Temporary charging options until new charge point installed
Discussion
We take delivery of our 3.3kw Leaf Tekna tomorrow. Our charge point is installed next Thursday. Could I safely use a heavy duty uncoiled extension lead capable of dealing with 3.1kw with a 13 amp plug and built in RCD for a few days until the point is installed or would that lead to certain doom? Nissan have refused to talk to me about this as they expressly forbid the use of extension cables.
Pretty sure our supply here at work for our Renault Kangoo ZE van is 32 amps. It's a very thick cable and it has a special plug on the end it's not a 'normal' 16 or 32 amp commando plug.
I've driven it a fair bit, fairly painless to drive.
One very surprising fact - warm weather range is 65 - 70 miles full charge - low temps / freezing range 38 miles at full charge. One of our other sites is 18 miles away - and sometimes the charge point is blocked in so you drive back very carefully! I've got back with 6 miles left.
I've driven it a fair bit, fairly painless to drive.
One very surprising fact - warm weather range is 65 - 70 miles full charge - low temps / freezing range 38 miles at full charge. One of our other sites is 18 miles away - and sometimes the charge point is blocked in so you drive back very carefully! I've got back with 6 miles left.
Edited by Barkychoc on Thursday 26th March 15:23
T5GRF said:
We take delivery of our 3.3kw Leaf Tekna tomorrow. Our charge point is installed next Thursday. Could I safely use a heavy duty uncoiled extension lead capable of dealing with 3.1kw with a 13 amp plug and built in RCD for a few days until the point is installed or would that lead to certain doom? Nissan have refused to talk to me about this as they expressly forbid the use of extension cables.
Given your stated precautions...and it's at you own risk...but I'd do that. Just check the socket for signs of heating.The issue with reels is whether the cable is wound or unwound when used.
As an example, take a look at http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-switched-4-so...
Note the Specifications: Unwound: 3120W, 13A, 240V. Wound: 720W, 3A, 240V.
If you are going to use a cable reel to get a longer reach, check that its rated for 13A and then make sure its uncoiled when you use it. If in any doubt, don't use it.
As an example, take a look at http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-switched-4-so...
Note the Specifications: Unwound: 3120W, 13A, 240V. Wound: 720W, 3A, 240V.
If you are going to use a cable reel to get a longer reach, check that its rated for 13A and then make sure its uncoiled when you use it. If in any doubt, don't use it.
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: I have done the same with my outlander phev and not had any problems, just make sure to unroll the extension cable and make sure the exposed socket on the end of the extension cable is either weatherproof or protected inside a weatherproof enclosure. Before I had a weatherproof extension cable I used a Tupperware box with some small slots made for the cable entry/exit to house the extension socket and the 3 pin plug.
Long answer: I have done the same with my outlander phev and not had any problems, just make sure to unroll the extension cable and make sure the exposed socket on the end of the extension cable is either weatherproof or protected inside a weatherproof enclosure. Before I had a weatherproof extension cable I used a Tupperware box with some small slots made for the cable entry/exit to house the extension socket and the 3 pin plug.
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