Yes, a voltage surge can damage an EV charger, because a charger contains electronics that, like other electronic equipment, can be harmed by the excess voltage of a surge from lightning, utility events, or within the home. Since an EV charger is a significant and relatively expensive piece of equipment, protecting it from surges is worth considering. Understanding how surges can affect a charger helps you decide on surge protection.
Here is what to know about whether a surge can damage an EV charger.
EV chargers contain vulnerable electronics
An EV charger is not just a simple switch; it contains electronic components that control and manage the charging. Like other electronics, these components can be damaged by a voltage surge, a brief spike in voltage well above normal. A large surge can harm or destroy the charger’s electronics, and repeated smaller surges can degrade them over time. So an EV charger is susceptible to surge damage the way other electronic equipment is.
Where surges come from
Surges that could affect an EV charger come from several sources:
- Lightning, which can cause large surges
- Utility events, such as switching or grid disturbances
- Internal sources, like large equipment in the home switching on and off
Because surges can originate outside or inside the home, a charger connected to the home’s electrical system can be exposed to them, which is why protection is worth considering, as covered in our article on transient surge suppression.
Why it matters for an EV charger
Surge damage matters for an EV charger because the charger is a significant investment and important for keeping your vehicle charged. A surge that damages the charger could mean a costly repair or replacement and the inconvenience of being without home charging until it is fixed. Given that, protecting the charger from surges can be a worthwhile safeguard, especially in areas prone to lightning or power disturbances. This is the reasoning behind surge protection for chargers.
Protecting against surges
You can help protect an EV charger from surges with surge protection, covered in our article on whether you need surge protection for an EV charger. Options include whole-house surge protection at the panel, which protects the charger along with the home’s other equipment, and potentially additional protection. A properly grounded electrical system is also important for surge protection to work. A licensed electrician can recommend and install appropriate surge protection.
Some chargers have built-in protection
It is worth noting that some EV chargers include a degree of built-in surge protection, though the level varies and it may not replace dedicated protection for large surges. Checking whether your charger has any built-in protection, and still considering whole-house surge protection for broader coverage, is a sensible approach. An electrician can advise on the right combination for your charger and home.
Yes, a surge can damage an EV charger, because it contains electronics that, like other equipment, can be harmed by the excess voltage of a surge from lightning, utility events, or within the home. Since the charger is a significant investment and important for charging your vehicle, protecting it with surge protection, such as whole-house protection at the panel on a properly grounded system, is a worthwhile safeguard. A licensed electrician can recommend and install it.
Stella Electric installs surge protection for EV chargers and homes across the Baltimore area and throughout Maryland, with flat-rate pricing and no overtime charges. If you want to protect your EV charger, we can help. Financing is available on qualifying projects.
