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Charging your electric car at home in the rain: everything you need to know for safe and easy charging
Standard household socket: avoid
When it's time to recharge an electric carthe temptation to use a standard household socket may seem a practical solution, especially in the rain. However, this approach entails major risks and disadvantages that require particular attention, especially in wet weather.
In fact, standard household sockets are generally not designed to withstand high electrical loads over long periods, which can lead to overheating and electrical overloading, particularly in humid conditions.
What's more, prolonged use of these sockets to recharge an electric vehicle can damage the domestic power grid, leading to considerable repair costs, a problem potentially exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.
What's more, the recharging time using a standard domestic socket is significantly longer, which can make this recharging method inefficient and inconvenient, especially when it's raining. So, to ensure safe, reliable and efficient recharging of your electric carwe strongly recommend avoiding the use of standard domestic plugs, especially in the rain, and opting instead for dedicated, secure recharging solutions.
Does the charging station work normally in the rain?
It is important to ensure that the charging station you use is compatible with the international IP65 standard. IP65 protection means that the bollard is dust-tight and resistant to water splashes. If you find a bollard with IP66 protection, this means it is resistant to powerful jets of water. IP67 protection indicates that the bollard is protected against temporary submersion, while IP68 means that the bollard may be completely submersible under certain conditions.
In terms of comfort in the rain, there are recharging shades or recharging carports that integrate recharging stations and solar panels. This enhances the comfort of electric vehicle users, while promoting an innovative, eco-responsible image.
To determine the surface area of solar panels required for your solar parking lot shade, you need to take into account the number of charging stations. On average, there are around 9 solar panels per charging station, i.e. a surface area of around 20 m2. This covers the annual consumption of around 3,000 kWh by an electric vehicle. The equipment complies with current standards and is manufactured mainly in the Hauts de France region, using local raw materials such as wood and steel. Electronic components are of European origin.
In short, it's essential to check that the charging station has IP65 or higher protection to withstand dust and water. Charging shades with solar panels and charging stations are an interesting option for improving charging comfort while being environmentally friendly. To determine the surface area of solar panels required, we recommend that you count around 9 solar panels per charging station, which represents around 20 m2.
However, it's always a good idea to take a few precautions when charging your electric car in the rain:
- Choose a charging station in a sheltered location, if possible.
- Check that cables and connectors are in good condition and show no signs of wear.
- If you notice any puddles of water around the charging station, do not use it and contact our service department.
Read more: Mandatory photovoltaic shading for parking lots: an energy transition measure
Why aren't electric cars afraid of water?
Electric cars are not afraid of water. They are designed to withstand the elements, including rain, snow and puddles. Here are several reasons why:
Protection against humidity:
- Seals and waterproof materials: Electric cars feature rubber seals and waterproof materials all around the vehicle, inside and out. This protects electrical components from moisture and infiltration.
- Sealed enclosures: Sensitive electrical components, such as the motor and battery, are housed in sealed enclosures to protect them from water and dust.
- Rigorous testing: Carmakers put their electric vehicles through rigorous tests to ensure they can withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain and flooding.
Electrical safety:
- Low-voltage electrical systems: Electric cars use low-voltage electrical systems (generally 400 volts), which reduces the risk of electric shock in the event of contact with water.
- Safety devices: Electric vehicles are equipped with circuit breakers and fuses that automatically cut off the power supply in the event of a problem, such as a short-circuit caused by water.
Rain and electric recharging: Tips and solutions for a carefree experience
Favoring sheltered areas
When it comes to recharging your electric vehicle in the rain, it's advisable to use sheltered areas to avoid direct contact with water. This means parking your electric car close to a covered area such as a garage, carport or covered charging station.
If you use a Wallbox or a reinforced outdoor socket, make sure it's properly installed and weatherproofed, with water protection measures in place to minimize the risk of water ingress or short-circuiting. Also check that the charging cable is well insulated and protected against moisture.
In the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms, we advise you to postpone recharging if possible, and to avoid handling the electrical components of the Wallbox or the vehicle when they are wet. Bear in mind that safety must always be a priority when recharging in the rain.
In short, it's best to charge your electric vehicle in a sheltered area to minimize the risks associated with exposure to water. Make sure your Wallbox or reinforced socket is correctly installed and protected against moisture. Take care when handling electrical components in heavy rain or thunderstorms.
A few precautions to take beforehand
It's best to prioritize recharging in a covered, dry place. For example, you can charge your car in your garage overnight during off-peak hours, which saves on charging costs while avoiding the risks associated with humidity.
One recommended solution is to install a home charging station to ensure safe and up to three times faster recharging of your electric car or plug-in hybrid.
It's important to read your vehicle's owner's manual carefully, and to follow the instructions given for recharging. Here are a few precautions to take:
- Avoid charging and washing the car at the same time.
- Do not touch the charger, cables or charging point with wet hands.
- Do not use the connector and charging plug if they are wet.
- Avoid using charging stations that are damp or have defects on the protective casing.
- Avoid charging your electric vehicle with your feet in water or snow.
If moisture does manage to seep into your vehicle's connector, don't dry it with an absorbent cloth, as contact could be dangerous. Instead, use a compressed-air blower to dry it effectively.
Conclusion
In short, while charging electric cars in the rain is a practice that requires a cautious approach, Beev, a company specializing in electric mobility, offers tailor-made solutions to meet your needs. Their expertise includes the installation of weatherproof charging stations, guaranteeing safe and efficient charging, even in difficult weather conditions.
When you call on Beev, you benefit from their know-how and experience to ensure a smooth transition to electric mobility, with particular attention paid to the safety and reliability of your charging system.
If you would like to find out more aboutaid for the installation of charging stations for businesses in 2024please consult our article on the subject.
