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Author Topic: Power cable  (Read 1057 times)

kensiko

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Power cable
« on: November 08, 2013, 08:03:38 PM »

Hello,

I just had my S 11.4 2 days ago, I'm almost finished reading the manual and I didn't see anything about the power cable, only the extension.

Can you use a standard computer power cable since it's the same plug?
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Zero S 11.4 2013
Tesla S60 2014 CPO base
Gone -> Nissan Leaf 2014 SV rented (transfer)
Gone -> Prius 2010 bought at 180000 km.

Richard230

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Re: Power cable
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2013, 09:36:23 PM »

You can if you get a heavy enough cord.  It has to be rated to handle around 15 amps, which means that a normal computer cord will not have heavy enough wire.  You will need to find a cord with at least 14 gauge wire.  Check Amazon for this cord.  That is where I bought my 3' long extension cord that I used on my 2012 bike to connect to the charger located near the front wheel. I ran the cord up to the front of the "tank", where I can connect a heavy duty normal extension cord when charging without needing a longer charger cord and having to bend down looking for the charger's connection socket.
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Richard's motorcycle collection:  2018 16.6 kWh Zero S, 2009 BMW F650GS, 2020 KTM 390 Duke, 2002 Yamaha FZ1 (FZS1000N) and a 1978 Honda Kick 'N Go Senior.

Blotman

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Re: Power cable
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2013, 12:42:07 AM »

A standard computer plug is what 16 gauge? It would work a few times, but during regular use over time the rubber is prone to warping or even melting. As Richard230 mentioned, 14 gauge (or even 12) would be the way to go. Here's an Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/SF-Cable-10ft-Universal-Power/dp/B0064SZ5U2/ref=sr_1_3

They have them in varying lengths if you scroll down the page a bit. The longer ones won't tuck into that little tube under the seat, just to let you know.
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kensiko

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Re: Power cable
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2013, 01:40:18 AM »

Good to know, it could be useful if I'm stuck somewhere and that I forgot my cable. I leave my cable at home, I'll think about it if it's better to keep it with me which is a little bit annoying each time I take the bike or if I take the risk and use a computer cable for a stuck situation.
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Zero S 11.4 2013
Tesla S60 2014 CPO base
Gone -> Nissan Leaf 2014 SV rented (transfer)
Gone -> Prius 2010 bought at 180000 km.

LiveandLetDrive

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Re: Power cable
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2013, 03:28:37 AM »

Hope this isn't a hijack and is useful to the OP:  Has anyone found a good, compact extension cord option?  I'm thinking on the order of 25' for those frequent occasions when plentiful outlets are not in the parking lot but just inside a building, and I need a cord to run through a door or window for which the factory cord isn't long enough.  Not as a replacement but as an extension, so standard male/female plugs.  What I'm thinking would be excellent is something that stows really cleanly like a rolled flat cable or something retractable (though retractable adds moving potentially unreliable parts), but still maintains adequate gauge conductors.  Standard cords are a bit of a mess, even wrapping around your arm with the proper half-twist.

Does such a thing exist?  Any clever mounting locations other than in saddle bags?  Black to match the FX please (;
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2013 Zero FX, 2005 Triumph Sprint ST, 2000 Triumph Tiger, 1970 Triumph T100R Daytona, 1970 Honda SL100  (Latter three for sale!)
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