Looking after your charging cable
Please read the user manual that is included with your charging cable. Please let us know if you have not received it. The following information will help to keep your charging cable (Type 1 to Type 2 cable, Type 2 to Type 2 cable, replacement cables and all portable chargers) in good working condition.
AVOID WATER INGRESS
One of the main cause of problems with an EV charger is due to water getting into the plugs.
Although the Type 1 or Type 2 plug(s) of the charging cable are waterproof to IP54 rating when the plug is mated to the vehicle (therefore allowing you to charge when it is raining or snowing), you still have to avoid water getting into the plug. Therefore, make sure that the plug is seated fully into the vehicle socket; always replace the plug cap after use and make sure there is no water inside the cap; do not leave your charger or the charging plug(s) lying in water. Any water damage to the charger will invalidate your warranty, so please do take care.
GOOD MAINTENANCE IS ESSENTIAL
A problem that causes a lot of issues is poor maintenance of the charging cable.
Charging cables are designed to take a degree of accidental damage, but good care of your cable can ensure that your product will work for years.
Reasonable care of your charging cable will help to ensure trouble free usage and prolong the life of it. Misuse of the product, dropping the charging plugs to the floor after a charging session for example, carries the risk of damage being caused to it.
Please make sure that your charger is stowed somewhere safe and dry after using it. We provide a free bag for cables up to 10 metres to help with this. There is also an option to buy a cable case for cables longer than 10 metres.
Try to keep the cable as straight as possible. Avoid kinks in the cable as it can cause damage to the wires inside. For example, twisting the cable when charging your vehicle or folding the cable can compress the wires inside the cable and cause damage to them over time.
To loop your cable without folding or twisting when it is being stored after use will help to prevent this. A YouTube video showing how to loop a cable using the “over under” looping technique can be found here. Or another YouTube video of the same techinque for a portable charger.
When charging, ensure that there is a little flaccidity to the cable when the plug is connected to your vehicle and make sure there are no tight bends or twists in the cable.
Please note that any product that displays signs of neglect will invalidate the warranty.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR A PORTABLE CHARGER
Please follow the guidance above for keeping your charger in good condition. Read the instructions and warnings on the unit and please read the user manual that is provided with the charger before using it. There are safety instructions in the booklet that will help to ensure that your charger is used safely and will function without any problems.
Please ensure that an electrician checks the main socket(s) that will be used to charge your vehicle and certifies the socket(s) as suitable for EV charging.
We do not advise plugging the charger into an extension lead.
Mode 2 chargers are water resistant but not fully waterproof. If the enclosure (control box) of the charger is IP55 or IP65 (this information is on the back of the enclosure) and is left outside in wet weather when charging, position it in a sheltered location, lying horizontally on the ground so that the charging lights are facing upwards. If there is any protective covering adhered to the enclosure, do not remove it.
In harsh environments, such as salt air environments or locations with extreme temperatures, it is advised to protect the charger from damage that the environment may cause. For example, in coastal areas do not leave the enclosure in a location that is exposed to salty air or saltwater as the salt particles can cause gradual corrosion to the seal of an IP55, IP65 or IP67 enclosure.
Ensure that the enclosure and plugs are not fully or partially submerged in water.
Do's and Don'ts
REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING
- Read the user manual included with your purchase.
- Do not use the product if it is damaged.
- Replace the plug cap(s) after use. Store your charging cable in a safe dry place. We provide a free bag to help protect the cable.
- If water enters the plug(s), do not charge your vehicle. Allow it to dry for at least 96 hours. Store the charging cable in a dry, ventilated place. Allow the water to evaporate naturally. Empty any remaining water from the plug(s), but do not forcefully dry with a hair dryer or by using rice, for example. Placing in a room with a dehumidfier, if you have one, will also help to evaporate moisture from the plug(s).
- Do not disassemble the product.
AVOID WATER PENETRATION
- Check that no water has collected in the protective cap of the Type 2 or Type 1 plug(s). Remove any water and allow to dry before replacing the cap(s).
- Ensure the plugs are fitted securely in the socket and that there is sufficient water resistance in the event of adverse weather. For example, if you are plugging a 3 pin plug into a 3 pin socket, make sure that the socket is has sufficient protection (IP66 is recommended for a mains socket) for using when it is raining or snowing.
- Do not submerge the plugs in standing water. If you have a portable charger, do not submerge the unit in standing water.
- Do not wash your vehicle with a hose or pressure washer whilst it is charging.
- Do not hang the cable outside in a place that is not sheltered. If the plug caps are on and it is raining, water may still enter if they are not properly fitted.
KEEP THE CABLE AND PLUGS IN GOOD CONDITION
- Do not bend, twist or fold the cable when putting the charging cable away. Watch this YouTube video to show you how to loop a cable using the “over under” technique. This YouTube video shows the same tecnique for a portable charger.
- Do not twist the cable when you are inserting the vehicle plug into the vehicle socket. Ensure that the cable follows the natural bend of the cable when it is resting.
- Do not throw or drop the plugs to the ground.
- Do not leave the cable or plug(s) on the floor.
- Do not drag the plug(s) across the ground as water or debris may enter the plug(s)
- Remove the cable by pulling out from the plug. Do not pull out the plug by pulling the cable.
- Do not drive over the cable or plugs.
- Do not park on the cable. EV owners do this to secure the cable while it is charging but it is also a common way for damaging the wires inside the cable.
- Do not place the cable anywhere it could be a trip hazard. If you are charging your vehicle, the cable should not obstruct pedestrians or vehicles.
USING THE POWER SOCKETS
- Allow an electrician to check that the socket(s) are suitable for EV charging.
- Do not use a socket if it is showing any signs of damage. For example, if the socket has hairline cracks, has dust or dirt inside or signs of corrosion or heat damage.
- Plug the charging cable directly into the sockets. Do not use an extension lead.
- Avoid direct sunlight on the plugs if it is over 25 degrees and you are charging your vehicle for a period of more than a few hours . This may cause the wiring to overheat and trigger the over temperature protection. This is particularly important if you are using a portable charger as the power supply socket may not be able to withstand excessive heat.
- Ensure there is good ventilation if the power socket is indoors.