Is there anything special about this plug? I can charge at ChargePoint stations for free on campus. I use the J1772 plug usually but if it’s taken can I use the 5-20R with my Toyota charger? I guess I’m confused why it’s hidden under a locked door on the charger. If it’s a normal outlet, then why hide it?
if it's under a locked door, how would you gain access? looks like a 20a 120v outlet, shouldn't be a problem.
Yes, you can use it with any ordinary U.S. 120-volt plug, including the plug on the end of the Toyota EVSE that comes with the Prime. The 5-20R is a 20-amp outlet which has a "T slot" to accommodate either an ordinary 15-amp plug or a less-common 20-amp plug which has one of its blades turned at 90-degrees to prevent it from being inserted into a 15-amp outlet. The diagram above shows a standard 15-amp "5-15R" outlet and plug on the left and a 20-amp "5-20R" outlet and plug on the right. At the far right is a photo of a "5-20P" plug with the sideways blade that only works in a 20-amp outlet. (NEMA is the National Electrical Manufacturers Association which provides these standard designations. "R" designates female receptacle; "P" designates male plug.) There are some devices which draw 20-amps and which would trip the circuit breaker supplying a 15-amp outlet. Hence the 5-20P plug exists. Based upon your other comment, I'd assume that it's use is constrained so that it's only available to someone authorized to use the charging location.
Thanks! I really appreciate it. I just wanted to make sure since it requires activating charging through ChargePoint to enable the plug. It's hidden under a door. Looks like this: I was thrown off by the 90 degree plug. It just seems strange that it's hidden like that. Why not build it into the housing outside? Also, that's a lot of weight to hang off of a plug. At home I have a shelf that supports the brick charger. I don't think theres a hook or anything to relieve the stress on the plug. At home, all the circuits are 20 amp circuits. Anyway, thanks for the help fellas!
It is probably enclosed due to environmental reasons; e.g., rain. And it is only for use for charging. I don't know about that specific charging station, but some I have have seen allow you to close and lock the door with your EVSE plugged in, to keep it from getting stolen while your car is being charged. Note that if you use the 120V outlet, it will take up to 5 hours to charge the Prime.
