help New volt owner , power cord is to short but have a 240 in front of car

[SandyEV]

Sounds like you found a solution? That cable from Amazon will only work if the outlet is a 240/120 V combined outlet, which includes the neutral and ground (4 prongs), allowing you to tap into one of the two split phases. In other words it would have to be a NEMA 14 series or 14L series twist lock receptacle. Had it been a NEMA 6 series 240 V, it would not include the neutral and a cable splitter like the one from Amazon would not work.

Another more expensive option is to get a portable EVSE adaptor like the one from SPX, which comes with a 240 V plug, and should be able to charge the Volt at a higher rate, adjustable on the adapter itself.

[SandyEV]

Sounds like you found a solution? That cable from Amazon will only work if the outlet is a 240/120 V combined outlet, which includes the neutral and ground (4 prongs), allowing you to tap into one of the two split phases. In other words it would have to be a NEMA 14 series or 14L series twist lock receptacle. Had it been a NEMA 6 series 240 V, it would not include the neutral and a cable splitter like the one from Amazon would not work.

Another more expensive option is to get a portable EVSE adaptor like the one from SPX, which comes with a 240 V plug, and should be able to charge the Volt at a higher rate, adjustable on the adapter itself.

[SandyEV]

I have been using a 100ft 14 gauge all over the country when traveling and no problem and no heat.

This will actually work fine as long as it's a good extension cord with solid connections in the plug ends and the plug makes a good connection. There is probably a significant voltage drop in your extension cord, but the Volt makes up for it by charging a little longer.

Just make sure you never leave a good length of the extension cord on a roll while you're charging. The bundle of 14 guage wires with that kind of current will build up significant heat, even if the unrolled cord doesn't feel warm.

[braytak]

here is the outlet i bought the adapter for, the silver ball in the middle of the outlet is a point that sticks out , i dont know if this is common or not

http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/...ps568e8aea.jpg

[bonaire]

Can you cancel the order? You bought a 4-prong plug to go in a 3-prong hole (receptical).

[braytak]

Can you cancel the order? You bought a 4-prong plug to go in a 3-prong hole (receptical).

thanks buddy i didnt even realize , i just tried to cancel and hoping it went through .. i saw this website that is evseupgrade.com where they convert chargers.

[bonaire]

thanks buddy i didnt even realize , i just tried to cancel and hoping it went through .. i saw this website that is evseupgrade.com where they convert chargers.

http://www.powerfig.com/nema-locking-chart.aspx

See if you can determine the exact NEMA code on the receptical first before doing the cable order. Take that picture of the receptical to an electical supply store and see if they can help you out with something like these cords. Make sure that it can supply single-phase, 120V to your charger.

[braytak]

can you guys direct me to where i can learn to get the most miles out my battery , i been looking in the fourm but i cant find.. and anything else you think might help me.. like i said i just got the car yesterday so i am green...

man calling the Volt a car is like calling a iphone a cell phone... its much much more

[rhodomel]

To deliver the same amount of power, you use thinner wires when using higher voltages. So a 120V rated cord will be overrated for a 240V IF AND ONLY IF it will deliver the same amount of power. Usually, the wire gauge will be proportional to the current draw or the amperage and not the voltage.

[avatar77]

I use a 100-ft 12/3 cord I picked up on Amazon. It's made in the USA, designed to stay flexible in the cold and it's cool to the touch while charging. I also added a 12/3 GFCI to make a 90-degree connection to my outlet and as added protection if something goes wrong.