The Maintenance EV Charging Stations Need
For most American EV owners, about 80-85% of charging occurs at home using a Level 2 charger. This puts the maintenance burden on the vehicle owner. The good news is that a lot of maintenance is simple DIY work, and much of the professional work fits well into an annual household electrical inspection.
Routine Cleaning and Basic Care
Wiping down the charging unit, cables, and connectors is an excellent weekly DIY task. Make sure dust, dirt, and oil are gone from the surface. Likewise, use a handheld blower or a can of compressed air to clear the charging port and plug of debris.
You can also use electrical contact cleaner to treat the plug and charging port. This is available at most hardware stores, and you should ask specifically for electrical cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives for any of the cleaning.
Cable Management
Properly coil the charging cable after every use. Inspect the cable for signs of fraying when you take it out or put it back. Keep the cable off the ground when it isn’t in use.
What to Look for When Inspecting a Charger
Identifying potential problems early is one of the best ways to keep your EV charger working well for years to come. Fortunately, this is another good DIY job.
Charging Cable Inspection
Check the cables for signs of cracks, wear, and fraying. Note the feeling of loose connections, especially with older cables. Damage to cables can lead to charge inefficiency and may also cause the unit to short, so replace the cables if they show any signs of degradation.
Connector Inspection
The big thing you want to spot early on a connector is any signs of corrosion. Look for debris in the connectors, especially anything that looks like bits of rust. When using the connections, feel for how tight they fit. The charger or the vehicle may require service if the connection is corroded or loose.
Performance Checks
Testing and tracking the EV charging station’s performance is a good way to identify problems before they turn into bigger trouble. When you initiate and end charging, note the times and what the vehicle’s charge levels were. A typical Level 2 charger should take 4-10 hours to charge, depending on how low the car’s battery level is.
Bear in mind that comparing a home Level 2 charger’s performance to a commercial Level 3 charger’s performance won’t give you useful information. Commercial charging stations tend to restore battery levels much faster, so don’t compare your home system to a commercial charger.
Electrical System Inspection
It is also a good idea to schedule regular electrical inspections for your EV charger. Many homeowners schedule one of our electricians to check their EV charging station as part of a larger annual or semi-annual household electrical inspection.
Voltage Levels
A Level 2 charge should operate consistently at or near 240 volts. Decreased voltage, especially if it continues to decrease for several years, means there could be a bigger problem. Maintaining a proper voltage ensures that charging times and efficiency will be consistent.
Wiring and Connection Quality
A professional inspection is also a good time to mention any concerns you might have about wiring and connections. Our electricians check the internal wiring connections, the cabling, and the connectors. We also verify that the dedicated circuit breaker for the EV charging station is in good condition and can provide sufficient power.
Software and Firmware Updates
Of the maintenance tasks that could fall one way or the other between DIY and professional work, software and firmware updates are one of the few true edge cases. This is the computer code that determines how your EV charger runs. Manufacturers often push updates to fix issues, and these typically improve efficiency, stability, or security.
Many modern chargers use an always-on internet connection to handle updates on their own. However, some systems require manual operation. If you’re comfortable performing such updates with a computer, you will likely be comfortable doing the same work with a charger.
Many systems use a phone-connected app to handle the update process. Folks who aren’t comfortable with applying software and firmware patches should have one of our electricians do the job.
Signs Your Charger Needs Immediate Attention
Knowing when to call a professional is important. Foremost, visible damage is a strong signal that it’s time to ask our electricians to check the system. Damage to the housing may be problematic. Likewise, ask for an inspection if the system suffered any water or weather damage.
You should also request professional help if the system has any noticeable performance problems.
Common signs of trouble include:
- Noticeably slow charging times
- Mid-cycle charging stops
- Inability to start charging
- Any displayed error messages or warning lights
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Burning smells
- Crackling or snapping sounds
Annual Maintenance Schedule
We can have a licensed electrician check your EV charging unit once a year or when a specific problem occurs. Many charging station and car warranties require an annual professional inspection. An inexperienced person working on a station can accidentally damage the unit or even the car’s battery.
Many Florida homeowners schedule annual inspections and maintenance in the fall or spring. Folks who spend part of the year in the state should schedule an inspection for when they return to the area. The region’s combination of heat, humidity, and salt air makes an annual EV charger inspection critical.
Expected Lifespan
The main issue affecting the lifespan of an EV charge is whether it sits indoors or outdoors. With good maintenance, an indoor unit will typically last 15 years or more. Climate control makes a big difference. Outdoor units may have lifespans shorter than ten years, and we discourage Florida homeowners from setting a charger outside due to coastal air issues.
Locate your unit in a well-ventilated area. This reduces the risk of overheating, especially during long charging cycles.
Take Care of Your EV Charger
Mister Sparky is proud to serve Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. With decades of experience, our team is ready to handle your EV charger’s maintenance needs. We offer 24/7 availability for emergencies, and our electricians can handle most projects on a same-day basis. Our pricing structure is transparent, so you never have to worry about hidden fees.
If your Clearwater home’s EV charger needs maintenance, contact us today. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky.
