Driving an electric vehicle is a privilege many drivers are taking advantage of these days. You save a lot of money on gas and contribute to a more sustainable environment. However, just like an internal combustion engine needs a scheduled upkeep, electric vehicle home chargers need a regular check up to ensure their safety, long service life and to avoid fire hazards. In this blog, we discover tips to mitigate fire risks associated with electric vehicle charging stations.

Understand the difference between Level 1 and 2 charger types

Level 1 chargers can be plugged into a standard 120 volt outlet and come with the electric vehicle. They offer a comparably slower charging time as opposed to Level 2 chargers. Level 2 chargers are powered by a 240 volt outlet and therefore provide much faster charging, but they also require more maintenance then Level 1. 

Tips to avoid fire risks associated with your EV home charging station

Buy certified chargers

The safety of electrical products in Ontario is regulated by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). All electric products, including EV charging stations, that are used, sold or displayed in Canada must be approved by an accredited certification or evaluation agency indicating that the product has been independently assessed for safety. It is recommended to look for a certification mark when shopping for an EV charger. 

Give your home charging station a regular safety check

This includes regularly checking if the charging cord has no damages, and making sure the charging outlet is kept secure from the water getting in. Also, check the charging station for any wear and tear signs and fix problems right away if you detect any.

Follow the charging rules as you should

Many homeowners try to cut corners by using an extension cord or a mix of cords, or using an indoor extension cords while charging the EV outdoors, or charging an EV on a domestic socket on a daily basis. These scenarios pose a significant fire risk to the residential building. Some would recommend installing a reinforced socket to charge your EV from a domestic socket, but it is not as effective as installing a certified charging station. Installing a certified EV charging station is the one-and-only way to minimize fire hazards in your house. 

Have your EV charging station installed by a licensed electrician

Level 2 charging stations are suitable for home use. However, their installation process is more complex than Level 1 chargers. It is essential to have an EV charger installed by a licensed electrician. Moreover, a licensed electrician will provide you with a warranty in case anything goes wrong with the charger post installation.

Call a licensed electrician to fix any problems with the charging station

If you discover an issue with your EV charging station, it is always better to call a licensed electrician to fix that. Regardless of how tempting it is to try to cut corners by fixing the problem yourself, it is the least reliable solution that may result in more expenses in the long run. 

A home charging station is not an ordinary piece of electrical appliance. If not maintained properly, it may pose many risks and hazards. By conducting a regular inspection of your home charging station, you are ensuring the safety of yourself, your loved ones and the community you live in.

A.S. Electrical Services is a professional electrical services company serving commercial, industrial and residential sectors in Toronto and the GTA. Contact us today to learn about the services we provide and how we can serve your electrical needs.