It’s a question a lot of first-time electric car drivers ask themselves: Do EV recharging stations pose any safety risk in the rain? And should you be worried about driving an electric car when it’s raining? I want to share what I’ve learned to help provide clarity on this topic.
Is It Safe to Charge an Electric Car in the Rain?
Can you charge an electric car in the rain? The short answer is that YES, in most cases it is safe to charge an EV in light to moderate rain conditions. Electric vehicles have rigorous water resistance standards that help protect sensitive components from the elements when properly handled. Both the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) have developed strict IP (Ingress Protection) ratings to classify a device’s sealing against water and dust intrusion during tests.
Most modern EV charging points are rated to IP55 at minimum, meaning protection from low pressure water projected from a nozzle. However, heavy downpours or flooding present higher risk due to the increased potential for water ingress. So while light rain is generally okay, use your judgment in severe weather. Safety should always come before convenience.
Charging an EV in the rain: What If My Charging Cord Gets Wet?
EVs and their charging equipment are designed to be safe in all weather conditions when used properly. However, it’s still possible for water to potentially breach waterproofing in some rare circumstances. While the risks are low, it’s helpful for owners to understand what could happen in those unlikely scenarios.
If possible, I recommend not using the charger in a heavy rainstorm until it passes. But if it gets lightly drizzled on for a few minutes, shutdown and wipe it down promptly after to eliminate residual moisture rather than chance damage. Safety first!
Should I Do Anything Differently When Charging in the Rain?
A few small precautions can help maximize safety if you need to charge up in wet weather:
- Use dedicated charging points rated for outdoor/wet locations if available rather than general wall outlets.
- Invest in high-quality charging cables approved for wet environments with weatherproof connectors. Cheap cables have inferior seals.
- Never use multi-plug extension cords or temporary setups that add risk. A direct, permanent install is best.
- Check your charging point enclosure for any signs of wear/damage and reseal if gaps exist. Proper seals are critical against rain.
- Park under cover near the charging station if possible rather than exposed to heavy rain direct contact.
- Monitor the charging session and unplug promptly once complete rather than leaving connected longer than needed.
- Thoroughly wipe down and dry all charging equipment after before putting away or future use.
Really heavy downpours require avoiding charging if you can help it for safety’s sake. But light rain need not interrupt refueling if taking small extra steps for protection. Proper equipment well maintained will serve you safely for many wet rides to come!
Regular Equipment Checks Also Support Safe Rain Charging
Last but not least, good preventative maintenance keeps your charging equipment in reliable working order despite wearing effects of rain, sun and time. Even if purchased from a reputable brand, make occasional visual inspections part of your routine especially when charging in inclement weather is required. This includes:
- Check for cracks, splits or damage allowing water ingress to enclosures, cables or connectors.
- Inspect seals/gaskets and reseal/replace as needed if no longer making a tight compression.
- Look for signs of corrosion on contacts or enclosure that could degrade protective coatings.
- Confirm connections are tight and mounted securely without movement.
- Test GFCI outlets/breaker trips regularly per manufacturer intervals.
- Patch/clean surfaces as needed to maintain a weather-ready hydrophobic protective layer.
Regular checks catch small issues before they worsen and help maximize equipment lifespan. Proactive maintenace gives continued confidence that your charging peripherals are ready for whatever the skies decide to unleash!
