5 safety tips to protect your EV and household during home charging

While public charging stations are expanding, the U.K. organization Energy Saving Trust noted that fast-charging at public points is generally more expensive than home charging. As a result, setting up a safe, reliable home charging system is critical for both cost efficiency and safety.

Here are five key safety tips for charging electric vehicles at home:

1. Install a dedicated fuse board

Installing a separate fuse board for the EV charger helps isolate the high-powered charging point from other household circuits and ensures proper Residual Current Device protection, according to EV infrastructure provider Elecology.

Homeowners should consult a licensed electrician before installation to determine whether the existing electrical system can support the charger’s requirements.

2. Use a professionally installed charging station

A home chargepoint is typically safer and faster than a standard plug socket. According to the U.K.’s Electric Vehicle Consumer Code, most units are compact, weatherproof, and can be installed outdoors, usually on an exterior wall.

While a standard outlet may be sufficient for occasional use, regular charging should be done with a dedicated 7kWh or 22kWh station equipped with built-in safety features. Experts recommend installation by a certified electrician to meet manufacturer specifications and safety standards.

An electric car plugged in to a home chargepoint. Photo from Unsplash

3. Perform regular equipment checks

Charging cables, plugs, and stations should be routinely inspected for visible wear or damage, such as cracks, fraying, or burn marks, which can lead to fire or electrical hazards. Any damaged components should be replaced immediately.

Owners are advised not to attempt repairs themselves. Instead, they should contact certified professionals or the product manufacturer for proper servicing or replacement.

4. Follow manufacturer guidelines

Each electric vehicle model comes with specific charging instructions, including compatible chargers, recommended charge levels, and maintenance procedures.

EV infrastructure firm CITA EV Charger advised users to only use equipment approved by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Using extension cords, adapters, or other unapproved accessories may cause overheating or electrical faults and could void the warranty.

5. Avoid unnecessary overcharging

Although most electric vehicles are equipped with systems to prevent overcharging, experts still advise unplugging the vehicle once charging is complete to help preserve battery health.

According to EV charging solutions firm Wise Energy, lithium-ion batteries perform best when kept between 20% and 80% charge during daily use. Charging to full capacity occasionally is acceptable, particularly before long trips, but doing so regularly can accelerate battery degradation.

Many EVs include charge limit settings that allow users to cap daily charging at a specific level, such as 80%. This feature helps reduce battery stress and extend its usable lifespan.

For routine driving, experts recommended avoiding deep discharges and constant full charges. Smart chargers can also be programmed to stop automatically when the battery reaches a predetermined level, offering an additional layer of battery protection.