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New owners always worry: Is it safe to use a charger for Tesla in the rain?
The Tesla superchargers run on a 400 volts power supply. Such high voltages are life-threatening if handled without the necessary protection measures. The charger has a protection mechanism that protects you and the car in case of a fault.
Tesla chargers are robust, waterproof, and can withstand all weather conditions. You are safe when charging your car in the rain.
This article will take you through safety measures when using Tesla chargers. We will highlight crucial safety mechanisms of Tesla chargers.
Construction of the Charger
The Tesla charger has two crucial parts which must connect for the car to charge. The charging station has a male port, while the car has a female charge port, and the two connect when charging. Additionally, the charger has a relay that turns on the power when it is safe to charge.
The charging cord has insignificant power when not connected to a car; hence it is safe to lift and carry. Furthermore, the charger has a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection system. The GFCI system protects you, the charger, and the car if a fault results from poor wiring and water leakages.
The Tesla Wall Connectors (TWC) and outdoor charging stations are NEMA 3R rated. The chargers can withstand environmental hazards, including heavy rains, dust, and snow.
Can I Charge My Tesla in the Rain?
Yes, you can charge your Tesla when it is raining. Tesla chargers have a higher power supply than normal household equipment. The charger is designed to work in various weather conditions.
When charging in the rain, you can take personal precautionary measures. Ensure water does not get into the charging port of your car. If there is water, the charger will not charge, which is part of its protection mechanism.
Each Tesla charger is tested during the manufacturing process. The chargers are waterproof and dustproof.
Tesla has installed intelligent charging systems with robust, water-resistant structures. The intelligent system detects any water leakage once it communicates with the car. When a car is connected for charging, the intelligent system will notify the user if there is water leakage.
Would You Charge Tesla in a Thunderstorm?
No.Thunderstorms can damage an electric car. Tesla advises its customers to refrain from charging their cars during thunderstorms. Thunderstorms pose a more severe threat when using electricity than typical rains. Charge your car before or after a thunderstorm has passed.
Thunderstorms are electrical storms, and they discharge electrical power to the ground. The electrical power in thunderstorms can cause death and damage to property. Surge currents from a thunderstorm can damage the internal circuits of a car.
Is the Tesla Charging Port Waterproof?
The charging port is designed to be waterproof when closed. If you close the charging port after using it, it will remain dry even when you drive in the rain. The charger may not work if you leave it open because water and snow can damage the electrical circuits.
Tesla advises users to close the ports after charging. The protection mechanism of the charger prevents it from charging when wet. If you find your car’s charging port is wet, visit certified dealer for inspection.
We recommend you ensure that the charging port remains closed when not charging. If left open, snow and water can accumulate and damage the charger.
Is the Tesla Mobile Charger Waterproof?
No, the mobile charger is not waterproof, and you should ensure it is dry and used in a dry environment. The charger is more portable, and the user should ensure it is dry during use and storage.
When you purchase a new car, Tesla provides you with a Generation 2 mobile connector. This charger can be destroyed if water gets into the charge panel. The Tesla Corded Mobile connector should also be used and stored in a dry environment.
Is it Necessary to Have an Outdoor Cover Over Your Tesla Mobile Charger?
We recommend using a watertight cover when installing outdoor plug-in units. Outdoors, Tesla chargers are exposed to various weather conditions. Dust, snow, and rain can damage mobile chargers.
The Tesla generation 2 mobile connector with a 50-ampere receptacle is waterproof. This mobile charger can be installed in outdoor locations without extra protection.
You should ensure snow does not accumulate around the charger and cause obstruction. Outdoor installations are hardwired and watertight, which provides adequate protection against harsh weather.
There are various mobile Tesla chargers, and they have different protection mechanisms. Some chargers may not require an outdoor cover. Before using a charger, read its manual or seek professional advice on the charger you are using.
Our Verdict
The safety of customers is paramount to Tesla. Tesla has produced electric cars and chargers without a lot of safety concerns. The superchargers run at a voltage higher than the typical household level. Therefore, it is crucial for chargers to have robust protection mechanisms. The Tesla charging port is waterproof. As part of its protection mechanism, the charger is designed not to charge when wet.
Outdoor charging stations are waterproof and dustproof. The chargers are robust and hardwired and can withstand all types of weather. Some Tesla mobile chargers are not waterproof and should only be used in a dry environment. It is crucial to always understand the protection levels of a charger before using it.
Thunderstorms have a large amount of electrical power, which is a safety threat. High voltage in thunderstorms can damage car. Tesla advises its customers to avoid using charging stations when there are thunderstorms. We recommend you wait for a thunderstorm to pass, then charge your car.