EV chargers eliminate long waits at public charging stations and reduce total charging costs. They also give consumers greater control over their EV batteries’ health. Taking great care of them extends their lifespan and ensures optimum performance. Use these spring cleaning tips to safely clean your EV charger as the weather warms.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
While general spring cleaning tips will work well for most EV home chargers, your charger could have unique maintenance requirements. Reading your owner’s manual before starting will help you avoid any actions that could void your manufacturer’s warranty or cause serious damage to your equipment.
Owner’s manuals outline:
- Steps for finding and troubleshooting minor issues
- How to set up, reset, and modify smart features
- The meanings of all indicator lights
- Recommended safety protocols and hazard prevention
Disconnect the Power Supply
There are two ways for electricians to install Level 2 home EV chargers. They can install special 240-volt outlets and plug these units in. They can also hardwire charging stations directly into residential electrical systems. In both cases, Level 2 chargers should have their own dedicated circuits.
Find the circuit breaker for your EV charger in your home’s breaker box and flip it to the “OFF” position. If you have a plug-in model, remove its cord from the outlet as well. Shutting off the unit’s power supply will prevent electric shock and potentially fatal electrocution.
Use a Soft Microfiber Cloth
Use a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and other buildups from your EV charger’s casing, connector, and cables. Avoid using harsh cleaners and excess water. Submerge your rag in a mild, soapy solution and carefully wring it out before starting. If wiping your charger leaves streaks or other visible residues behind, change your water and opt for a softer cloth. Microfiber towels work best on sensitive surfaces.
Loosen and Remove Trapped Dust With Compressed Air
Whether installed in garages or outdoor locations, EV chargers can harbor lots of dust and other debris in their crevices, vents, and ports. You can dislodge and extract this debris with a can of compressed air. Built-up dust prevents electronics from venting hot air and can set the stage for malfunction and overheating.
Check for Pests
If you have an outdoor EV charger, check the surrounding area for nesting materials and other evidence of pests. Outdoor EV chargers can attract rodents, ants, spiders, and birds. Some pests can gnaw through wiring and cause other structural damage. All pests leave a fair amount of debris behind that can block airflow and cause overheating.
Clean Cables With Isopropyl Alcohol
While you can wipe cable cords with a soft, damp cloth, you should only use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs or pads to clean their connector pins. Rather than saturating cotton swabs or pads before wiping connector pins, lightly dampen them.
With these spring cleaning safety tips, you can maintain your EV charger without sustaining injury or causing equipment damage. If you live in Holyoke, MA or a surrounding area and need EV charger services, make your first call to Duryea.
