As electric vehicles become more common on Australian roads, more homeowners are turning to smart EV chargers for faster, more convenient charging. But with any powerful electrical device, safety is a valid concern – so how safe are smart EV charges, really?
Let’s explore the safety of smart EV chargers, potential risks, and how to protect your home and family.
What Are Smart EV Chargers?
Unlike standard chargers, smart EV chargers connect to your home Wi-Fi or a mobile app, offering features like energy monitoring, scheduled charging, and load balancing. These capabilities allow you to optimise energy use and potentially save money, especially if you have solar panels or time-of-use energy plans.
But with advanced features come questions around safety. Are EV chargers safe for home use, especially when left to run overnight or whilst you’re away?
Built-In Safety Features
The good news is that most modern smart EV chargers are built with multiple layers of safety in mind. These include:
- Overcurrent protection: Prevents too much electricity from flowing through the circuit.
- Ground fault protection: Automatically cuts off power if it detects electricity flowing through an unintended path, like water or a person.
- Thermal regulation: Monitors internal temperature and shuts down if overheating is detected.
- Weatherproof housing: Many are rated for outdoor use, protected from rain, dust, and extreme heat.
So, how safe are smart EV chargers in general? When installed correctly by a licensed professional, they are extremely safe and built to meet rigorous standards.
Installation Matters
A smart EV charger is only as safe as its installation. DIY installations are not recommended; faulty wiring or poor circuit design can lead to fire risks or equipment failure.
Professional installers will ensure your system meets Australian Electrical Standards and check for any load limitations in your home’s current system.
If you’re unsure, ask your installer: Do I need a permit for my home EV charger? In many cases, permits and inspections are required to guarantee safe operation and grid compliance.
Safety Risks and How to Avoid Them
Like any high-powered device, EV chargers come with some risks. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overloading your electrical system: If your home’s wiring isn’t up to the task, it could lead to outages or fire risks.
- Cheap or non-certified products: Low-cost chargers from unknown brands may not meet Australian safety standards.
- Improper location: Installing a charger too close to water sources or without adequate ventilation can be dangerous.
To maximise the safety of smart EV chargers, stick with well-reviewed, certified products and always work with a qualified installer.
Benefits of Smart Charging and Grid Safety
Beyond home safety, smart chargers help protect the grid. Features like scheduled charging prevent demand spikes by automatically powering your EV when energy usage is low—usually late at night. This balances demand across the grid and can even reduce your electricity costs.
Plus, if you have solar panels, smart chargers can sync with your solar system to use your own power first, boosting sustainability and savings.
Install Your EV Charger Today!
So, are EV chargers safe for home use? Yes—when properly selected, installed, and maintained. The key is choosing a certified smart charger, ensuring a professional installation, and being aware of your home’s electrical capacity.
With the right precautions in place, you can enjoy the convenience of EV charging at home while staying safe and efficient.
Looking to install a home charger but unsure where to start? At Core Energy Solutions, we help homeowners select and install safe, smart EV charging systems tailored to their energy needs.
Let us help you plug into the future—safely.