16 Safety Tips for Clients Using EV Charging Stations at Home
As more homeowners make the switch from gas-fueled vehicles to EVs, many of them are also opting to invest in residential charging stations. While it may save time and battery power to charge an EV from home, there are some important safety factors for your clients to consider.
A home EV charger has the same risks as any other type of electrical installation. If a property’s wiring is outdated or doesn’t have the proper voltage, or the installer lacks experience and knowledge, the system can short-circuit, arc, or overheat, all of which can potentially lead to a malfunction. Additionally, EVs use lithium-ion batteries, which can be both a fire and electrical shock hazard if they are overcharged or exposed to high temperatures.
Safety Precautions for Homeowners with EV Charging Stations
When clients install an EV charging station at home, it can introduce a variety of property and liability risks. If a homeowner is considering this investment, you should encourage them to contact their agent to discuss how on-site charging might affect their Homeowners, Condo, or Renters Insurance Policy. For example, you will want to check to see if the clients’ policy limits need to be adjusted for increased risks, explain situations when their coverage may and may not apply, and recommend endorsements that may broaden their protection.
In addition, there are many actions homeowners can take to help reduce the likelihood that injury or property damage will occur due to charging their electric vehicles at home. The Andover Companies has gathered some tips from several trusted sources for you to share with your clients, including the U.S. Fire Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy, and put them into a list of EV charging station dos and don’ts.
Client To-Dos
- Read up on national, state, and local EV charging laws and regulations to avoid permit issues, fines, and electrical hazards, as well as to learn about potential alternative fuel rebates and incentives.
- Have the home’s electric panel capacity professionally evaluated before installing an EV charger or upgrading from a Level 1 to a Level 2 charger, which requires a higher voltage outlet.
- Hire a licensed electrician with experience to handle every type of installation—from standard setups and outdoor placements to more complex configurations involving new outlets, splitters, or dedicated electrical circuits.
- Ensure EV charging equipment has been certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), which indicates that it meets OSHA’s safety standards.
- Choose a charger specifically rated for outdoor use if the EV charging station will be located outside, and opt for a hardwired connection, which is safer and more durable than a plug-in model.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging the specific vehicle and maintain the components of the charging station.
- Keep the EV charger’s firmware, software, and applications up to date according to the information in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Schedule periodic inspections of the EV charger with a licensed professional electrician.
- Stay alert for warning signs—like decreased charging speed, unusual sounds or smells, error messages, and hot cables—that indicate the EV charging station needs immediate service.
- Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers are placed appropriately in the garage and around the home.
Client “Do Not Ever”
- Run EV charging cables under the garage door.
- Install a charger outdoors that does not have a high weatherproof rating.
- Use a multi-plug adapter or extension cord with the charging device.
- Leave charging device components where children can get a hold of them.
- Use an EV charger with obvious signs of damage.
- Charge an electric vehicle outside during extreme weather conditions.
Despite taking all necessary precautions, EV chargers can still malfunction, be the cause of an injury, or even be stolen during a home break-in. A crucial “to-do” for clients before making this purchase is to work with their independent insurance agent. You should be prepared to help them understand the related property and liability risks, as well as changes they may need to make to their Home, Condo, or Renters Insurance Policy to better protect their property and belongings against the risks these devices can create.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration
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