Socket cracked and scoched from EV charger

[ironchicken]

I have an EV which I charge using a portable charger. It plugs into the normal plug socket and I trail the cable out of the window to plug into the car.

I've been using this charger every couple of weeks for at least six months. I leave it plugged in but with the socket switched off when I'm not using it.

This morning I unplugged it and found that the socket has scorch marks and is slightly cracked. The last time I charged the car was several days ago but, as I don't normally unplug it, I don't know how long it's been like this.

The charger itself and its plug both look fine. I haven't tried plugging it in and switching it on yet, though.

I have a few questions about this:

• What is likely to have happened here?
• Is it safe to carry on using this plug socket?
• Is it safe to carry on using this charger in a different plug socket?

 

[Andy™]

your normal 13a sockets are not designed for that kind of load, and there are 'special' 13a sockest that should be used for EV chargers. ***** idea? yes. clearly normal public doesn't know about this, and i doubt its in the instructions for the charger either...

chances are, the plug also has some damage to it, even if you can't see it

as for safe to continue using this socket... depends how good your home insurance is

 

[nicebutdim]

As above and also the fact that not all sockets (and plugs) are equal. While all are (in theory) made to the same standard, invariably some will make a better connection than others. Lower quality spring terminals result in a less sound connection (especially over time), leading to higher resistance and resulting in excess heat which you see in the socket pictured. This can also happen with undersized pins on a plug or fuse holder within plugs and the mark on your socket is right about the centre of the plug fuse.

 

[Geoff1946]

Do not continue to use that socket. The heat will have weakened the spring contacts so that its load capability will be even less than its original inadequate level. A quality replacement can be had for under a fiver so it's definitely not worth the risk.
If it's a standard plug examine it carefully. Take the back off and check for any sign of overheating, and that the spring contacts of the fuse holder are tight.