Connecting an EV Charger in a Detached Garage

Can I plug my EV Car Charger cord into an apartment garage using an extension cord? © By: Dave Rongey

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EV Car Charger Outlet
Electrical Project: Can I plug my EV Car Charger cord into an apartment garage using an extension cord?

• I just got a plug in hybrid car (2020 Toyota Prius Prime). The charging cable plugs into a normal outlet. However, I only have 1 outlet in my garage that’s being used by the garage door opener, and the door can’t be opened manually.
• I am not allowed to alter the outlet in any way (such as install a dual outlet). I was going to use either a splitter or surge protector to make it work, but I saw a warning on the cable that says not to plug it in to an extension cord, surge protector, or splitter.
• My question is if it’s safe and the label is there for liability purposes, or if I’m at risk for causing a fire.

Thanks so much!

This electrical wiring question came from Matthew in California.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Matthew.

EV Charger Outlet in a Garage

• Application: Electrical Safety a EV Charger Outlet.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
• Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
• Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
• Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the EV Charger Outlet, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
• Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the EV Charger Outlet should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
• Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific area. A permit and inspections may also be required.

Electrical Safety for a EV Charger Outlet in a Detached Garage

This electrical wiring project is about a EV Charger Outlet in the Detached Garage of a Apartment.

EV Charger Outlet Electrical Safety
Reviewing the Electrical Question:

• I just got a plug in hybrid car (2020 Toyota Prius Prime). The charging cable plugs into a normal outlet.
• Matthew, from the information you have provided, let me address two items regarding your question:

1. The warning label on the EV Charging Cord is correct and an extension cord, surge protector, or splitter should not be used with a EV Charger.
2. In a complex such as an apartment or condo complex the car stalls or individual car garages share an electrical circuit that is to be used only for the lighting and garage door openers, and connecting additional electrical devices to the circuit is not allowed because the circuit will potentially overload and trip off. This circuit is designed for the specific load only, therefore additional devices or any additional electrical loads are not permitted.
3. It is important to look at the Electrical Circuit Specifications for the EV charging system you have, and in most cases the specifications will described that a dedicated circuit is required, especially if the charging system will be a Fast Charge, which will require much more power than a shared circuit can provide.
4. Newer apartment complexes will feature EV Charging Stations, and older complexes will soon be adding EV Charging Stations as well. Be sure to make your request known to the property manager so they can plan to install an EV Charging Station for you.

More about Wiring a EV Car Charger Outlet

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