November 15, 2022

How Often Does My Home EV Charger Need Maintenance?

4 Min. Read

Maintaining an electric vehicle (EV) charger is crucial for getting the most efficiency out of your system. The maintenance of the charger is mainly the homeowner’s responsibility, with 80-85% of EV charging happening in homes.

Every homeowner should factor in maintenance requirements for a Level 2 EV charger. Maintenance will ensure that all EV charging components are working efficiently and charging your vehicle at the correct speed.

This article will cover how often your EV charger should have a maintenance check and why you should consider hiring a professional to help.

The routine maintenance schedule for EV chargers

Staying proactive and developing a routine maintenance schedule will avoid costly repairs for an EV charger owner. A manufacturer’s general maintenance schedule involves replacing worn or damaged system components, cleaning and tightening all wiring connections, and checking for proper voltage and current readings on the charging station.

Fortunately for EV owners, the maintenance steps of residential charging stations are straightforward. Maintenance for commercial chargers costs a yearly average of $400, with at-home options costing significantly less.

Basic charging station maintenance includes wiping down the charger, cord, and connectors weekly. Maintaining a clean charging station is essential, so you should regularly remove any dirt or oil residue on the system.

You will need to replace your charging cable as part of your regular maintenance if you notice signs of wear. A charging cable can develop loose connections after extended use, causing inefficiencies in charging and even potentially creating a hazardous situation. If you use the charging cable frequently and don’t coil it properly, it may require replacement sooner than typically required.

How to know if an EV charger needs maintenance

Keeping a regular maintenance schedule will get the best performance out of your charging station. Learn to recognize when you should request immediate EV charger maintenance or schedule a repair service.

The five most common signs an EV charging station needs maintenance are:

• External damage: If there is visible damage to the EV charger, it’s best to have a professional inspect the system. Damage can affect the function of the system and may require immediate repairs.
• Slow charging times: The average Level 2 charging station will fully charge an EV battery in 4-10 hours. When there is an increase in your typical charging times, you should call a professional for help.
• Recent extreme weather: If you have a charging station outside, an extreme weather event can damage it. While you may not notice visible damage, having an EV specialist inspect is best.
• Low voltage levels: Level 2 charging stations operate at 240 volts, which offers the fastest residential charging options. If there is a decrease in this voltage, the electrical system needs to be checked and may require maintenance.
• Exposed wiring: If you see the internal wiring of your charging cable, you need to contact a professional. A replacement charging cable will restore the safety of your system.

The environment of your device, as well as the routine care it receives, will determine the risk of damage to your system. You should always coil the charging cable after use and clean the system’s exterior to minimize daily wear.

Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs or damaging your EV charging station. Having a certified EV charger specialist check the electrical components on an annual basis is a great method to ensure routine maintenance and that your charger is working at full capacity. Failing to regularly service your devices can even lead to your device warranties being voided as a result of neglect. You should always determine what maintenance requirements must be met to ensure your warranties remain intact.

Why you should consider a professional for EV charger maintenance

EV charger maintenance requires experience to spot issues and install electrical components safely. With a Level 2 charging station operating at 240 volts, you need someone with the appropriate training to keep your home safe.

If you notice a sudden change in your charging station’s functionality, you should contact a licensed provider to help with checking your device and any maintenance needs.

Maintenance services from an inexperienced provider can lead to failure of the charging station or damage to the EV battery. It’s best to consult with a team that has the correct industry certifications and experience. Your device warranties may also be invalidated if maintenance is not performed by a licensed electrician, resulting in any damage.

Most EV maintenance companies offer a contract that schedules regular maintenance services for your home. You can typically enroll in a plan through your EV installer’s network, helping you find certified professionals.

These maintenance services involve an electrician inspecting your charging station and making routine component replacements. For an affordable cost, you can have a professional test the voltage and provide maintenance services annually.

Let Qmerit help you find a trusted maintenance provider

At Qmerit, we help homeowners make a smooth electrification transition with EV charger installation and other projects by connecting you with our unmatched network of certified electricians across Canada and the United States. We have a strict vetting process for EV installers, ensuring you receive dependable results for your property. Our goal is to make electrification affordable and accessible for everyone, and you can count on us if you’ve been searching for a trustworthy EV charging station maintenance provider. Contact Qmerit today to learn more about our services and begin your home electrification project.