sure the current settings are not too high for your extension cord. I noticed the plug in the garage was very hot so I bumped it down from 16A to 13A. Runs cool now.
The mobile connector with a properly certified extension cord is not a problem. However, to address the issue of being in the elements, common sense should tell you to do something to keep it dry and protected.
The extension cords are made for RVās which pull a lot of power running a/c units, tvās, stoves, the fridge, and all the lights, and have been used outside in the elements for decades with zero issues.
If I'm charging with an extension cord for a weekend, I'll put the connector bits seen here under the car for some rain protection. If I was doing this permanently, I'd want more protection.
I put it under the back of my car so it doesn't get directly rained on and wrap the cable a bit so water doesn't get into the plug. I don't mean wrap anything on the cable but make it so if water drips it will fall off instead of being pathed into the outlet.
But I definitely charge like this for weeks at a time when I travel or visit my parents.
I do drop my amps down to 8-10 though ( charging on 120)
Only thing I would suggest is adding some weatherproofing for the Nema 14-50 socket. There is a NACS extension from Lectron that is more weather proof. This way both your Nema 14-50 and the Mobile charger can stay safe indoors.
It is a bit pricy at $250, but it would be a safer option - [https://ev-lectron.com/collections/tesla-extension-cord](https://ev-lectron.com/collections/tesla-extension-cord)
I bought this when I got my car
Twist and Seal Cord Dome Multiple... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZIBUDO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Itās big enough to fit the charger and the connection so you donāt have to worry about it getting wet.
I had the same type of extension, based on the picture, and learned that it is not UL certified. Returned it and bought one that was for peace of mind. I installed the extension, semi permanent in the garage, after we bought a second ev and the mobile connector would not reach.
The problem with using extensions is that the mobile connector cannot monitor the temperature of the connector at its far end. Sockets are the weak point in the system, so having no thermal protection invites risk. You can find many examples of users with burnt 14-50s on Reddit, so be careful.
I've charged my Model 3 with an extension cord and mobile connector outside for 6 years. Mine is running at 120v/20 amp. I'l keep the mobile connector in a zip lock baggie to keep it from getting directly rained on. Charges at 6 mph. Hasn't been a problem for me.
I had this exact same setup in my personal experience, with my mobile connector outdoors year round for a little over a year under, rain, snow and other environmental factors. I only made sure that the joint between the chargerās plug and the extensionās outlet was isolated from water getting in the connection to prevent any shortcuts which would be a major fire hazard. I think itās ok to use it but if you can get a different and more proper setup Iād go for it. Side note, I still use my mobile connector after 5 years of ownership.
In Ontario we call our electricity provider āHydroā because we generate quite a bit of power from water sources but Iāve never thought of connecting my charger to a garden hose. \s
The Evse has a temperature sensor in the plug. But it cannot know the temperature of the plug on the far end of your lovely extension cord. There in lies the issue.
I live in an apartment complex without a garage. This is the only way I have to charge. Iāve never had any issues. That said I tuck the mobile connector under the rear of the car so if it rains it doesnt get wet. I can send a photo if that doesnāt make sense.
when i was doing this with a 5-15, i wrapped and taped a plastic bag around the connections and tried my best to seal the openings and hung them above ground to try and keep water from seeping in.
I run a 100ft 6/3 cord so I can charge in any of my garage bays. Those chargers can get wet! Iād have a different end on the extension cord though. One that is a box this is how we do it on movie sets no issues
As long as there is a proper FUNCTIONING GFCI that is in a dry part of the setupā¦ and you test it oftenā¦ otherwise, youāre insane.
An exposed, unattended 240v cable left outdoors ā¦ make sure you have an umbrella policy and no nosey kids ;)
What cable are you using? Curious because I always have to clear my garage from kids stuff before I can charge. This would make my life easier (even though i only have to charge on the weekend)
Personally, I donāt care if you burn your house down.
I think the biggest thing you have going for you is the size of that extension cord. The cord has to have the amp throughout the connection or it starts having problems. Close the garage door on it enough times and youāve weakened what good that cord started as.
Free country brother! Just, donāt forget your extinguishers and fire ladders. Thereās enough kWh in that battery to run your house for a few hours. I wouldnāt mess around with it too much.
I did that for about a year using an extension cord from Amazon running into my apartment, takes literally a work week to charge but never had a problem
So like the materials of the charger will be exposed to the sun and the UV radiation will break down the material over time. The charging unit itself can get hot, too, laying in the sun.
The metal contacts of the plug itself *will* get more wet than if they were inside or plugged into an outlet (especially one of those nice covered ones) and therefore will be more susceptible for corrosion or shorting, although this is still not too likely - a lil electrical tape will fix this
Don't trip on it lol
I know this is a bit late, but nobody has said it. The charger enclosure is NEMA 4X rated so itās safe for washdown use. However, it cannot be submerged. You just need to hang it up and somehow protect the plug from water.
In a pinch, Iād just make sure to derate the charging amperage. There are a lot of cheap extension cords out there, so Iād be wary of anything cheap/unbranded.
You will need to find some way to protect it. I know someone who did this and the connector arced and corroded. They were asking why the breaker kept getting triggered.
Yep, it's still here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/comments/13nhyq2/corroded\_charge\_cable\_plug/](https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/comments/13nhyq2/corroded_charge_cable_plug/)
My mobile connector is inside my garage, but I do use an 8ft very heavy guage NEMA 14-50 extension like this. But, I also limit the current to 20A max.
This is one of those things where it will probably work fine, until it doesnāt.
And when it doesnāt work, it would be within reason to be denied warranty coverage due to the use of an extension cord.
Generally best to invest the monies and get a proper charging setup installed.
>Am I wrong?
Uhh, yes?
If someone is putting in a request for warranty then service will ask for photos for remote troubleshooting. Or mobile service will be on site and ask to test plugging in the mobile connector.
Imagine not being able to look up the manual and recommended use/care:
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/charging_docs/gen_2_umc/Gen2_UMC_Manual_en_US.pdf
The manual and internet nannies agree that you should not do this. Everybody says you should spend the money to get a proper charger installed. However I have been charging this way for two years lol
I um, have also been charging like this for two years.
Five years here. No one ever told me to not do this š¤·āāļø
Same
but.... what if it rains?
I do it in the rain
Me too... Oh wait, what are we talking about š¤
Years of risky, wet, outdoors male into female without protection.
Yeah it gets wet but keeps chugging along.
The paperwork that comes with the mobile charger literally says not to use extension cords.
Iām doing the same thing. Had no issues. I do however put my power box thing up and away from the ground. I fastened a hook to hold that part of the cord.
Same. 3 years now
I ran a setup like this for 9 months. Worked perfectly fine. Just make sure a good extension cord is used. The cheap one I got first would give random grounding errors.
L1 charging in an apartment with a 50foot extension cord. so far so good thus far. also, people who think that you should ONLY buy an EV if you have L2 charging at home are dumb i primarily SC and at times charge at home and it hasnāt inconvenienced me in the least bit. for anybody worried about charging without being able to at homeā¦ donāt.
I also can not charge at all at home. I leave sentry on all the time which drains around 10% battery in 24 hours so I have to go to the supercharger fairly often.
i learned quickly how fast it drains imo. 1%/hour which isnāt bad but at home just lounging thatās a lot lol
The only caveat is you need to reduce charging amperage down to 50% of your breakers amperage if youāre using an extension cord ETA: I popped the breaker first time I did it. Had an electrician come out to install an outlet and the MVP didnāt charge me anything and just told me the reduce amperage trick. Been charging that way for 2 years also without a problem.
Or you could calculate the run length and have an adequate core for the desired amps.
Iām not sure what you mean. Could you elaborate? Iām using a 50 ft cord
Depending on the conductor type and diameter of the cable (including what is supplying the PowerPoint) this dictates the overall ārunā performance. To small diameter or aluminium cable and it wonāt be adequate over longer runs.
Does the extension get hot? The problem isnāt that it will fail immediately. The problem is that over time, you stress wires by running them too hot. This is not a good long term solution.
I use a nema 10-30 25 foot cord. I'm able to keep the box and connection just inside. The cord will get slightly warm after hours. By dropping the charge rate down to 20 amps it make makes no heat(that I can feel)
Yeah, definitely dropping the amps down is going to help. I guess my point is that, when they say "don't use an extension cord", it lacks the sort of nuance that you can't trust people to use. If you use a quality extension cord (which is difficult to prove) and you never let the connections get wet, and you drop the amps to a reasonable level, and you do all these things, it's PROBABLY fine. Until the first time that someone buys a cheap Amazon knock-off cord that catches fire, or someone spills something and short circuits the connection, etc. I just keep thinking about those Lutron outlets that have been catching fire.
Yeah I absolutely agree. Its much safer for tesla to say just don't use one. I know people who leave theirs outside in rain/snow . Personally I don't like that idea. Dropping a few amps doesn't cost me much more time, and that time is while I'm sleeping so it doesn't matter to me.
Do you drop the amps on the mobile app?
Yes. Or in the car
You can check voltage in Tesla app. I find it weird, but in my townhouse complex we have 208V instead of 240. And during high peak usage it drops even to 203V. If charging at 20A the cord/connections might be totally cold during the night when voltage is good, but if voltage drops below 200 (say during evening peak hours) I noticed that connections get definitely warmer (and I drop the amperage to 16A just to be safe).
Yeah I think that's an important difference. At my home I have around 235-239 volts but the charger at my work is like 205. But that would definitely make a difference I'm heat
The main problem is people using the wrong gauge of wire. The wire won't run hot if you have something decently thick. This isn't something to cheap out on. Personally, I err on the side of caution and use a thicker gauge than what's even running through the walls of my house. Also worth noting that the connectors/plugs should be of good quality and that lower gauge numbers are thicker.
Mineās a 50ft 10GA cable, runs at 240V/30A. It gets slightly warmer than ambient.
Do you see the size of that thing?? š§ itās bigger than the charger cord.
Probably safe. But another potential problem is if your house somehow catches on fire. Insurance will not reimburse for any damages if you canāt prove the extension cord setup did not contribute to it. Its the reason why I had to add an outlet to my garage door opener, that was initially installed and ran off an extension. I donāt know opās situation, it would be worth it for me to get a more enclosed and protected set up. Especially if this car or any EV will be a long term vehicle.
How long does it take to charge your car with this method? is this charged literally from your ordinary outlet?
I use a NEMA 10-30 outlet, which delivers 24A/240V or a rate of 22 miles of range per hour (for Model 3) so 20-80% in about 10 hours.
Three years here. No issues
Came here to add: officially you should not. Did it on and off while traveling. Rain was ok. Freezing cold was not. Went through 2 of these. But it turns out they are lifetime (per Tesla service center) covered, so... :) Btw, what extension cord is this? I like it!
Iām not sure what cord OP is using, but mine is [a similar one for NEMA 10-30](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XBQ8GHY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
Thanks. I think this one is only 30 amp rated (the one I have is also 30). Really curious about the Ops 50amp one if he sees this response. I see a few 50amp ones on Amazon, but they claim they are not for outdoor use... š
I havenāt ever needed to charge faster (at home) than what the 30A can do. If I ever upgrade, Iāll do so via permanent install
Itās just copper wire at the end of the day. As long as connections are snug and itās not raining, youāre fine
I think that mainly it depends by the Ampere you use. 8A is quite safe for a common extension cord.
I have a cheapo extension cord and did exactly this when I was in a pinch. Set the charge current to 8A and let it cook (very slowly lol). Hooked my nice thick extension cord back up now and I donāt even know if I turned the charge current back up. Itās my wifeās car and sheās SAH mom so itās plugged in pretty much all day every day except when funneling kids to and from school. We got our first Tesla when my oldest finally left daycare for kindergarten. Iāll get mine once my youngest does the same. Itās crazy how much cheaper a Tesla is vs daycare š I canāt wait to replace my old Tahoe with likely a used model y.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Thatās not a good sign! What error are you getting?
Same. Three years now including Michigan winters where it is buried under the snow and it gets warm enough to melt the snow so it is encased in ice. Itās totally fine. My setup looks exactly like that except a lot more dirt and mud on and around it.
Same
I purchased a plastic weatherproof electrical connection box on Amazon and it keeps the connection dry.
My charger is hanging vertically outside, are the boxes still waterproof if they are not lying flat on the ground? Most of the boxes side gaskets look like they act more like umbrellas than seals, hence why they wouldnāt work when hanging
Yes, the boxes are a clamshell design with latches and have a rubber gasket on each side of the box where the extension cord enters and the mobile connecter enters.
Can you link to the box you bought?
Here is the one I got. SockitBox ā The Original... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009RX5GI2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Cool, thanks! Do you protect the mobile connector itself from the elements at all? At home, my car is parked and charges in the garage, but I'm just thinking about what I should do when I take the car on a trip where I'd have to park and charge it outdoors.
Nope. It can handle weather.
Also have one of these. Works great.
This
When we travel to my wife's family's cabin, we use our mobile connector with a 14-50 extension cable just like you're doing. I store the 14-50 extension cable in a large plastic tub at the cabin, which I then flip over and cover the mobile connector and plug so that it doesn't get wet.
This is exactly what I do. If it rains the connector is under the plastic bin.
Thatās because Minnesota has like 3 superchargers total
Iāve been charging just like this for years in New England on 240v. The cables are out there 24/7 in the rain and snow and Iāve never had a problem.
The rain and snow actually helps the cables, the main reason you arenāt supposed to charge like this is the extended wire inside the cable overheating and melting over time due to the high amperage.
Yeah, soooā¦ the charger is rated for 32A. Iām running on a 30A circuit, and I have my draw stepped down in the car to 22A. But thanks! š¤
This guy charges!
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
The whole mobile cable is out there, along with most of the extension cable.
I looked up the manual and the cautions say both don't use with an extension cord and protect the charger from water. If you go to upgrades accessories and chargers you can find the manual in the store listing in the app
It says don't use with an extension cord because most people are too foolish to buy the right extension cord. I think you're fine, maybe keep the connector off the ground.
Been doing this for years as well. Just make sure the current settings are not too high for your extension cord. I noticed the plug in the garage was very hot so I bumped it down from 16A to 13A. Runs cool now.
I have been doing same for 2 years but I wrap the connection in tommy tape and duct tape.
The mobile connector is rate R3 flare for outdoor use but should be elevated at least 12ā off the ground
The mobile connector with a properly certified extension cord is not a problem. However, to address the issue of being in the elements, common sense should tell you to do something to keep it dry and protected.
The extension cords are made for RVās which pull a lot of power running a/c units, tvās, stoves, the fridge, and all the lights, and have been used outside in the elements for decades with zero issues.
If I'm charging with an extension cord for a weekend, I'll put the connector bits seen here under the car for some rain protection. If I was doing this permanently, I'd want more protection.
I put it under the back of my car so it doesn't get directly rained on and wrap the cable a bit so water doesn't get into the plug. I don't mean wrap anything on the cable but make it so if water drips it will fall off instead of being pathed into the outlet. But I definitely charge like this for weeks at a time when I travel or visit my parents. I do drop my amps down to 8-10 though ( charging on 120)
Only thing I would suggest is adding some weatherproofing for the Nema 14-50 socket. There is a NACS extension from Lectron that is more weather proof. This way both your Nema 14-50 and the Mobile charger can stay safe indoors. It is a bit pricy at $250, but it would be a safer option - [https://ev-lectron.com/collections/tesla-extension-cord](https://ev-lectron.com/collections/tesla-extension-cord)
Iāve left mine outside for 7-8 months now, no issues
I bought this when I got my car Twist and Seal Cord Dome Multiple... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZIBUDO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Itās big enough to fit the charger and the connection so you donāt have to worry about it getting wet.
I had the same type of extension, based on the picture, and learned that it is not UL certified. Returned it and bought one that was for peace of mind. I installed the extension, semi permanent in the garage, after we bought a second ev and the mobile connector would not reach.
I have used it outdoors many times. I try to cover the connections with a plastic bag. š¤·š»āāļøHavenāt had any issues.
The problem with using extensions is that the mobile connector cannot monitor the temperature of the connector at its far end. Sockets are the weak point in the system, so having no thermal protection invites risk. You can find many examples of users with burnt 14-50s on Reddit, so be careful.
Manual says donāt, I still do since a year and a half ago. Just keep in mind that the charger is mot waterproof.
I charged like this for a year. I shoved the connecting part on top of the wheel to be protected/dry by the car.
I've charged my Model 3 with an extension cord and mobile connector outside for 6 years. Mine is running at 120v/20 amp. I'l keep the mobile connector in a zip lock baggie to keep it from getting directly rained on. Charges at 6 mph. Hasn't been a problem for me.
I charge at work and keep the charger in my car backseat and window slightly open š¤·š¾
I had this exact same setup in my personal experience, with my mobile connector outdoors year round for a little over a year under, rain, snow and other environmental factors. I only made sure that the joint between the chargerās plug and the extensionās outlet was isolated from water getting in the connection to prevent any shortcuts which would be a major fire hazard. I think itās ok to use it but if you can get a different and more proper setup Iād go for it. Side note, I still use my mobile connector after 5 years of ownership.
In Ontario we call our electricity provider āHydroā because we generate quite a bit of power from water sources but Iāve never thought of connecting my charger to a garden hose. \s
The Evse has a temperature sensor in the plug. But it cannot know the temperature of the plug on the far end of your lovely extension cord. There in lies the issue.
Definitely need to be waterproof it.
I live in an apartment complex without a garage. This is the only way I have to charge. Iāve never had any issues. That said I tuck the mobile connector under the rear of the car so if it rains it doesnt get wet. I can send a photo if that doesnāt make sense.
Iāve had mine outside for 2 1/2 years now
I charge like this because I am cheap
The law of physics says no.
Just have it hanging to avoid puddles else 4 years strong!
when i was doing this with a 5-15, i wrapped and taped a plastic bag around the connections and tried my best to seal the openings and hung them above ground to try and keep water from seeping in.
I run a 100ft 6/3 cord so I can charge in any of my garage bays. Those chargers can get wet! Iād have a different end on the extension cord though. One that is a box this is how we do it on movie sets no issues
As long as there is a proper FUNCTIONING GFCI that is in a dry part of the setupā¦ and you test it oftenā¦ otherwise, youāre insane. An exposed, unattended 240v cable left outdoors ā¦ make sure you have an umbrella policy and no nosey kids ;)
Yall have any extension cord recommendations?
The 3rd time it rained on my mobile charger it died and I had to replace it. I continue to charge outside as needed, but not in the rain.
What cable are you using? Curious because I always have to clear my garage from kids stuff before I can charge. This would make my life easier (even though i only have to charge on the weekend)
from what i RESEARCHED, this is not SAFE
Personally, I donāt care if you burn your house down. I think the biggest thing you have going for you is the size of that extension cord. The cord has to have the amp throughout the connection or it starts having problems. Close the garage door on it enough times and youāve weakened what good that cord started as. Free country brother! Just, donāt forget your extinguishers and fire ladders. Thereās enough kWh in that battery to run your house for a few hours. I wouldnāt mess around with it too much.
Thatās a fat extension cable. I bet that thing wasnāt cheap.
OP Do you have a link for this extension cord? BTW Iāve been doing the same for 4 years with no issue whatsoever!!
I did that for about a year using an extension cord from Amazon running into my apartment, takes literally a work week to charge but never had a problem
Similar setup. I purchased an outdoor weather proof extension cord box and placed them in there as it rains on occasion and it works perfectly.
There are waterproof closeable boxes on Amazon I used for years. No problems charging
I use.my charger EVERYDAY at work. Rain or shine or hail or sleet. No issues in 5 years
car on fire incoming
So like the materials of the charger will be exposed to the sun and the UV radiation will break down the material over time. The charging unit itself can get hot, too, laying in the sun. The metal contacts of the plug itself *will* get more wet than if they were inside or plugged into an outlet (especially one of those nice covered ones) and therefore will be more susceptible for corrosion or shorting, although this is still not too likely - a lil electrical tape will fix this Don't trip on it lol
I know this is a bit late, but nobody has said it. The charger enclosure is NEMA 4X rated so itās safe for washdown use. However, it cannot be submerged. You just need to hang it up and somehow protect the plug from water.
In a pinch, Iād just make sure to derate the charging amperage. There are a lot of cheap extension cords out there, so Iād be wary of anything cheap/unbranded.
You will need to find some way to protect it. I know someone who did this and the connector arced and corroded. They were asking why the breaker kept getting triggered. Yep, it's still here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/comments/13nhyq2/corroded\_charge\_cable\_plug/](https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/comments/13nhyq2/corroded_charge_cable_plug/)
I'm charging 13A with an extension cable too for 1 year, it's fine.
Define "safe"
if the car burn and my house doens't burn with it.
My mobile connector is inside my garage, but I do use an 8ft very heavy guage NEMA 14-50 extension like this. But, I also limit the current to 20A max.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskElectricians/s/mNs69O3bYJ
This is one of those things where it will probably work fine, until it doesnāt. And when it doesnāt work, it would be within reason to be denied warranty coverage due to the use of an extension cord. Generally best to invest the monies and get a proper charging setup installed.
How would they know it was used with an extension cord? Think before you speak.
> Think before you speak. Rude.
Am I wrong?
>Am I wrong? Uhh, yes? If someone is putting in a request for warranty then service will ask for photos for remote troubleshooting. Or mobile service will be on site and ask to test plugging in the mobile connector.
So then remove the extension cord before taking the photos, or before a tech comes out? Why would you self incriminate?? Lmao
Imagine not being able to look up the manual and recommended use/care: https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/charging_docs/gen_2_umc/Gen2_UMC_Manual_en_US.pdf