EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord
The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord extends the reach of your 15-amp Level 1 EV charger, such as the Lectron Level 1 charger. Featuring a 12-gauge heavy-duty cord with copper wiring, it supports NEMA 5-15P/R connections. This durable, weather-resistant cord offers safe, efficient, and budget-friendly charging indoors or outdoors.
The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord extends your Level 1 EV charger’s reach from 15ft to 50ft. It is compatible with NEMA 5-15 Level 1 EV chargers like the Lectron Level 1, Jeep, Tesla Mobile Charger, Nissan Leaf, KIA, and other OEM Level 1 chargers that feature a NEMA 5-15P or NEMA 5-15R male plug that connects to NEMA 5-15 outlets.
We recommend the EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord for city dwellers, apartment owners, or renters without access to an EV charging outlet near their parking spot. It’s a practical solution for running a cable from a patio or deck outlet to your EV. However, avoid using it in areas prone to theft or where the cord may obstruct sidewalks.
Diagram of a Level 1 EV Charger Circuit with a NEMA 5-15 EV Charger Extension Cord setup, showing the electrical panel, wiring components, and the connection to the EV charger
Key Features
The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord stands out due to its robust build, practical features, and affordable price. Let’s take a closer look at the essential aspects of this extension cord.
Heavy-Duty Construction
The extension cord is built to handle high power loads. It features a 12-gauge heavy-duty cord with pure copper wiring, which is capable of supporting 15 amps at 125 volts, providing a total of 1875 watts. The thicker gauge ensures that the cord can safely handle the power demands of a Level 1 EV charger without overheating or posing a fire risk. The copper wire ensures that the power is efficiently transmitted, offering a reliable charging experience for your electric vehicle.
Lighted End
A standout feature of this extension cord is the lighted indicator on the NEMA 5-15 female end, where you connect your EV charger’s NEMA 5-15 male plug. The LED light illuminates when the cord is powered, indicating a successful connection to a NEMA 5-15 outlet. This feature allows you to quickly verify the cord’s status before plugging in your EV charger. It also helps you spot the cord in the dark, troubleshoot circuit issues, and ensure easy inspection and maintenance. This is especially useful for those who charge their vehicles in low-light or outdoor environments, saving you the hassle of searching for the cord when you need it
Weather-resistant and Durable
This extension cord is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Its vinyl jacket protects against moisture, abrasion, and sunlight, ensuring durability and flexibility in temperatures from -40°F to +140°F. It’s perfect for continuous Level 1 EV charging (11-20 hours or more) without overheating or melting. Whether charging in hot summers or cold winters, the EP extension cord stays flexible and reliable. Its heavy-duty construction prevents stiffness or cracking, unlike lower-quality cords.
Safety Features
Safety is a critical consideration when choosing an extension cord, especially for EV charging, which involves significant power. The EP Level 1 Extension Cord includes a 3-prong grounded plug, providing an additional layer of safety. The reinforced blades on the plug help prevent bending or breaking, ensuring longevity and secure connections. Additionally, the cord is UL-listed, meeting safety standards that protect you from potential electrical hazards.
Budget-Friendly Price
One of the best aspects of the EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is its affordable price compared to branded EV charger extension cords such as Lectron extension cords. Many heavy-duty extension cords suitable for EV charging can be expensive, but this cord offers the necessary quality and safety features at a budget-friendly cost. It delivers excellent value for those who want a reliable and durable cord without breaking the bank. It’s an ideal choice for EV owners looking for a practical solution that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.
Performance
The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord performs well in providing reliable power for charging your EV. It is well-suited for Level 1 EV chargers, which generally operate at 120 volts. Its 12-gauge wire allows it to handle the amperage required by most EV chargers without significant voltage drop. Voltage drop can result in slower charging speeds and may cause the cord to overheat, but with the EP extension cord, these concerns are minimized.
The 15-amp rating ensures that the cord can safely deliver Level 1 EV charging continuous loads for extended periods without issues, offering reliable charging performance. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the cord regularly for long charging sessions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Extension Cord for Level 1 EV Charging
While the EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is an excellent option, it’s important to remember that not all extension cords are created equal. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an extension cord for EV charging:
Gauge
The gauge of an extension cord determines its thickness and current capacity. For Level 1 EV charging, a 12-gauge cord like the EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord supports 16-amp Level 1 chargers. However, some EV chargers are installed on NEMA 5-15 outlets wired with 14 AWG conductors and rated for 15 amps. The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord provides a higher-capacity 12 AWG wiring, rated for 20 amps, making it a safer and more reliable choice than an undersized cord.
Why a 12 AWG EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is Safer
- No Overheating or Fire Risk – Since the extension cord can handle more current than the circuit, it will not overheat or pose a fire hazard due to excessive current flow.
- Circuit Breaker Protection – The 14-amp circuit breaker will trip if the total load exceeds 14 amps, preventing circuit overload regardless of the extension cord’s capacity.
- Minimal Voltage Drop – A 12-gauge cord has lower electrical resistance than thinner cords (e.g., 14 or 16 AWG). This reduces voltage drop, especially over longer distances, ensuring better efficiency and consistent power delivery.
While the 12 AWG extension cord provides better safety margins, the total current draw should not exceed 14 amps, or the dedicated EV charger circuit breaker will trip. We do not recommend using the 12-gauge 15-amp EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord for Level 2 charging, as Level 2 chargers typically require a 10-gauge cord to handle higher power demands safely.
Length
When selecting an extension cord, avoid choosing one that is too long. Excess length can cause voltage drops, reducing charging efficiency and increasing the risk of overheating. The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is available in lengths from 15ft to 50ft, but we recommend picking the shortest length that fits your needs. Keep in mind that the longer the distance between the charger and the electrical panel, the greater the voltage drop. Consider the lengths of your outlet wiring, extension cord, EV charger supply cable, and charging cable. Choose a cord that reaches your EV charger without extra slack.
Outdoor Rating
If you plan to use the extension cord outdoors, ensure it’s rated for outdoor use. The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, featuring a weather-resistant vinyl jacket that ensures durability and flexibility in various conditions. Whether used at home, in parking lots or stored in your vehicle’s trunk alongside other items, this cord stands up to wear and environmental exposure, making it a reliable choice for regular outdoor charging.
Certification
Always look for extension cords that are certified by reputable organizations, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories). UL certification ensures that the cord meets stringent safety standards, reducing the risk of electrical accidents. The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is UL-listed, making it a safe option for your EV charging needs.
Safety Considerations
Although using an extension cord for charging your EV is safe when done correctly, there are a few safety concerns to keep in mind:
Overheating
Using an extension cord that is not rated to handle the required power can cause the cord to overheat. This could lead to melted insulation, which is a fire risk. The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is designed to handle the amperage and power required for Level 1 charging, ensuring that it operates safely during extended charging sessions.
Voltage Drop
Voltage drop occurs when the extension cord is too long or too thin, reducing the power delivered to the EV charger. This results in slower charging and may potentially damage both the charger and the electric vehicle’s battery system. Other causes of voltage drop when using an extension cord for Level 1 EV charging include poor connections between the extension cord’s male plug and the outlet, as well as poor connections between the extension cord’s female connector and the EV charger’s male plug. The EP extension cord, with its 12-gauge wire and secure connections between the outlet, extension cord, and charger, minimizes this issue, ensuring efficient power delivery even when the EV charger is moved.
Electrical Shock
Using extension cords with improper insulation can lead to electrical shock hazards. The EP extension cord is grounded and features reinforced prongs to reduce the risk of electrical shock during use. Ensure that you check the cord regularly for any signs of damage or wear to maintain its safety.
Compatible NEMA 5-15 EV Chargers
We tested a range of NEMA 5-15 compatible EV chargers to ensure optimal performance with the 15-amp EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord. The results show that these chargers work seamlessly, without voltage drops or overheating of cables, while providing safe and efficient charging. Below is a list of compatible NEMA 5-15 EV chargers that we recommend for use with this extension cord.
Conclusion
The EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is a reliable, durable, safe, and budget-friendly option for extending the reach of your EV charger. With its heavy-duty construction, lighted end, and weather-resistant design, it provides solid performance for Level 1 charging. Whether you are charging indoors or outdoors, this extension cord offers peace of mind with its safety features and UL certification.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and high-quality extension cord for your electric vehicle, the EP Level 1 EV Charger Extension Cord is an excellent choice. Its combination of affordability and reliable performance makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to extend their charging setup without spending too much.
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