Can My Electric Vehicle Electrocute Me?
When I first got my Volkswagen ID.4, I went to charge on a rainy day. For a fleeting moment I wondered if I was going to get electrocuted. After driving a gasoline powered car it was hammered into my head not to smoke, use my phone, or sneeze too hard while pumping gas.
We are all taught as a kid not to get plugs near the water. There’s no lack of thriller movies where someone dies from the hairdryer falling into the bath tub. Fortunately, electric car chargers are weatherproof and are specifically designed to protect both the car and its humans from electrical shock.
Can I Get Electrocuted by My Car?
Electric vehicle chargers are rigorously tested by OSHA-certified laboratories and have to meet stringent safety standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Before an OEM can use just any old part, it needs to be tested. Waterproofing electrical connectors is pretty routine. They even have to pass fire hose testing where the connector is subjected to high-pressure spray.
Furthermore, “federal law requires manufacturers to test many consumer products for compliance with consumer product safety requirements. Electric shock is among them.” (visit https://www.cpsc.gov/ for more information)
Can I Get Electrocuted by My Charger?
Electric vehicle charging stations are an important aspect of electric vehicle programs. Manufacturers have created dependable equipment, however, there are shock hazards associated with these high-voltage devices.
Charging cables can introduce shock hazards due to vandalism, copper theft, chaffed cables or accidents involving the charging devices.
The industry relies on Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) breaker technology to protect the public. GFCI is common in many appliances, household outlets and other electronics.
Some areas of the country report a 57% failure rate on GFCI breakers, and variables such as lightning, age and poor inspection policies have contributed to the failure of these devices. A study done by National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that 8% of GFCIs fail in high lightning areas, humid areas, and warm areas.
Currently, there are no statutes requiring periodic inspections of electric vehicle charging stations. Some charging devices may be privately owned and others may be owned and operated by a city, county or municipality.
Home charging stations also raise concerns about proper installation. Homeowners may not notify their insurance carrier that they have added this new equipment. Some states have a permit process and others do not.
Can I Get Electrocuted Washing My Car?
Plug-in hybrids and EVs can go safely through a car wash, just like a fossil-fuel-powered car. EVs undergo rigorous testing before they leave the factory, including a soak test.
You are most likely to be injured if you get out of your vehicle while the car is moving inside the car wash tunnel. So don’t do that.
Many drivers shared the challenge of their car going directly into park once they got out of the vehicle.
In response to these issues, Tesla launched a car wash mode. Once activated on the dashboard, the vehicle automatically raises the windows, locks the charging port, deactivates the windshield wipers, pulls in the rear-view wipers, and also locks the trunk.
How to Be Safer While Charging
Things you can do to increase your safety when using an EV charging station whatever the weather, such as:
Never charge your car using a multi-socket extension lead designed for domestic purposes. If you need an extension lead, only use one designed for outdoor use. That said, you should only ever be using a standard three-pin plug in an emergency, not for regular charging.
Only buy charging cables from reputable retailers or directly through the manufacturer: these companies will put their products through strict and thorough testing to meet UK safety standards.
Regularly check your cables for wear and tear and replace them if there's any damage.
A dedicated charging point is the safest and most convenient way to charge your electric vehicle. Make sure this is installed by a qualified professional.
