Don’t Set It and Forget It: How to Keep Your EV Charger in Shape
EV chargers are becoming common. You plug in your car, let it sit a bit, and then you’re off. But even if it feels like a “set it and forget it” type of device, your charger does need a little bit of your attention from time to time to work safely and reliably.
The Basics of Charger Wear
An EV charger may not have hundreds of parts that are constantly in motion like a car engine does, but that doesn’t mean it’s not subject to wearing out. Electricity travels down the wires, connectors, and circuits every time it’s used. Heat accumulates, parts come loose, and connections can wear away over time. The same is true for Level 2 chargers (they draw more power) since they are often placed outdoors, where they are exposed to rain, heat, and cold.
Level 1 chargers, those that can be plugged into standard home outlets, typically last longer without issue. They are slower working and under less stress. If you’ve been plugging the same cable in every day for years, though, a quick glance can’t hurt.
How Often Is Maintenance Needed?
To be on the safe side, you should visually inspect your charger every few months yourself and have a professional inspection done once a year. That annual checkup should involve things like checking the safety of the wiring, inspecting the internal workings of the charger, and making sure everything is tidy and sealed up.
If your charger is in a garage and only lightly used, it could be some time before it needs to be repaired. But if it’s outdoors, sees daily use, or seems to be wearing down (slowly charging or smelling weird), it’s best to get it inspected sooner.
Small Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Charger problems, for the most part, don’t spring out of nowhere. Instead, they build slowly. You may hear a soft humming noise during the charging process, or the plug may be warmer than usual. The cord might be fraying, or perhaps your car doesn’t always begin charging the instant you plug it in.
These are small red flags that something’s up. Failure to consider these issues could result in a charger that stops working altogether — or worse, one that becomes unsafe. And as a reminder, sometimes it’s not the charger. The problem might actually be bad outlets, bad breakers, or worn wiring in your home, especially with Level 2 installations.
Why Maintenance Pays Off
Treating your charger well not only helps maintain working order but also saves your investment. Chargers aren’t inexpensive, and neither is the time that must be taken to maintain them. If the charger fails and you can’t charge your car, this disrupts your day, especially if you depend on it to get to work, school, or appointments.
To schedule an inspection for your EV charger at your Cedar Falls, IA, home, call Henninger Electric without delay.
