J1772 to J1772 Cable extension

[bluey2025]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6VTM7XJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1


Let me preface this- I bought this extension cable for "in a pinch" situations not for daily use.

2 weeks ago we booked a stay at a hotel in Orlando for my sons birthday, I specifically book hotels with EV chargers so don't have to fuss with charging off site. I pulled up and both chargers were occupied but the parking spot next to one of them was open. I figured I'd park there and keep an eye from my window to see when one of the cars left. Well, both vehicles were left overnight and one was even unplugged after its charge cycle. Although this charge point charger had extra long cables there was no way for me to get it to my truck in the adjacent spot. Had I had this extension I could have plugged in after they unplugged and left their vehicle parked in the way.

That being said. I ordered the J1772 extension cable after our trip and have attempted to use it on my Emporia Level 2 Charger to test it out. Every time I plug in it just says "Charging Paused". Has anyone else ever used one of these cables and if so what did you do to get it to work correctly? I tried plugging in at the truck first and then the extension to the charger with no luck. Then tried plugging in the extension to my charger and then the truck Still no luck.

Like I said, I'm not fond of the extension but in certain situations like I described it could have saved me a headache and waiting....

Sponsored

 

[lslick23]

I have the Lectron 20ft extension cable and it works fine. Got it for charging when I knew the driveway would be full with visiting people and my mom’s model 3. But same only use it sparingly but nice to have around when needed. Forgot to mention my charger is the Grizzle-e 40amp version and no issues using the extension.

 

[DavidS]

Tom M. is probably the trusted expert on this. He’s got a link to a 16 ft A2Z on his website here :
https://evchargingstations.com/brands/a2z-ev/

 

[Heliian]

Your cable is broken.

When I click the link there is a note on Amazon that says it's frequently returned due to compatibility issues.

My guess would be the comm circuit or other wiring doesn't meet spec. You can test with an ohm meter.

Hotel charging is nice but I've almost given up on it as a reliable alternative. Not only do ev drivers just leave their shit plugged in all night/day when not charging, lazy ice drivers love to park in the spots.

 

[RickLightning]

Hotel charging is nice but I've almost given up on it as a reliable alternative. Not only do ev drivers just leave their shit plugged in all night/day when not charging, lazy ice drivers love to park in the spots.

This ^^

On my trip, hotel 1 had a 4.3kW charger, so I could get to 100% by arriving with 63%. Hotel 6 had 2, 1 broken for a long time. Occupied when we arrived, got some 2nd afternoon but full at dinner. Hotel 7 full until day 2, then I had to occupy 2 tiny spaces. Got a nice charge overnight. Hotel 11 had an 80amp so I got from 33 to 100% easily, had I realized it was 80amp I would have arrived with less than 10%.

I did use 120v to gain about 13kWh on about 8 nights or so.

 

[EFG]

I have the A2Z version of this cable and it has worked on 3 different EVs I have owned while I have had it for maybe 2 years now? I use it daily on the Lightning. It even works on my previously owned, very finicky, 2019 Bolt. I charge at the full 48 amp capability of my charger. It is a very high quality build. It lives outdoors but is stored out of the sunlight in an alcove but it does occasionally get rained on here in Central Florida (OK daily in the summer afternoons!!)

 

[tubby]

Your cable is broken.

When I click the link there is a note on Amazon that says it's frequently returned due to compatibility issues.

My guess would be the comm circuit or other wiring doesn't meet spec. You can test with an ohm meter.

Hotel charging is nice but I've almost given up on it as a reliable alternative. Not only do ev drivers just leave their shit plugged in all night/day when not charging, lazy ice drivers love to park in the spots.

I agree. I had the same issue on my first extension I bought and so I returned it and I changed brands. I believe it was a Lectron.

 

[djwildstar]

Let me preface this- I bought this extension cable for "in a pinch" situations not for daily use.

With the overall caveat that extension cables like this are not permitted under the fire/electrical safety code, I had a similar situation at a hotel in Florida -- the cable on the EV charger was not long enough to reach my charge port regardless of how I parked in the adjacent space. You can see in the photo that I parked on their landscaping and the cable still doesn't touch the ground (I got permission from the front desk before doing this).

I have an INTESET branded 20-foot, 40A cable that I have successfully used in the past. In general I plug it up charger to extension, then extension to vehicle. I didn't cary it on this trip, but will definitely carry it in the future.

The particular Amazon item you link says "Frequently returned due to compatibility issues" so I'm guessing there is something off about the particular design of this cable. This warning does not appear with other J1`772 extension cables. Maybe return this one and get a different brand and see how that works?

 

[chl]

I bought an A2Z 16ft J1772 extension - AZ often has discounts and maybe there is a code for forum users?

I modified it so I could use it with my FCSP - cut a small bit of plastic out of it would fit the CCS1 plug:

Tested and works with both the Lightning and my Nissan Leaf.
Even with out the little bit of plastic it attaches firmly and locks to the CCS1 plug.
---
As far as I can discern, the NEC does not outright ban extension cables.

It does require them to be 'listed' in 625.5 "All electrical materials, devices, fittings, and associated equipment shall be listed." [2014 language]

The NEC also limits the length of the EVSE to vehicle cord to 25 feet [UNLESS] in article 625 17(C):

(C) Overall Cord and Cable Length. The overall useable [sic] length shall not exceed 7.5 m (25 ft) unless equipped with a cable management system that is part of a listed the electric vehicle supply equipment or electric vehicle charging system.

(1) Where the electric vehicle supply equipment or charging system is not fixed in place, the cord exposed useable [sic] length shall be measured from the face of the attachment plug to the face of the electric vehicle connector.

(2) Where the electric vehicle supply equipment or charging system is fixed in place, the useable [sic] length of the output cable shall be measured from the cable exit of the electric vehicle supply equipment or charging system to the face of the electric vehicle connector.

------
The A2Z extensions:

From their web site:

Certified Quality You Can Trust: The J1772 Extension Cord is UL-certified for cable safety, CE-certified for connector reliability, and FCC-certified to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI). Rest assured, you’re investing in a high-quality product built to meet the highest standards.

From an internet search which is consistent with what the web site says:

• UL Certified Cable: The cable used in the extension is UL-certified (E341631).
• CE & FCC Certification: The connector is CE-certified, and the unit is FCC-certified to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Performance Rating: They are designed for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, rated for 48A (240V), and are 16ft/5m in length.
• General Safety: The products are designed for safe use, and the company has stated that all their AC extensions were intended to obtain CSA certification (under UL/CSA standards).

https://electruck4x4.com/products/a2z-ev-48a-j1772-extension-cord-ac-16ft-5m

So as long as the extension + fixed EVSE J1772 cable is no more than 25 feet long when combined AND the extension cord is 'listed' (UL etc) I think you can make an argument it is not a code violation to use it.

And if it is longer than 25 feet but you have a cable management system, then you should be OK too.

Unless there is some other NEC language or change I am not aware of?

If you know of such language, please respond with the language that bans or otherwise restricts the use of J1772 EVSE extensions quoting it from the NEC.

Do NOT rely on AI generated search results - they tend to hallucinate answers based on posts on Reddit etc.

 

[djwildstar]

As far as I can discern, the NEC does not outright ban extension cables.

Correct.

So as long as the extension + fixed EVSE J1772 cable is no more than 25 feet long when combined AND the extension cord is 'listed' (UL etc) I think you can make an argument it is not a code violation to use it.

Here's where things start to go south.

First off, 625.5 requires that any such extension cable be UL-listed. This is important, because listed means a finished product that has been tested to comply with one or more relevant UL standards.

For example, UL-2252 is the standard that is applicable to EV charging adapters. Several manufacturers (including Lectron and A2Z) sell adapters that have been tested and comply with this standard, and can therefore be plugged into an EV charging cable and stay compliant with the electrical code.

However, there is no UL standard for EV charging extension cables. Since there is no applicable standard, there are no UL-listed EV charging extension cables. Any cable that you do plug in for this purpose is not listed, fails the requirement of 625.5 and is therefore prohibited under the electrical code.

The A2Z extension cable is a good case study. It is not a UL-listed product, and therefore its use as an EV charging extension cable is prohibited under the electrical code. There exist use cases where the electrical code does not apply (for example, in some research, industrial, government, or military settings), so it is legal to manufacture and sell the product.

A2Z's advertising copy tries to distract you from this fact. They cite UL certification E341631 for their extension cable. This certification is for the wire portion of the cable (the wire is approved for use in single- or double-insulated appliances) and does not cover the finished EV charging extension cord product. They state that their connector is CE certified; again, this is one component and not a certification of the entire product. Finally, they mention FCC certification, which is not required or useful for EV charging cables (you can be confident that the cable won't interfere with TV or radio reception).

I like A2Z and use their products -- in this case I truly believe that they are trying their best to deliver a safe and useful product that meets a definite need despite the lack of a relevant guiding standard. But in the end, this product that isn't compatible with the electrical code.

Secondly, the total length requirement means that any 30-foot extension cables are right out, and 20-foot extensions can only be used with EV chargers that have a cable under 5 feet. I'm not aware of any this short. So most attempts to use an extension fail this, too.

If it is longer than 25 feet but you have a cable management system, then you should be OK too.

Only if the cable management system is part of your charger as built and certified. So if your UL-listed EV charger came with a 25-foot cable, a 25-foot cable extension, a cable reel, and system to hang the cable from the roof, then it is legal to have a 50-foot cable. If the charger didn't come with the cable management system as part of the charger, then it isn't.

 

[RickLightning]

I bought an A2Z 16ft J1772 extension - AZ often has discounts and maybe there is a code for forum users?

FORDFORUM is the code.

Yes, A2Z's extension is very good.

If you don't want to modify it, then you could buy the following:

- A2Z Thunderstorm Lite, which is designed for the Ford Charge Station Pro, to go to NACS - $113
- A2Z Stellar NACS to J-1772 - $105
- A2Z extension cord - $202

Total of $420 less coupon = $378

Less expensive is the Thunderstorm Lite coupled with their NACS extension cord. Eliminates the Stellar adapter. Total of $315 less coupon = $283.50. Note that the NACS extension is for level 2, not fast chargers.

 

[chl]

Correct.



Here's where things start to go south.

First off, 625.5 requires that any such extension cable be UL-listed. This is important, because listed means a finished product that has been tested to comply with one or more relevant UL standards.

For example, UL-2252 is the standard that is applicable to EV charging adapters. Several manufacturers (including Lectron and A2Z) sell adapters that have been tested and comply with this standard, and can therefore be plugged into an EV charging cable and stay compliant with the electrical code.

However, there is no UL standard for EV charging extension cables. Since there is no applicable standard, there are no UL-listed EV charging extension cables. Any cable that you do plug in for this purpose is not listed, fails the requirement of 625.5 and is therefore prohibited under the electrical code.

The A2Z extension cable is a good case study. It is not a UL-listed product, and therefore its use as an EV charging extension cable is prohibited under the electrical code. There exist use cases where the electrical code does not apply (for example, in some research, industrial, government, or military settings), so it is legal to manufacture and sell the product.

A2Z's advertising copy tries to distract you from this fact. They cite UL certification E341631 for their extension cable. This certification is for the wire portion of the cable (the wire is approved for use in single- or double-insulated appliances) and does not cover the finished EV charging extension cord product. They state that their connector is CE certified; again, this is one component and not a certification of the entire product. Finally, they mention FCC certification, which is not required or useful for EV charging cables (you can be confident that the cable won't interfere with TV or radio reception).

I like A2Z and use their products -- in this case I truly believe that they are trying their best to deliver a safe and useful product that meets a definite need despite the lack of a relevant guiding standard. But in the end, this product that isn't compatible with the electrical code.

Secondly, the total length requirement means that any 30-foot extension cables are right out, and 20-foot extensions can only be used with EV chargers that have a cable under 5 feet. I'm not aware of any this short. So most attempts to use an extension fail this, too.



Only if the cable management system is part of your charger as built and certified. So if your UL-listed EV charger came with a 25-foot cable, a 25-foot cable extension, a cable reel, and system to hang the cable from the roof, then it is legal to have a 50-foot cable. If the charger didn't come with the cable management system as part of the charger, then it isn't.

Yes I noticed that about the listings too. I get your other points, but...I disagree with your interpretation.

You said "First off, 625.5 requires that any such extension cable be UL-listed."

But it doesn't actually say that, it says that "All electrical materials, devices, fittings, and associated equipment shall be listed."

So if the electrical materials, i.e., the plug is listed, and the wire is listed, attaching them to make an extension cord would not be a violation since the materials used are listed.

I'd make an argument it isn't a code violation any more that it would be to buy a UL listed receptacle and plug, and connect them to a proper sized certified wire and make my own 120V extension cord, taking into account the current capability and voltage drop at length. etc.

Do I need to go get my home made extension cord UL certified to avoid a code violation before I use it?

I hope not.

Since I have not seen the NEC specifically mention EVSE extension cords anywhere yet, I do not think if they are made with listed materials, using one would be a code violation.

Whether there should be a separate requirement for a J1772 extension cable, I think is still an open question.

Regarding the UL-2252 approved adapters, they are adapting two distinctly different and dissimilar types of plugs/receptacles, e.g., J1772 to NACS for example, so they are a different animal altogether from a J1772 extension cable.

The CCS1 includes a J1772 portion. And a J1772 EVSE cable and plug can connect to a CCS1 vehicle with the J1772 part. For L2 charging the CCS1 and J1772 are functionally identical with identical pin-outs.

Therefore, a J1772 extension cord that plugs into the J1772 part of the CCS1 plug is not adapting two dissimilar connection types, like one of the adapters requiring UL certification, it is simply extending the J1772 part of the CCS1 to a J1772 vehicle.

That's my take on it, until the NEC explicitly says otherwise.

 

[chl]

FORDFORUM is the code.

Yes, A2Z's extension is very good.

If you don't want to modify it, then you could buy the following:

- A2Z Thunderstorm Lite, which is designed for the Ford Charge Station Pro, to go to NACS - $113
- A2Z Stellar NACS to J-1772 - $105
- A2Z extension cord - $202

Total of $420 less coupon = $378

Less expensive is the Thunderstorm Lite coupled with their NACS extension cord. Eliminates the Stellar adapter. Total of $315 less coupon = $283.50. Note that the NACS extension is for level 2, not fast chargers.

Cutting a small piece of unnecessary plastic from the extension plug with a Dremel or similar tool costs....whatever you'd charge for 15 minutes of time!

 

[bc1]

Well Chris, I suppose only in Virginia are the NEC police going around motels at 3 in the morning with a tape measure to measure cables and inspect for listings.

I suppose the OP should take a nail file and clean up the contacts on the cable and then use some contact cleaner and maybe some dielectric grease on all the contacts. Also get out your harbor freight red tester and check all the wires for continuity and then check them for resistance. Maybe check with the meter before and after. Could be a little corrosion fresh from the Chinese factory or something. Could have a poor connection at one of the pins inside. Check to see if any wiggle like a little loose. If you got a broken wire then it won't have any continuity or resistance. I don't suppose the connectors have screws so they can be taken loose and checked but if it has a bad communication wire or something then you can always cut the ends off and make a nice heavy duty extension cord. Chris probably knows more about what you might be able to do.

Sponsored