Key takeaways:
- EV charger downtime is a bad experience for your customers and can cost you money.
- There are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue yourself.
- If this doesn’t fix the issue, you’ll have to call a qualified EV charger repair service like EVPlugz.
The demand for EV charging is up across Florida, and many businesses now offer it as a perk. If you’re one of these businesses, you know that offering charging to customers or employees is a valuable perk.
EV chargers can be an additional source of revenue, they can support your branding, and contribute to a cleaner, energy-efficient community.
However, charger downtime can hurt these goals and cost you a lot in lost revenue if you don’t fix the problem quickly. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot EV charger issues.
Safety First: A Few Basic Checks
First things first: Make sure customers and employees are safe. Electrical malfunctions can be dangerous, so you should restrict access to the area with the chargers if there is an issue.
Do a quick in-person check to look for smoke, exposed wires, or burnt smells. Pay close attention to the charging cable and watch for cracks or cuts, but be careful not to touch it. You should also check that the connector has no signs of damage.
If you see anything unusual, shut off the power at the breaker level.
Are Guests Charging Properly?
New EV owners might not have fully mastered EV charging yet. Make sure they have their vehicle in park and ready to accept charging. You should also check whether there is any scheduled downtime for the chargers.
Check Charger Status
Your EV chargers have status lights or a status feature on their digital screen. Look for any error messages.
Next, check your electrical panel. If the breaker for the EV chargers is tripped, reset it. You should only do this once, since a breaker that keeps tripping usually indicates more severe electrical issues.
Don’t forget to check the local disconnect switch for your charger. Make sure it’s in the on position.
Reboot the EV Charger
Rebooting your EV charger can clear firmware issues. Here’s how to do it:
- End the current charging session and disconnect the EV from the charger.
- Use the reset button on the charger.
- If the reset function isn’t responsive, turn off the power at the breaker panel.
- Wait a minute or two, and turn everything back on.
What If the EV Chargers Are Still Down?
If these troubleshooting steps don’t fix the issue, reach out to the network that manages your chargers. There might be a firmware issue or scheduled maintenance affecting your charging equipment. If not, the network can check for connectivity issues.
Your next step is to contact an EV charger repair company like EVPlugz. A local electrician who specializes in EV charging can inspect your charging location in person and check for the following:
- Loose, overheated, or damaged wiring between the panel and the chargers.
- Breakers, disconnects, or contactors that are undersized, worn out, or failing under the current electrical load.
- Voltage drops, phase imbalances, or other supply issues can cause nuisance tripping or charger faults.
- Damage to connectors, plugs, or cables that isn’t visible at first glance but shows up under testing.
- Water intrusion or corrosion inside junction boxes, pedestals, or the charger housing itself.
- Network and communication problems, including poor signal strength, faulty data cabling, or misconfigured routers and switches.
- Grounding and bonding problems can trigger safety shutdowns or prevent chargers from starting a session.
Once they’ve diagnosed the issue, your EV charger repair service will fix the problem and get your chargers back online.
EV Charger Downtime Is Preventable
Many issues with commercial EV charging can be prevented with regular maintenance and inspections. Catching issues early means you can usually fix them before they cause downtime and cost you money.
Here’s what a typical maintenance plan for your EV chargers could look like:
- Remote monitoring tools: Use your charging network’s app or dashboard to track charger status, uptime, error alerts, and usage in real time.
- Monthly visual inspections: Check cables, connectors, and housings for wear or signs of damage.
- Quarterly breaker and disconnect tests: Verify breakers hold load without tripping. Test the disconnect switches.
- Bi-annual professional audits: Have an EV-certified electrician test voltage, grounding, and load balance.
- Firmware and software updates: Keep chargers updated via your network provider.
- Clean and dry environment: Ensure chargers are kept away from water, dust, and excessive heat.
- Staff training refreshers: Train employees on basic troubleshooting and safety protocols annually.
EVPlugz can help create a customized maintenance plan that makes sense for your business. We can also address any issues you’re encountering with your EV chargers. As Central Florida’s only engineering firm specializing in EV charging, we provide expert installation, repair support, and full-service monitoring tailored to high-traffic sites.
Call us at +1 (321) 549 7002 or contact us online to learn more about commercial EV charger repair and maintenance.
FAQ
What should I do first if my EV charger goes down?
Prioritize safety by restricting access to the charging area and checking for smoke, exposed wires, burnt smells, cable cracks, or connector damage. Shut off the power at the breaker if anything looks wrong.
How do I reboot an EV charger?
End the charging session, disconnect the vehicle, press the reset button if available, or power off at the breaker for 1-2 minutes before turning it back on.
How can I prevent EV charger downtime?
Implement a maintenance plan that includes remote monitoring, monthly visual checks, quarterly breaker tests, biannual audits, firmware updates, a clean environment, and annual staff training.
Why is regular maintenance important for commercial EV chargers?
It catches wear early, reduces unexpected outages, protects revenue from charging fees, and ensures safety in high-traffic Florida sites.
