Cooperative Living August 2023 - 19

CUTTING EDGE
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charging unit
●eeping Up with
Current Trends
by Jennah Denney, Contributing Writer
Safety tips for charging your EV at home
C
harging is a crucial concern among new electric
vehicle owners, whether plug-in hybrid or full
electric. Fear of inconvenience is one of the biggest
barriers to widespread adoption of electric vehicles. You
might be concerned that there aren't enough public charging
stations in the area - and even if there are public charging
stations nearby, do you really want to rely on them any time
you need to refuel?
An EV charging station at home can solve this challenge
of inconvenience. But are EV charging systems at home safe?
Absolutely - as long as they're installed correctly.
The first thing EV owners should consider is how they
will charge their vehicles. A licensed electrician can evaluate
your home's EV charging situation.
There are two common types of home-charging options.
Level 1 charging is a straightforward plug-in of the EV into
any standard 120-volt electrical outlet. This requires no
electrical modification, and it normally takes around 14 to
20 hours to fully charge the EV.
Some EV manufacturers and sellers provide inaccurate
information on charging, and some will suggest that a
standard 120-volt outlet is all you need. Unfortunately, this
degree of charging may not always match the driver's daily
travel needs.
Level 2 charging units are sold separately from the
vehicle. These units must be installed by a licensed electrician
because they plug into a 240-volt outlet and charge much
more quickly, typically four to eight hours.
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when charging
your EV at home:
* Select charging equipment that is certified to meet safety
standards. Plug Level 1 EV chargers directly into an outlet
designed to handle the amperage of the charging device.
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August 2023 ● Cooperative Living ●
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Never use a multi-plug adapter or
extension cord. Charging cables are a
tripping hazard, so be aware of the cable's
location. Purchase a Level 2 charging
device that is certified by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory. This means
the device has gone through rigorous
testing and certification by a third-party
company with extensive knowledge and
pedigree in certifying EV technologies.
* Check with your electric co-op and
a licensed electrician before modifying
your electrical system or installing a
charging station. An electrician will
need to make sure your home's wiring
complies with local, state and national
codes, and may need to obtain a
permit before installation.
* Place all charging components out of reach of children
when not in use.
* Maintain the components of your charging station according
to the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines.
* Cover the EV charging station outlet to prevent water
exposure. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to make sure
it is safe to charge your EV in wet conditions.
* Most charging stations are equipped with safety devices
such as GFCIs, which will identify electrical shorts and stop
power to the charger to minimize risks. There is a low risk
of electric shock, but safeguards are automatically built into
the equipment.
Always remember to contact your electric co-op
before considering installation. They can likely answer
any questions you have and provide additional information
on EV programs and rates. 
Jennah Denney writes on consumer and cooperative affairs
for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living August 2023

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