If you own an electric vehicle, you already know the importance of having a reliable EV charger to give you the power you need to drive around Orlando, FL, or on longer road trips. It’s important to keep your charger protected against moisture, overheating and impacts, but you should also be aware of the damaging effects of power surges and what you can do to minimize the risk.
What Are Power Surges?
A power surge occurs when the voltage in an electrical system suddenly increases to potentially dangerous high levels. These surges are often caused by:
- Lightning strikes
- Utility grid problems
- Circuit overloads
- Faulty wiring
- Power suddenly coming on strongly after outages
- Malfunctioning appliances that switch on and off
EV Charger Damage
Power surges can damage EV chargers along with other electrical equipment by overloading their systems. EV chargers are especially vulnerable to damage because of their intricate and delicate components. Even smaller voltage increases can damage electrical equipment over time if they happen often.
These surges can be detrimental to your EV’s charger when it’s in the process of powering your electric vehicle, but voltage increases may even harm your charger when it isn’t actively charging. Regardless of whether your charger is on or off, electrical spikes can degrade internal components and disrupt communication signals between the charger itself and your vehicle.
EV Damage
In addition to the charger itself, a sudden increase in voltage can harm your electric vehicle if it’s charging. A surge in power can be especially harmful to the on-board charging system when your vehicle is hooked up to the charger. Other internal components of your vehicle are also more susceptible when a surge happens during charging.
Protecting Your Charger and EV
Thankfully, there are ways to keep your charger and EV protected against power surges so that you won’t have to worry about investing in costly repairs or replacements when these incidents occur. It’s important to ensure that the charger is grounded properly and in a location that isn’t as vulnerable to lightning strikes. You should also invest in a reliable surge protector.
When choosing a surge protector, you have a few different options. Whole-house surge protectors offer comprehensive protection for your charger and other electronic equipment in your home. You can also find point-of-use surge protectors that are designed specifically for electric vehicles. For the most complete coverage, it’s best to use a whole-house surge protector along with a point-of-use protector for your EV charger.
Surge protectors also come in three different types. Each type has its own setup requirements, so you should make sure that yours will work well with your electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a power surge damage my EV charger?
Yes. Power surges can overload your EV charger’s sensitive internal components, potentially causing malfunctions, reduced performance, or complete failure.
Can a power surge damage my electric vehicle while charging?
Absolutely. If your EV is plugged in during a surge, the sudden voltage spike can affect the vehicle’s on-board charging system and other electronic components.
Do EV chargers need surge protection?
Yes. Installing surge protection is one of the best ways to protect both your EV charger and your vehicle from unexpected electrical spikes.
What type of surge protector is best for EV chargers?
Many homeowners choose a whole-house surge protector for broad protection, while others add a point-of-use surge protector designed specifically for EV chargers. Using both offers the highest level of protection.
Can lightning strikes affect EV chargers?
Yes. Lightning strikes are one of the most common causes of severe power surges and can damage chargers even if they are not actively charging a vehicle.
How can I reduce the risk of surge damage to my EV charger?
Make sure your charger is professionally installed, properly grounded, and protected with a quality surge protector. Regular electrical inspections can also help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
Contact Mister Sparky
You’ve already spent enough on your electric vehicle, and the professionals at Mister Sparky want to help you protect your investment. We can assist anyone in the Orlando area who needs help with choosing and installing a surge protector to keep their EV and charger safe. We also offer additional services that may prevent power surges from damaging your electrical equipment. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky.
