How Often Does An EV Charger Need Maintenance?

An EV charger’s maintenance schedule relies on a structured, three-tier framework ranging from routine user checkups to professional tune-ups:

• Weekly: You should perform a basic visual inspection and cleanup. Wipe down the charging unit, cord, and connectors to remove dirt, oil, and debris, and check for any immediate surface wear or exposed wires before neatly coiling the cable.
• Seasonally: You should inspect the unit at the turn of each season or after extreme weather events. In the winter, check for cable cracking and loose connections caused by freezing temperatures. In the summer, inspect the connector pins for moisture or humidity-induced corrosion and ensure the unit isn’t overheating.
• Annually: You should schedule a comprehensive professional inspection by a certified electrician or EV specialist once a year. They will test the electrical current and baseline voltage, tighten internal wiring, and test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to guarantee long-term safety.

What Are The Immediate Warning Signs An EV Charger Needs Maintenance?

Regardless of your schedule, you should stop usage and address your charger immediately if you notice:

• Slowed Charging Speeds: Your vehicle is taking significantly longer to charge than its baseline timeline.
• Physical Damage: There are cracks, deep dents, or burn marks on the casing or plug.
• Exposed Wiring: The protective rubber shielding on the cord is frayed, cut, or damaged.
• Low Voltage Output: The charger is struggling to output its standard operational power.

How Much Does Charging Station Maintenance Cost?

Routine maintenance typically costs between $200 and $400 per year. Staying on top of this schedule not only prevents hazardous electrical fires and extends the life of your equipment, but it also ensures you do not accidentally void your manufacturer’s warranty, which often requires proof of proper upkeep.

Other Important Home Charging Station Factors To Keep In Mind

Changes in Charging Speed

If you use a Level 2 EV charger, it should take four to ten hours for your EV to be fully charged.

If you notice that the charging times are increasing, it could show that your charger is not operating as efficiently as it should.

Voltage fluctuations may also cause your EV to charge slower than usual. This is something that a professional should check and fix. 

Visible Damage to the Charger

If you notice any signs of damage to your EV charger, such as noticeable dents, cracks, or burns, don’t ignore them. Remember, neglecting to replace these parts immediately only leads to performance issues and greater safety risks down the road.

It’s ideal to regularly check your EV charger for any detectable damage and promptly set up part replacements through a trusted service provider to ensure the long-lasting functionality and safety of your EV charger. 

Exposed Electrical Wires

To ensure your safety while handling your EV charger, it is important to have a licensed electrician inspect and fix any exposed wires. Not only do exposed wires put you at a high risk of getting injured, but they also raise the chances of starting a fire.

To steer clear of potential hazards, it’s highly recommended to have a skilled professional conduct routine inspections and maintenance checks on your EV charger. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! 

Seasonal Maintenance Tasks for Your EV Charger

Knowing which seasonal maintenance tasks to perform on your EV charger throughout the year can be challenging. Without regular inspections and maintenance, it’s easy to miss necessary steps or forget to check specific parts. Depending on the climate where you live, particular tasks may need to be performed more frequently than others. 

In order to make sure that your EV charger stays in good condition throughout the year, here are some seasonal maintenance tasks you should keep in mind: 

Winter Maintenance Tips for Home EV Charging

During the winter months, it is important to check the wiring and connections for any signs of wear and tear.

• For charging stations mounted outside, inspect your EV charger for damage caused by snow or ice and clear away any debris from around the charging station.
• The harsh cold temperatures can cause the wires to contract and expand and can loosen the connections.
• Checking for wear and tear on wiring and connections can prevent the risk of malfunctioning and thermal events, which can be dangerous. 

If you have a ground fault interrupter, checking the ground fault interrupter (GFI) is crucial. GFIs act as a safety mechanism to prevent electrocution, and they are essential during the winter months when snow and ice can be present. Therefore, ensuring that the GFI is in good working order is crucial, and you should test it regularly.  

Learn more about NEMA 14-50 and GFCI breakers with EV charging stations.

Summer Maintenance & EV Charger Upkeep

During the summer months, it is vital to check the charger for any signs of overheating or exposed wiring. This can happen because of the hot temperatures, which can be dangerous if not addressed promptly.

• Checking the charger for any signs of overheating or exposed wiring can prevent fires, which can be devastating. 
• Checking the battery charger for corrosion or damage is essential. This can happen as a result of exposure to the elements and can cause electrical issues if not addressed promptly.
• Checking the battery charger can help ensure it is in good working order and keep your home safe. 

Benefits of an EV Charging Station Maintenance Plan

A maintenance plan helps prevent any potential risks associated with EV chargers while ensuring optimal performance year-round. It typically involves tightening all connections, seasonal checks for wear and tear, checking connections for damage, clearing away debris from around the charger, testing ground fault interrupters (GFIs) regularly, checking wiring for any signs of exposed wiring or overheating, and performing other necessary tasks depending on the climate in which it is located. 

It’s important to note that a licensed electrician should install and regularly inspect your EV charging station to ensure it is in peak condition. By following a maintenance plan, you can ensure that your EV charger remains safe and efficient for years to come. 

Investing in maintenance for your EV charger is essential if you want it to last. Regularly checking and maintaining your EV charger can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Taking the time to inspect and maintain your EV charger throughout the year can help ensure its safety and long-term performance. 

Extend the Life of Your EV Charger

Seasonal maintenance on your EV charger can help extend the charger’s life and help reduce any potential hazards. It is essential to check the wiring and connections for any signs of wear and tear, as well as the ground fault interrupter (GFI). It is important to check the charger itself for any signs of overheating or shorts in the wiring and the battery charger for any signs of corrosion or damage. 

Your EV Charger Maintenance Provider – Qmerit

Investing in proper care for your EV charger is a wise decision that pays off. By taking the time to inspect and have your EV charger maintained, you can help ensure that it remains safe and efficient throughout it’s lifetime, while also extending the life of the charger. 

With a track record of over 86,700 electric panel upgrades, 64,000 battery storage systems, 249,000 solar integrations, and 770,000 EV charger installations, Qmerit is the ideal partner for homeowners looking for EV charger maintenance services.

Contact Qmerit today if you suspect that your charging station needs maintenance, or give us a call at (888) 272-0090 to speak with our Customer Service Department.