EVDANCE warns against using undersized extension cords for EV charging
News provided byEVDANCE · 2 min read
LOS ANGELES, CA, September 06, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- EVDANCE, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has issued a safety advisory warning EV owners against using undersized household extension cords for high-amperage charging. The company recommends its purpose-built 8 AWG, continuous-load cable as an alternative.
Many EV owners may see an extension cord as a straightforward solution for parking or outlet issues. However, the company stresses that electrically, this approach can be dangerous. Level 1 and Level 2 charging place a sustained load on conductors for extended periods, making wire gauge, connector quality, rated current, and thermal performance crucial. A typical household or construction-grade extension cord rated for 15 amps may not be suitable for EV charging simply because it fits the plug.
Daniel Cooper, CEO of EVDANCE, emphasized the importance of proper safety measures. "A plug connection is not an engineering specification," he said. "North American EV owners are being asked to charge vehicles that can draw high current for extended periods, yet some consumers still reach for ordinary hardware-store extension cords designed for different loads. Our position is straightforward: aftermarket EV charging hardware should be engineered around continuous-load requirements, conductor capacity, and clear operating limits."
EVDANCE recommends that drivers verify the entire charging path before adding any extension cable to an EV charging setup. Key factors include:
- Amperage Rating and Load Limits: The cable must be specifically rated for the charging current being used. EV charging equipment operates under continuous-load principles, and applicable NEC requirements, including Article 625, should be considered.
- Conductor Size: EVDANCE EV extension cables use 8 AWG pure copper conductors, designed for high-current charging applications to manage resistance, heat buildup, and voltage drop.
- Charging Configuration: Models support up to 50 amps at 240 volts or up to 12 kW, depending on the specific cable and charging equipment. A 50-amp-rated cable does not increase the capacity of the EVSE, vehicle, or branch circuit.
- Connector Compatibility: EVDANCE offers configurations for the NACS and J1772 ecosystems, ensuring that charging equipment remains within its specified electrical and compatibility limits.
These considerations become particularly important in multi-EV households, where vehicle placement can change while charging infrastructure remains fixed. An independent third-party field validation by EV creator CHARGED CARisma highlighted the challenges in managing multiple vehicles with limited parking positions and fixed charging equipment. The demonstration also underscored the costs of alternatives, such as adding new branch circuits, relocating charging equipment, or upgrading electrical infrastructure, which can require professional electrical work and significant installation expense.
EVDANCE positions its purpose-built EV extension cable as an engineered option for compatible charging applications where additional reach is required, without altering the electrical rating of the existing circuit or EVSE. Drivers must follow the cable's stated amperage limits, equipment instructions, and applicable electrical codes.
Beyond EV extension cables, EVDANCE's charging portfolio includes portable EV chargers, wall-mounted charging equipment, and related accessories designed for residential and mobile charging applications. The company's products are engineered to meet strict safety standards and are certified with IP66 weatherproofing, featuring universal compatibility with major EV brands, including Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, and Hyundai.
EVDANCE remains committed to eliminating range anxiety and empowering a seamless transition toward sustainable mobility.