Temporary window insulation (for cable run from bedroom window to driveway in winter)

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Temporary window insulation (for cable run from bedroom window to driveway in winter)

danepak

434 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 249090 25-Apr-2019 10:48

Window area to cover: 124.5cm x 52cm

Currently, when charging my electric car, I need to run a 20 metre extension cable from the bedroom window to the driveway. Not ideal, but will do for now, until we've got a new house built in (hopefully) 12 months time.
Here's the issue. Winter is coming!
It will be pretty cold having the window open at night time (when I typically will be charging the car).
How would you solve this issue?
I was thinking of a cut out (maybe plywood) cut to fit, with a small hole for the power cord down the bottom.
This would ensure no draft.
And on a sunny winters day, I can still have the window open and also remove the cut out. When I'm not charging the car (I only charge it a couple of times per week), I don't need the cut out there.

Any suggestions are much appreciated.

And no, I don't want to put the cable underground, as this is a temporary solution.

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# 2224491 25-Apr-2019 11:09

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I would upgrade the window latch to one of those double window handles (https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/yale-window-handle-right-hand-face-fix-85mm-black/p/214038)

(just make sure you get the right one)!

Also, fit a window stay (for security).

Then think about some sort of insulation....BUT

I'm wondering it would be easier to run the power lead out the gap between the gutter and roof and then back through a man hole to the outlet... problem with this is voltage drop across the cable... and I hope you are using suitable outdoor rated power cable and appropriate safe protections? If not using an appropriate cable for the distance, environment and load then it will melt.

danepak

434 posts

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# 2224496 25-Apr-2019 11:18

Thanks for your suggestion. I like the idea of the window handle.

In regards to running the cable through the manhole - too long a run. My extension cord is 20 metres and currently there's around 15 metres between the power point and the drive way.

Also, the cable is 10amp extra heavy duty and suited for the requirements. I've used it for months with no issues.

How would you insulate the window, if I go with the double tounge window handle?

Aredwood

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# 2224497 25-Apr-2019 11:23

Any TV aerial or sky dish cables running through the walls that are not used? Pull 1 of them out, and thread your power cable through the hole. Will mean having to cut the plug off the end of your cord and wire another one back on. Easier than having to modify the window.

I'm assuming that this is a rental property?

danepak

434 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2224504 25-Apr-2019 11:33

Aredwood: Any TV aerial or sky dish cables running through the walls that are not used? Pull 1 of them out, and thread your power cable through the hole. Will mean having to cut the plug off the end of your cord and wire another one back on. Easier than having to modify the window.

I'm assuming that this is a rental property?

The issue with that is that the extension cable run then is permanent.

I would like to be able to bring the extension cable with me, if I'm on the road.

No, it's not a rental property. I'm however looking for a temporary solution, as we soon will have another house built in the garden (the existing property will also stay).

Jase2985

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# 2224717 25-Apr-2019 12:56

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why not just put power point on the outside of the house? still use the extension cable just dont have to deal with the window. shoulnt cost too much if its back to back with a power point on the inside

danepak

434 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2224754 25-Apr-2019 13:01

Jase2985:
why not just put power point on the outside of the house? still use the extension cable just dont have to deal with the window. shoulnt cost too much if its back to back with a power point on the inside

I could do, but we'll be living in the other house within 12 months.
Was looking for an easier solution, but I get where you're coming from.

mdf

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# 2224757 25-Apr-2019 13:04

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Jase2985:

why not just put power point on the outside of the house? still use the extension cable just dont have to deal with the window. shoulnt cost too much if its back to back with a power point on the inside

Also anywhere near the fuse box is usually really cheap to add an external power point. That assumes that the fuse box is convenient to your desired charging point.

In terms of your original query, that is a huge window to try and seal around the edges if its going to be open all night in winter. You might be better off installing something like a cat flap in the window and getting the cord out that way (looks single glazed? If so, easy enough to install a flap and then replace the whole pane when you move to the new place). Some catflaps have kind of brush edges that will probably take a cord while the flap is closed, and just use the flap for getting the plug head in and out. You'd need to consider security though. Don't want the local hoodlums being able to stick an arm in and unlatch the window. Maybe a deadbolt or locking stay if you go down that route.

Aredwood

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# 2224804 25-Apr-2019 13:23

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danepak:
Aredwood: Any TV aerial or sky dish cables running through the walls that are not used? Pull 1 of them out, and thread your power cable through the hole. Will mean having to cut the plug off the end of your cord and wire another one back on. Easier than having to modify the window.

I'm assuming that this is a rental property?

The issue with that is that the extension cable run then is permanent.

I would like to be able to bring the extension cable with me, if I'm on the road.

No, it's not a rental property. I'm however looking for a temporary solution, as we soon will have another house built in the garden (the existing property will also stay).

Just get an outdoor power point installed. The builders of your new house are going to need power. So they can also use that power point as well. Also cheaper than having to arrange a temporary power connection to the new house with the lines company.

And more people will want EV charging in the future. So even if you will be selling or renting your current house once the new house is built. That power point would still be useful.

Or just buy another extension cord.

danepak

434 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2224809 25-Apr-2019 13:29

Thanks. Would anyone have a rough rough idea of how much an outdoor power point would cost?

Also, our switchboard is located in the middle of the house, unfortunately not outside.

As we're building, we're not 100% sure either, where a good location for the outdoor power plug would be.

In regards to my original plan.

I was thinking plywood (or similar) cut like this with a small hole.

As we're in Auckland, it doesn't get mega cold in winter. Therefore, a combination of this (see image, where grey image could be plywood) to cover most of the window + curtains, would keep us pretty warm at nighttime.

Note that it's half a hole, so I don't need to pull the entire plug through, but just cable.

sparkz25

424 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2224811 25-Apr-2019 13:47

danepak:

Thanks. Would anyone have a rough rough idea of how much an outdoor power point would cost?

Also, our switchboard is located in the middle of the house, unfortunately not outside.

Is there a power point near the drive closer on a exteior wall? Are there RCD's in your switch board?

If there is a power point near where you park the car on the exterior wall it would be easy to install a outdoor power point back to back.

If there are no RCD's in the switch board that circuit will have to have an RCD installed on it to comply with the regs.

In my opinion it shouldn't take no more than 1 hour providing all the parts are there to install, test and certify.

Rough Guess $500 ish give or take.

As @Aredwood mentioned this would solve the problem of having a temp supply installed for the builders which could cost 1-2k and your time for faffing about trying to butcher up the window in a temporary solution for the lead.

blackjack17

906 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2224817 25-Apr-2019 14:11

Messy and would need to be fixed later but could you simply drill through the glass, cut the head of the extension cord, thread it through and then reattach a new head onto the cord and silicone it up?

You would need to replace the glass in a year's time but that shouldn't be to expensive.

blackjack17

906 posts

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# 2224818 25-Apr-2019 14:12

or do the same thing but drill through the floor (pulling back the carpet in a corner)

sen8or

832 posts

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# 2224857 25-Apr-2019 14:41

At a guess you would be looking at a $3-500 for an outdoor power point to be installed.

IP65 rated socket / switch.

2.5mm cable run back to either the switchboard or nearest RCD protected circuit (only around $1.50 - 1.80/mtr)

External socket requires RCD protection. This can be piggy backed off an RCD socket inside (e.g in the bathroom if that is handy) else will require installation or RCD protected circuit in the s/board. If you can piggy back from an existing RCD socket, this will likely be the cheapest option depending on access to the socket itself, may only be 1-2 hours labour. If it requires feeding back to s/board and a new RCD protected circuit installed, additional cost, additional time.

Running extension chord outside from a normal power point? Doesn't sound wise in the long run

danepak

434 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2224859 25-Apr-2019 14:46

Thanks.
In regards to the last sentence (running extension cord outside from a normal power point).
Why not? Keen on understanding any issues/danger.

Jase2985

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# 2224861 25-Apr-2019 14:53

unless it has RCD protection then its potentially dangerous should a fault exist in the device or the cable its self

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