Can You Charge in the Rain? Weatherproofing Your EV Charging Station
A guide to safely charging your EV in the rain using a home, public or workplace charger, or standard 3-pin plug socket.
Last updated: Apr 24, 2024 • 4 min read
Summary
The short answer is yes, charging your EV in the rain is safe. Rainy weather is a regular occurrence in the UK, so electric cars and chargers are made to withstand all normal weather conditions including rain.
Can you charge an EV in the rain? Is it safe to do so?
It’s no surprise people are concerned about water and electrical components coming into contact with each other, because it can cause a charger to short circuit or sustain other damage.
But don’t worry; EVs and domestic chargepoints are built to be weatherproof, meaning they’re water-resistant even when in use. This makes charging more accessible to people, because you don’t need shelter to charge in the rain. Your EV will be just fine plugged into a charger while parked on your drive or in a parking lot in wet conditions.
There’s one exception to the rule: adverse weather. If you’re experiencing unusually harsh conditions outside, like a heavy storm or high winds, it’s best to refrain from charging in the open. While EV chargers are typically fine in standard weather such as light to heavy rain, they’re not made to withstand extreme weather.
Home charging your EV in the rain
If you have a professionally fitted home charger, you can charge your EV outdoors come rain or shine. These types of domestic chargers can be fitted outdoors or indoors, think drive or garage, so are meant to handle a range of weather conditions without impacting the use of the device.
Having a weatherproof EV charger at home means your daily life won’t be disrupted because of some rain. You can continue to charge your electric car even if it’s wet outside.
Public charging your EV in the rain
Whether you have access to a charger at home or not, you may be using public charging from time to time. If you’re wondering whether public EV chargers are safe to use in the rain, we’ve got good news for you. Public chargers are generally made for outdoor use, so they can deal with a range of weather conditions.
Rapid, fast and slower destination chargers at public charging stations are all built to be weatherproof, especially as most of them are located out in the open. However, in the event of extreme weather like torrential rain and strong winds, it’s safer to wait and charge once the weather is back to normal.
Workplace charging your EV in the rain
Any workplace chargers located outdoors will be perfectly safe to use in all weather conditions. EV charging stations at your office will be water-resistant to ensure you can use them during rain, snow or sunshine.
Workplace EV chargers share the same high safety standards as their public and home charging counterparts. The use of protective components ensures no electric parts come into contact with water, keeping you and your EV safe from damage.
3-pin charging your EV in the rain
A standard 3-pin charger, so one that will be plugged into a traditional socket in or outside your home, is generally considered safe. The key concern with a 3-pin charger in rainy conditions is the chance that water can get into contact with the socket. That could be an outdoor socket or one inside if you’re draping the cable through an open window or door.
3-pin chargers should be used with caution during rain if you don’t have access to an alternative. Make sure the cable you use is water-resistant, and you check the plug and socket are dry before connecting them. This should reduce the chances of any issues.
How can I make sure my charger is weatherproof?
Professionally installed home chargers typically have weatherproofing built-in. They’ll come with high IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, which makes them ideal for outdoor use. The Pod Point Solo charger has an IP rating of 54 and is incredibly resistant to rain and dust ingress.
For additional peace of mind, consider the location of your charger. If possible, opt for a spot that offers some protection from the elements like under a carport.
What is an IP rating?
An IP rating is a two-digit grading system that measures the level of protection surrounding electrical equipment. It’s a commonly recognised measurement for how resilient an EV charger is against the elements.
The first digital indicates the protection against solids like dust, and the second digital refers to protection from liquids like water. The higher the number, the better the protection. For an electric car charger, a high IP number guarantees a good level of safety and durability when exposed to conditions like rain.