can you use extension lead for charging car

[OmarLee]

Using a standard household extension lead to charge your electric car is strongly discouraged and can be extremely dangerous. While it might seem like a convenient solution, the high, sustained electrical current required for EV charging can cause a regular extension cord to overheat, potentially leading to a fire. The only remotely safe way to do this is with a heavy-duty extension cord specifically rated for outdoor use and the high amperage of your EV charger, but even this is a significant compromise on safety and charging speed.

The primary risk lies in the duty cycle. EV charging draws a high current (often 12A or more) for many hours continuously. Standard extension cords are not designed for this kind of sustained load; they are meant for short bursts of power with tools or appliances. This continuous demand causes the cord to heat up. If the cord is coiled or covered, heat cannot dissipate, creating a fire hazard. Furthermore, most household outlets aren't designed for such prolonged high-amperage use either, risking damage to your home's wiring.

For safety, hardwired charging stations or dedicated outdoor outlets installed by a qualified electrician are the only recommended methods. These are designed to handle the continuous load safely.

Risk Factor	Standard Extension Lead	Heavy-Duty Extension Lead (Temporary Use Only)	Dedicated EV Outlet (NEMA 14-50)
Current Rating	Typically 10-13A	15A or higher, 12-gauge thickness minimum	50A circuit, 40A continuous draw
Overheating Risk	Very High	Moderate to High if not perfectly sized	Very Low (properly installed)
Charging Speed (Level 1)	Slower due to voltage drop	Slower due to voltage drop	Not applicable for Level 1
Weather Resistance	Usually poor	Must be rated for outdoor use (WR)	Installed with weatherproof housing
Long-Term Reliability	High risk of outlet/cord damage	Not recommended for permanent use	Designed for daily, long-term use

Ultimately, the convenience of an extension cord is not worth the risk to your property and safety. Investing in a proper EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) installation is the only responsible choice.

[ReaganFitz]

As an electrician, I've seen the aftermath of melted outlet covers from folks using cheap extension cords. Your EV pulls power for hours, like a hair dryer running all night. A thin cord can't handle that heat. If you absolutely must, get a short, 12-gauge, outdoor-rated cord and fully uncoil it. But honestly, just park closer to the outlet. It's cheaper than a house fire.

[MatthewAnn]

I tried it once with a heavy-duty orange cord from my garage. It worked, but the plug got worryingly warm after a few hours. I did some reading and learned about voltage drop—it makes charging even slower and can strain your car's electronics. I stopped immediately. It felt like a gamble not worth taking for a few extra feet of convenience.

[LeAshley]

Check your car's manual. Most manufacturers explicitly state not to use an extension cord, and doing so could void your warranty on the charging equipment. They design their systems for a direct, high-integrity connection. Any added point of failure, like a plug and socket, introduces risk that they haven't tested for and won't stand behind.

[LeDylan]

Think of it like this: you wouldn't use a garden hose to supply water to your house for a week. A regular extension cord is that garden hose. It's for temporary, light-duty tasks. Charging a car is a permanent, heavy-duty need for your home's electrical system. The right solution is to install the proper plumbing—a dedicated circuit—for the job. It's safer and more efficient.