How Not to Store Your EV Charging Cable: A Guide to Protecting Your Investment
Congratulations on the acquisition of your new electric vehicle (EV) and its essential accessories, including the vital charging cables. Despite the thorough examination of manuals and guides, a common oversight many new EV owners make is neglecting proper care for their charging cables. This article aims to guide you on what not to do with your EV charging cable and how to extend its lifespan through proper storage techniques.
EV charging cables are crafted from two primary components: a metal core that conducts electricity to charge your vehicle and an outer layer of rubber or plastic for safety and environmental protection, how well these are crafted and combined will have a significant impact on its Ingress Protection (IP) rating. It's important to note that no EV charging cables available on the market today are completely waterproof. Most can withstand light water exposure, such as rain, but are still prone to corrosion if not handled and stored correctly—a condition not typically covered under warranty. This raises the question: Why do many owners neglect the recommended storage practices after investing significantly in these cables?
Improper Storage Practices for EV Charging Cables
A prevalent mistake in cable storage is the 'wrap-around' method, where the cable is coiled around the charging station, leaving the charging handsets hanging on either side. This method leads to water accumulation and ingress at the base of the charging handset (where the cable meets the handset), causing corrosion at the connection points inside the handle, which eventually leads to cable failure. This issue is exacerbated in regions with fluctuating weather conditions, potentially reducing the cable's lifespan to as little as 18 months.
Solutions for Proper Cable Storage
To avoid such pitfalls, there are two effective solutions:
- Store in a Dry Place: The ideal solution is to store the cable as intended, in its cable storage bag, in a dry location. This simple step can significantly extend the cable's lifespan.
- Use a Wall Mount: If storing in a dry place isn't feasible or convenient, consider installing a wall mount (also known as a dummy wall mount or EV charging cable wall mount). This affordable accessory can drastically increase your cable's longevity by ensuring the charging handle is mounted perpendicular to the wall, directing rainwater away from sensitive components.
Leaving your cable on the ground is also a definitive mistake, as it exposes the cable to rainwater, leading to water ingress and subsequent corrosion, as described previously.
Through our own observations at retesting facilities, we've seen firsthand the consequences of improper storage—handsets dripping water upon unboxing, a direct result of neglectful storage habits.
Conclusion
Protect your investment and save money in the long run by properly storing your EV charging cable. Whether you keep it in a dry place using the storage bag provided or mount the charging handles on a wall to shield them from the elements, these simple steps can greatly extend the life of your charging equipment.
We hope this article has shed light on the importance of proper charging cable care. For any further assistance or inquiries, please feel free to reach out.
