Most “dead” home chargers have a simple cause: a tripped breaker, a connector not fully seated, a charging schedule in the car, or a fault the charger is reporting through its lights. Work through the checklist below before calling an electrician. If the charger shows signs of overheating, burning or damage, stop using it and get it inspected.
Checklist
- 1. Power. Are the charger’s lights or screen on? If not, check the breaker and, for plug-in units, the outlet with another device.
- 2. Connector. Unplug and reconnect firmly until it clicks. Check for debris in the pins.
- 3. Car settings. Is a scheduled charge or departure time set? Is the charge limit already reached?
- 4. Fault lights. Look up the light pattern or error code in the manual; see why is my EV charger flashing red.
- 5. Restart. Turn the breaker off for 30 seconds and back on.
- 6. Another car or charger. If possible, test the car on another charger and the charger with another car to see which is at fault.
- 7. Network. For smart chargers that need app authorisation, check Wi-Fi and the app account.
Common Causes and Fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No lights | Breaker off, outlet fault | Reset breaker; electrician checks outlet |
| Lights on, car not charging | Schedule, limit reached, connector not seated | Check car app; reconnect |
| Red light or error | Ground fault, over-temperature, wiring fault | See manual; inspect for moisture |
| Stops after a while | Overheating or breaker trip | Check outlet heat, circuit size |
| Not working after power cut | Charger or car needs reset | Power-cycle the breaker |
When to Call for Help
Call an electrician for repeated breaker trips, warm or discoloured outlets, or ground-fault errors that persist. Contact the manufacturer for internal faults. Distributors and installers can find a fuller guide in common EV charger faults and how suppliers should handle them.
EVDANCE chargers such as the EVDANCE EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger show status on a colour screen, which makes diagnosing faults easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my EV charger stop working after a power outage?
Many chargers need a power cycle; switch the breaker off and on.
Why does my car say charging is scheduled?
A departure or off-peak schedule is set in the car or app.
Can cold weather stop charging?
Very cold batteries charge slowly at first while heating; ice in the connector can also prevent latching.
Related Reading
- Why Is My EV Charger Flashing Red?
- Why Does My EV Charger Keep Tripping?
- Why Won’t My EV Charger Disconnect?
- Common EV Charger Faults
Key Takeaways
- Check power, connector and car settings first.
- Fault lights point to the cause; check the manual.
- Repeated trips or heat need an electrician.