How to Troubleshoot EV Charger Installation Issues at Home

Quick answer (read this first)

• Verify the dedicated circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Examine all cable connections for looseness or damage.
• Check for visible damage, discoloration, or burning smells near the charger.
• Consult your charger manual for diagnostic error codes.

Safety first

• Always turn off the main circuit breaker before inspecting electrical components.
• Never touch bare wires or damaged electrical parts.
• Use insulated tools if you must touch any wiring.
• Do not attempt repairs beyond your knowledge; call a professional electrician.

Tools you may need

• Insulated screwdriver set
• Flashlight
• EV charger’s user manual

Step-by-step

Step 1

Prioritize Safety & Power Off: Before any inspection, immediately turn off the main electrical panel’s circuit breaker supplying power to your entire home or, at minimum, the dedicated breaker for your EV charger.

Step 2

Inspect Dedicated Circuit Breaker: Locate the circuit breaker specifically for your EV charger. Ensure it is firmly in the ‘ON’ position and hasn’t tripped to ‘OFF’ or a middle position. Reset if necessary.

Step 3

Examine Charger Unit & Connections: With power off, visually inspect the EV charger unit itself. Look for any loose wiring, damaged casing, or improper connections where the charger connects to your home’s electrical wiring.

Step 4

Check for Overheating Signs: Carefully look for any discoloration, melting plastic, or a burning smell around the charger, its wall mounting, or the electrical panel. These indicate severe electrical issues.

Step 5

Verify Charging Cable Integrity: Inspect the charging cable for any cuts, fraying, kinks, or damage to the connectors at both ends. Ensure it’s securely plugged into your EV and the charger unit.

Step 6

Consult Charger Manual & Error Codes: Refer to your EV charger’s user manual. Identify any indicator lights or error codes displayed on the unit and cross-reference them with the manual’s troubleshooting section.

Step 7

Confirm Vehicle Settings & Compatibility: Ensure your vehicle’s charging settings are correctly configured for your home charger. Rule out any compatibility issues between your EV and the charger model.

Common mistakes

• Neglecting to turn off power at the main breaker before inspection, risking electric shock.
• Overlooking or misinterpreting error codes displayed on the EV charger unit.
• Failing to thoroughly inspect all cable and wiring connections for looseness or damage.
• Attempting repairs or modifications without consulting the EV charger’s official user manual.
• Ignoring signs of overheating, such as burning smells or discolored outlets.

When to call a professional

• If the circuit breaker repeatedly trips after resetting.
• You observe exposed or frayed wires, or burning smells.
• The charger displays persistent error codes you cannot resolve.
• You are unsure about any electrical inspection or repair step.
• The issue involves the main electrical panel or house wiring.