Charging cable can't be plugged into extension cable?

[carnut]

BMW tell me you can not plug the cars mains extension cable into an extension cable, it has a sensor that will trip the system. Can anyone say if this is easily overcome as it will make a big difference. Without it, if I drive round to a friends house, unless he has a socket 4m from where I park the car, it can't be charged?

 

[SanSerif]

Sounds like tosh to me - what on earth would the unit be "sensing" that would identify that it's plugged into an extension lead and not a 3 pin socket on the garage wall? I suppose there'll be a bit of voltage drop but so long as you don't have a 100 metre long and very thin extension, I can't see you dropping below the EU mains electricity tolerances.

It can be *unwise* to plug into an extension; more connections and opportunities for failure, less QC than an approved domestic wiring and, of course, heating effects should you leave a big reel unwound.

NB - I'm not a sparks so this could be entirely bogus!

 

[TomMoloughney]

Rubbish. Just make sure you have a proper extension cable that is the correct gauge. Buy a high quality extension cord that is rated for the current you'll be charging at and you'll have no issue.

 

[ChrisC]

They're just giving you the simple answer. The correct answer is what Tom said: as long as you use a heavy gauge cord (in US that would be 12 AWG) you will be fine. However some people will read that and just grab the nearest extension card, even it is some crappy 14 AWG cord or even a 16 AWG lamp cord. And THOSE people are the reason that the first answer has to be "don't use an extension cord."

 

[AndrewDebbie]

BMW tell me you can not plug the cars mains extension cable into an extension cable, it has a sensor that will trip the system. Can anyone say if this is easily overcome as it will make a big difference. Without it, if I drive round to a friends house, unless he has a socket 4m from where I park the car, it can't be charged?

Short answer:
BMW don't want to take an risk if there is a fire.


The BMW EVSE brick could check the voltage difference between neutral and earth. A long extension cord could cause a trip. This is a guess. I don't know if it does that.


The UK mains lead adapter pulls 10amps. It important to use an extension cord rated for this load.


My suggestion is to get your friend to sign up for a free (or nearly free) charge point. Just make sure they get one with a Type-2 socket or Type-2 lead so they will work with your i3.

 

[busaman]

i have a polar type2 charger with a 6m tethered cable why doesnt the blue bmw cable male and female end act as an extension lead to the car.