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Post by ravolt on Nov 9, 2013 12:11:44 GMT 11
Hello all - I am picking my LEAF this Thu 13/11/13 - mmmm - just noted the symmetry  The length of the lead that comes with the LEAF level one charger I have failed to confirm. It looks like about 3 meters. Is it? Is there any issue in using a fifteen amp extension lead (eg Caravan lead). Obviously, the shorter the better and water protector joiner if required. Thanks |
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Post by Phoebe on Nov 9, 2013 12:59:15 GMT 11
Welcome to the Forum, ravolt. I just measured my cable and it is a bit over five and a half meters. I think officially you void your warranty if you use any kind of extension chord. Nissan expect you to install a dedicated 15 amp power point close enough to where you plan to charge your LEAF so that the supplied cable will reach. I had such a line installed and it cost me a bit over $200. Various members of the Forum have tried all sorts of improvisiations, including some using 10 amp power points, and no-one has had any trouble, though officially they are voiding their warranty. You need to make sure any extension chord doesn't get hot as that could cause a problem. Will be thinking of you on Thursday |
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Post by Jim Hare on Nov 9, 2013 13:49:00 GMT 11
Yes, welcome to the forum!
I have used a 15a extension lead and it was no problem.
Some people have used 10a adaptors and ran 10a extensions that definitely generated heat.
I would expect no problems from the 15a lead as the charger draws just under 10a and shouldn't challenge it, but best practise would be to have a 15a powerpoint in reach of the car if possible.
Enjoy your LEAF! We all still love ours completely so know you're making the right decision!
And post some pics when it arrives.
All the best,
Jim
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Post by ravolt on Nov 9, 2013 16:08:41 GMT 11
Thanks Pheobe and Jim,
5 1/2 m !!!! Brilliant - thank you for the effort to measure. I need 1.8m 3m more convenient but 5 is brilliant! Thanks Pheobe!
I installed an outlet 2 years ago when I had other work done and contemplating a DIY EV. At the time I compromised a bit on position as I wanted access for other equipment. Then I recently read the extension cord warranty concern. But their is no logical reason for it unless your cord is over 15m. Nissan being cautious of upstream litigation I suspect.
As I work on the fringe of electrical appliances I am loathed to use a 10A-15A conversion for it's pushing the envelope and trusting older house wirings having been done properly or still in good condition. Although many friends are not likely to have 15A GPOs. Unlikely but if neccessary I guess for those friends - eg my Father's place - I can offer to pay for a 15A GPO of which they can use for anything else.
Thanks for the welcome - it's all happened quite quickly. An offer on a DIY came up - good car - but I decided that because I could DIY (or buy ) doesn't mean I should. The extra price for the LEAF above DIY is minimal - roughly $32k DIY to RRP $40k for leaf. Frankly - no headaches - warranty - full integration, AC with regen' motor etc.
The final straw - I bought personalised number plate - before buying the car which meant COMMITTMENT LOL [RA VOLT] as in the sun god Ra. Yup - I have had solar before rebates took off.
Will post pics to celebrate and thanks for the forum.
I am in Perth and purchased from Nissan Magic Melville.
Cheers!
Matthew
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Post by Phoebe on Nov 9, 2013 17:36:30 GMT 11
Matthew, Jim and I are both in NSW, but Brian, one of our longest members, and Anthony are in Perth. Brian has helped Anthony and I'm sure he'd help you. His email address in on the members list. Looking foward to your pics.
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Post by ravolt on Nov 9, 2013 17:48:21 GMT 11
Thanks Pheobe,
Actually, I bumped into Brian thru a mutual friend, exchanged a few emails and he certainly helped in calming some thoughts. He was the first I told and will meet for coffee when I have the LEAF. Funny thing - he's in the neighbouring suburb!!!! I'll be telling my friends and kids once I have it!
Cheers
Matthew
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Post by Brian on Nov 9, 2013 23:54:37 GMT 11
Welcome to the Forum, ' neighbour '. The Western Leafies are gathering momentum  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2013 9:41:34 GMT 11
this is also not sanctioned by Nissan but might be useful at friends' 10A places when using the nissan 10A EVSE note: undercover/indoors use only www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MS4044else go for the ampfibian ampfibian.com.auonly thing with the ampfi is that the 15A nissan plug doesn't fit into it, so I use a the shortest 15A extension from bunnings; 10m. |
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Post by Jim Hare on Nov 11, 2013 9:53:34 GMT 11
I have the Jaycar fused 10a plug. Got it to attend the LEAF reunion the other week. Worked perfectly and didn't have any issues.
In fact, I haven't heard any reports of using these being any trouble whatsoever.
I think Nissan wants to avoid bad press when everyone starts saying "someone blew a fuse at my house charging a LEAF, what a joke!" rather than any technical concerns.
In fact, as long as you use a 10a plug convertor that has a fuse, won't it just pop and prevent any issues on either side of the chain?
Is their a potential risk, other than upsetting Nissan, that we're ignoring here?
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Post by ravolt on Nov 11, 2013 10:25:29 GMT 11
IF the devices have safety controls that prevent drawing more than 10A there should be no problem. If a lead has been modified by changing a plug then there are real issues. 15A though a 10A is likely to melt the insulation. Sometimes spikes, at switching, will cause a trip in the mains box.
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Post by Jim Hare on Nov 12, 2013 9:02:54 GMT 11
Yeah, I've heard of people taking 10a extensions and putting a 15a socket on the end!
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Post by duncan on Nov 26, 2013 8:13:35 GMT 11
Yep, like me. Because the "15A" standard charger draws 9.8 amps |
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Post by rusdy on Jun 14, 2016 18:05:30 GMT 11
I recommend to ALL users out there to check their home charger plug, especially if you have an extension cord.
My plug (that is connected to the wall socket) was hot (like a hot cup of coffee) after an hour of charging. I picked this up by coincidence when I charged my Leaf during daytime (I very very rarely charge at home during daytime). It's probably been hot since ages.
After troubleshooting both the plug and the socket, I've found out the socket itself probably a bit dirty (since I use the wall socket for other garden tools). After cleaning (see disclaimer below), it's all back to normal now (no longer hot).
DISCLAIMER:
If you're not electrician, obviously you can't do the 'cleaning' by yourself. I used a small drill bit to clean the wall socket: NOT recommended unless you're a cowboy.
PS:
I change a 15-A extension cord with a 10-A plug. It's illegal (is it?). No cops here right?
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Post by duncan on Jun 16, 2016 20:37:16 GMT 11
I use both extension cord 10A (although heavy duty) and a home made adapter (15A to 10A) all the time and have had no issue. But I'm not a qualified electrician so don't take my advice.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2016 13:39:37 GMT 11
My 5m extension lead's plug on active pin is black
Got it from metro hardware
Similar thing occurs with 10m Bunnings extension.
I charge at 15 amps
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Post by rusdy on Jun 17, 2016 15:56:34 GMT 11
My 5m extension lead's plug on active pin is black Got it from metro hardware Similar thing occurs with 10m Bunnings extension. Dodgy! Total violation of AS3000 clause 3.8.1  |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2016 10:22:33 GMT 11
Anyone else Have 5m 15amp cable ?
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