Preparing to Charge Your Electric Vehicle at Home

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are over one million electric vehicles on the road in the United States? We wanted to share safety tips to keep our Phenix City, Eufaula & Tuskegee communities safe and prepared against the risks of home fires when charging an electric vehicle (EVs). We're sharing information straight from U.S. Fire Administration.

First, let's talk about the two types of home charging.

• Level 1 uses the charger included with the EV. These chargers are plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet.
• Level 2 charging uses a charger that is sold separately from the EV and allows for faster charging times. They are plugged into a 240-volt outlet.

Before buying an electric vehicle, have a qualified electrician install a new, dedicated circuit for your charging device. Older home wiring may not be suitable for use with electric vehicle supply equipment, but be sure to consult with your electrician. 

Here are the tips to help keep you & our community safe when you are charging an electric vehicle (EVs). 

• Follow manufacturer's guidelines when charging your vehicle. Check with your local dealer if you need additional information.
• Purchase a charging device that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Plug Level 1 EV chargers directly into an outlet designed to handle the amperage of the charging device. Never use a multi-plug adapter or extension cord.
• Install a residual current device with the charging unit. It will turn off the power if a fault is detected and help prevent a fire.
• Place all charging device components out of reach of children when not in use.
• Maintain the components of your charging station according to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. Signs of excessive wear may indicate a potential shock hazard.
• Never use an EV charger with obvious signs of damage.
• Cover the EV charging station outlet to stop water from entering. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to make sure it is safe to charge your EV in wet conditions.

SERVPRO of Phenix City, Eufaula and Tuskegee is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (334)-298-8252!