Transitioning to an electric vehicle is something millions of people have done in the past few years. If you are the new owner of an electric vehicle, you may be worried about the learning curve you will encounter when charging your vehicle. Below are some tips for safer charging that can allow you to avoid electrical hazards.

Always Perform an Inspection

One thing you should always do before charging your vehicle is perform a quick safety inspection of all components. This includes checking both the charging cable and the connectors for any damage. Never use faulty chargers. If there seems to be something off, play it safe and call for professional EV charger service.

Avoid Extension Cords

Never use an extension cord when you’re charging your electric vehicle. You should also avoid using multiplug adapters and anything else that didn’t come with your charger. Instead, always use the manufacturer-approved charging cable.

Read the Manufacturer Instructions

Every EV is unique, and this even applies to EVs from the same manufacturer. This is why you should always read the instructions for your specific model on how to safely charge it. Adhere to those instructions, and don’t assume you will know what to do without them.

Store Your Chargers the Right Way

How you store your charger when it’s not in use has a major impact on how well it works. It also impacts how safely you can use your charger. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep them covered as instructed. This will prevent them from coming into contact with moisture and being damaged when not in use.

Take Safety Precautions

Safety should be your number one priority when charging your car. This means taking steps to ensure that you do not overload circuits. This means not plugging other devices into a single outlet with your charger. If the circuit gets overloaded, it could cause a fire. You should also consider installing a GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupter, to protect yourself from electrical shocks. This becomes even more important if your garage gets damp or if you charge your vehicle outside of your home.

Your EV Charging Specialists

Our team has been serving the community since 1979 and has the knowledge and expertise regarding electric vehicles to do an excellent professional charger installation quickly and correctly. Don’t attempt an installation on your own. Leave it to the professionals who can ensure your home and family remain safe.

If you live in Tualatin, OR, and need an EV charger installation, hire our company, Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical, for the job.