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.

 

[UNG]

Looking at the picture it would suggest the fuse holder contacts in the plug have overheated as others have said the socket needs changing and the plug
If this charger was supplied with the EV I would be asking the dealer to check the charger is compliant with UK regulations and is fit for the purpose

 

[mainline]

722.55.101.0.201.1 Each AC charging point shall incorporate:
(i) one socket-outlet complying with BS 1363-2 marked ‘EV’.

 

[Andy™]

722.55.101.0.201.1 Each AC charging point shall incorporate:
(i) one socket-outlet complying with BS 1363-2 marked ‘EV’.

and that's the problem. we know that. general public doesn't. and why should they? they are not electricians. as far as they are concerned, its no different to plugging in a pressure washer, fridge or any other appliance. if its got a 13a plug then it should work with a 13a socket. if EV chargers don't work with a normal 13a socket then they shouldn't be available

 

[mainline]

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?

That type of plug and socket isn't designed to handle that sort of current for long periods of time.
Mode 2 would probably be ok.

• Is it safe to carry on using this plug socket?

No

• Is it safe to carry on using this charger in a different plug socket?

No

 

[Murdoch]

722.55.101.0.201.1 Each AC charging point shall incorporate:
(i) one socket-outlet complying with BS 1363-2 marked ‘EV’.

I’ve always found this reg odd to say the least and obviously written by people away with the fairies.

The whole point of 13A granny chargers is that they can be plugged in anywhere

 

[binky]

The problem with EV charging is that it pulls a high load for long periods of time. This means they are good at finding problems with poor quality sockets, or loose connections in sockets.

So, apart from changing the socket for a decent make like Hager or Crabtree it will also be wise to check the cabling for heat damage.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

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?

A quick lay-mans language recap on a few laws of physics:

(1) Electricity always generates some heat whilst traveling through circuit cables and accessories.
(2) Higher power (greater current) appliances will always generate greater heat.
(3) Longer duration usage will maintain any heat generated for a longer period of time with greater risk of thermal damage to accessories and/or cables.
(4) Loose or poor quality joint connections, either screw or plug-in, will also add increased heat around these joints.
(5) Once overheating of weak joints starts, a downward spiral, reducing the joint integrity due to arcing and sparking can continue unnoticed for quite a while before it finally fails by disconnecting the power or catching fire or both!


A quick lay-mans language guide to common good practice with electrical circuit design:

(a) Never connected multiple higher power appliances to the same double socket.. (The average double socket is not designed to supply 2x 13A loads)
(b) Never connect any higher power devices via extension leads.
(c) Never connect any higher power, longer duration loads via a 13A plug.. e.g. 13A Immersion heaters are not a good friend to a 13A plug & socket. (a hard wired connection is much better.)
(d) 13 amp plug connected EV chargers should really only be used as an occasional "get-out-of-jail-free-card".... Just to give you enough juice to get to a proper EV charge point, not as a regular means of charging!
(e) Traditional domestic electrical ring-final socket circuits should have been designed to balance all higher power appliance loads equally around the ring.... If your ring was designed & installed several years ago, then probably no design loadings for EV charging would have been considered!?
(f) ALL electrical circuits should be designed to "fail-safe" i.e. In the event of a fault they should disconnect the energy source fast enough to prevent danger to people, property or livestock.

A quick lay-mans language guide to common problems found with UK domestic wiring:

(i) DIY electrical work is legally permitted within the UK..
(ii) A DIY connected socket may work but have incorrect polarity, lack of earthing, incorrect supply cable, incorrect fuse protection.... etc...
(iii) Just because something works does not mean it is electrically safe.
(iv) A socket supplied with the correct sized cable, may still fail due to poor DIY terminations!
(v) Once an electrical related problem has been identified, it is best to test the whole circuit for compliance with BS7671 before returning it to normal use!


Recommendations:
The socket needs replacing...
The circuit needs testing just in case other unseen problems have also occurred.