A Reddit post dated September 29, 2026, alleges that an extension cord was involved in a fire affecting a Rivian and a home. That account is secondhand and is not an official investigation, so it does not establish how the fire started. The safety advice is clear regardless: the U.S. Fire Administration says to plug a Level I EV charger directly into an outlet designed for its amperage and never use an extension cord.
What is known about the Rivian fire—and what is not
The September 29 post in r/Rivian says the poster heard from a neighbor that a fire began at an extension cord used for charging and spread to the house. That is a social-media account relaying what someone else reportedly said—not a fire department finding.
Comments in the thread also express uncertainty about the cord, connector, charging setup, and cause. The post does not establish the charging level, cord rating, electrical mechanism, injuries, property damage, or an official determination. It is therefore accurate to describe the cord as alleged to have been involved, not to say that investigators proved it caused the fire.
A separate Colorado fire should not be confused with the Rivian post. In a September 4, 2026 report, CBS Colorado reported that Greeley Fire Department investigators traced a September 2 house fire to an area near a 240-volt garage outlet and an extension cord powering an EV charger. Investigators ruled the fire accidental and attributed it to electrical failure involving equipment used to power the charger. They reported no evidence that the vehicle or its high-voltage battery caused or contributed to that fire. The report does not identify the vehicle as a Rivian or connect the incident to the Reddit account.
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- Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
- Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
- Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
- Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
- Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.
Can you charge a Rivian with an extension cord?
Do not use an extension cord for EV charging. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) gives this instruction for Level I charging: “Plug Level I EV chargers directly into an outlet designed to handle the amperage of the charging device. Never use a multiplug adapter or extension cord.” Read the USFA EV fire safety guidance.
Rivian’s October 17, 2022 R1T Owner’s Guide says not to plug the Portable Charger adapter into an extension cord, power converter, power strip, or other power adapter. That is guidance from a specific guide and equipment context; check the current owner’s manual for your vehicle year and charger rather than assuming every Rivian setup has identical instructions.
Rank #2
- LEVEL 1 CHARGING - The Lectron Level 1 Charger lets you quickly charge your EV with a standard 120V outlet; You get 15 amps and 1.65 kW of power for the standard full-charge time for your car, at home or at wor
- CONVENIENT OVERNIGHT CHARGING - The Lectron 15 Amp EV Charger is a more affordable and faster charging option compared to other Level 2 EV chargers, delivering an extra 40-50 miles of overnight charge at home — without breaking the bank
- J1772 COMPATIBILITY - This J1772 charger is compatible with all electric vehicles that use the J1772 standard, including BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, Nissan, and Chevy
- SAFE AND RELIABLE - FCC and ETL certified (UL2594 standard) for safety with overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuit protection; Energy Star certified for efficiency; IP65 rated for dust and water resistance
- PORTABLE CONVENIENCE - Whether you're on a road trip or visiting a friend, you can easily plug in your EV and charge with our portable EV charger. Please refer to the included User Manual for complete operating instructions and compatibility requirements
A cord that fits the plug—or is marketed for a particular voltage—does not establish that it is approved for the vehicle’s charger or suitable for the outlet and circuit. Follow the vehicle and charger instructions, and do not add a cord or adapter to extend reach.
How to set up home EV charging more safely
USFA says EV charging is safe when owners use certified equipment and follow the manufacturer’s guidance. It recommends equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and advises having a qualified electrician install a new dedicated circuit for EV charging equipment.
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Rank #3
- 📱【2026 SMART CHARGING — FULL CONTROL, ZERO GUESSWORK】Built for modern EV owners, The Level 1 ev charger features adjustable current settings and intelligent scheduling via the mobile app. Easily set charging times, manage power output, and optimize energy usage—whether charging overnight or during off-peak hours. Smarter charging means lower costs, safer operation, and complete convenience on your schedule
- 🚗【ONE CHARGER, ALL J1772 EVs & PHEVs READY】Compatible with all SAE J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Designed to work seamlessly with most EV brands including Ford, GM, Nissan, Audi, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Chevy, and more. Ideal for both home and on-the-road charging, this 16A portable Level 1 & Level 2 charger keeps your EV ready for every journey.
- 🔌🔌【LEVEL 1 & 2 PORTABLE EV CHARGER — CHARGE ANYWHERE】Designed for everyday flexibility, this portable EV charger supports both NEMA 5-15 outlets and NEMA 6-20 adapter. Charge at home, at a friend’s house, or while traveling. Level 2 (240V, 16A): up to 3.68kW, approx. 9–12 miles/hour Level 1 (120V): automatically limits current to 12A for safe household use,Smart current management protects your vehicle and your home’s electrical system.
- 🖥️📊【LCD SCREEN + SMART APP — REAL-TIME CHARGING INSIGHT】Unlike basic chargers that hide key data, this portable EV charger features a clear LCD screen and smart app control. Instantly view voltage, current, charging power, energy usage, and temperature—on the charger or remotely from your phone. One glance gives you full confidence and control over every charge.
- 🛡️【BUILT FOR SAFETY, DESIGNED TO LAST】Engineered with multiple safety protections—including over-temperature, over-current, over-voltage, and short-circuit protection. The intelligent control box continuously monitors charging status in real time. Rated IP65 for water resistance and built with flame-retardant materials, this charger is ready for daily use in any environment
- Use the charger as instructed. Check the manual for the exact vehicle year and charging equipment; connect it directly as directed rather than through an extension cord, power strip, or multiplug adapter.
- Match the outlet and circuit to the charger. USFA says a Level I charger should plug directly into an outlet designed to handle its amperage.
- Choose certified equipment. Look for certification by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and use equipment compatible with the vehicle.
- Address reach with an installation, not an improvised cord. If the vehicle cannot reach the outlet, ask a qualified electrician about an appropriately located dedicated circuit or charging-equipment installation. The right solution depends on the property and equipment.
For an answer specific to your vehicle, use its owner’s manual and manufacturer charging instructions. Rivian also publishes model-specific emergency response guides for responders; these are not a substitute for the charging instructions intended for owners.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if an EV catches fire while charging
- Call 911 immediately. NHTSA says to contact emergency services if an emergency such as a fire occurs.
- Assume high-voltage components are energized. Do not approach or handle the vehicle’s high-voltage battery or associated components.
- Contact the dealer as well. Follow the manufacturer’s emergency guidance and instructions from first responders.
These steps follow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s electric and hybrid vehicle safety guidance, which also directs owners to follow the vehicle manual and manufacturer charging instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Road-Trip Ready & Apartment-Friendly: Comes with a 20ft heavy-duty cable that easily spans a standard parking space, plus a NEMA 5-15 adapter for plug and play convenience. Whether you're charging at home or hitting the highway, this portable EV Charger is your ultimate travel companion for weekend getaways and camping trips
- Delay Timer & Adjustable Current: Use the built-in timer to delay your start by 1-12 hours and easily harvest off-peak energy savings. Then pick from 6/8/10/12/16A (Level 2) to match your garage grid. It automatically locks in your favorite setting and never forces you to re-adjust. No complicated apps or Wi-Fi needed, just straightforward, reliable control
- Tactile Buttons & LED Screen: No glitchy smartphone apps or finicky touchscreens that lag, freeze, and misfire in winter. Our EV charger is engineered with a high-definition LED display that tracks critical real-time data, including live voltage and current. Tactile buttons deliver direct, satisfying click feedback that remains highly responsive even when wearing heavy winter gloves or operating in torrential downpours—conditions where standard touchscreens completely fail
- ETL Certified Safety & IP65 All-Weather Shield: ETL certified to meet US safety standards for charging. Engineered with a certified IP65 dust-and-waterproof enclosure and a heavy-duty TPE cable that operates reliably across a wide -22°F to 130°F range. An intelligent multi-protection defense system (GFCI, over-voltage, over-current, surge, short-circuit, and over-temp) keeps a 24/7 watch for 100% safe, unattended overnight charging in any weather
- J1772 Compatible + Dual-Level Charging: Works with all J1772 EVs (Tesla requires a separate J1772 adapter). Level 2: built-in NEMA 6-20 plug. Level 1: included NEMA 5-15 adapter fits any standard outlet. Please confirm your outlet is NEMA 6-20 or 5-15 before purchase
Rank #4
- [2026 INTELLIGENT CHARGING UPGRADE — PRECISION CONTROL MEETS SMART SCHEDULING] After surveying 100K+ U.S. EV owners, the Raylix R&D team found that nearly all drivers recognized the necessity of adjustable current and scheduled charging. Our upgraded J1772 charger features 4-level adjustable current (8A/10A/12A/16A) and a 1–12 hour smart delay timer. Whether you're charging overnight or during off-peak hours, enjoy smarter energy use, lower costs, and total convenience—on your schedule.
- [ONE CHARGER, ALL J1772 EVs/PHEVs READY!] Compatible with all SAE J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids—whether it’s Ford, GM, Nissan, Audi, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Chevy, or more. Perfect for home or on-the-road charging, our 16A Level 1 & 2 charger ensures your EV is always powered and ready for any journey.
- [CHARGE 4× FASTER — NO MORE WAITING] In a rush? Our 16A Level 1 & 2 charger delivers charging speeds up to 4× faster than standard 8A Charger Level 1. Whether it's an early commute, a spontaneous trip, or last-minute errands, your EV will be ready when you are.
- [LEVEL 1 & 2 PORTABLE CHARGER — CHARGE ANYWHERE, ANYTIME] Designed for maximum flexibility, Raylix Level 1 & 2 EV charger features both 5-15 and 6-20 plug compatibility. Whether you're charging in your garage, at a friend's house, or at a roadside motel. NEMA 6-20 plug for Level 2 ev charging (240V, 16A, 3.68kW, 9-12 miles/hr) and a NEMA 5-15 adapter for Level 1 ev charging (120V, 12A, 1.44kW, 3-5 miles/hr) NOTE: In compliance with North American electrical safety standards, the charger automatically limits current to 12A when using a 5-15 outlet—protecting both your vehicle and your home’s electrical system.
- [AT-A-GLANCE CHARGING COMMAND: TOTAL CONTROL, INSTANTLY] While most ev chargers solutions confine vital data to in-car screens, the Raylix tesla charger breaks free with its enhanced TFT color display. This Raylix-exclusive feature delivers crystal-clear, real-time updates—voltage, current, power load, AND critical charging temperature—directly on the unit. Just one glance gives you complete charging insight. It’s not just information; it's the empowering peace of mind and satisfying control that transforms every charge into a masterfully managed experience.
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