Charging your EV safely at home

Charging your EV safely at home

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) safely at home is very important because it involves high-power electrical systems. If not done correctly, it can risk fire, electric shock or damage to your car and home. Here is a complete guide to charging your EV safely at home:

• Use a standard-compliant EV Wallbox or AC charger
• Have a certified electrician (e.g. certified by the PEA or MEA) install it correctly to standard
• Check that the breaker panel, wiring and earthing system can handle the load

Install a dedicated breaker just for the charger to prevent overload

• Ordinary household sockets (2-pin/3-pin) are not designed to carry high current for long periods
• The wiring may overheat or melt and cause a fire

If you really have to use one, use an EV plug with built-in power cut-off (Mode 2 Charger), and only in emergencies

• The electrical system should have good earthing (Grounding)
• The wiring should be rated for high current (e.g. THW 4 sq.mm or larger, depending on the charger's power)
• A Load Analysis is recommended to check whether your home's electrical system can carry the load
• Install it under a roof, or high enough that it cannot come into contact with floodwater
• If installing outdoors, choose a charger with a waterproof rating, such as IP65
• Check for burn marks, melting or unusual heat
• If charging seems to take longer than usual, or the car shows a warning, check it promptly
• Use a CO₂ or dry chemical powder (Class C) fire extinguisher
• Keep it near the charging point in case of emergency