Is it okay for an electric vehicle charger to get wet in the rain?
2 Answers
Getting an electric vehicle charger wet in the rain can easily cause water ingress, which may lead to the charger burning out. Conventional Lead-Acid Battery: The plates of a conventional lead-acid battery are made of lead and lead oxide, with the electrolyte being an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid. Its main advantages are stable voltage and low cost; the disadvantages include low specific energy (i.e., the amount of electrical energy stored per kilogram of battery), short service life, and frequent maintenance requirements. Dry-Charged Battery: Its full name is dry-charged lead-acid battery. The main feature is that the negative plate has a high capacity for storing electricity. In a completely dry state, it can retain the stored charge for up to two years. When in use, you only need to add the electrolyte and wait for 20-30 minutes before it can be used. Maintenance-Free Battery: Due to its structural advantages, a maintenance-free battery consumes very little electrolyte and basically does not require the addition of distilled water during its service life. It also features shock resistance, high-temperature tolerance, compact size, and low self-discharge. Its service life is generally twice that of a conventional lead-acid battery.
I've been driving an electric car for several years now, often charging it in open-air parking lots. When it rains, I always worry about the charger getting wet and causing problems. I remember one time when I forgot to check the weather forecast, and during a heavy downpour, the charging indicator light was flashing wildly, scaring me into unplugging it immediately. Getting wet is indeed dangerous—water seeping into the circuits can cause short circuits, damage the charger, or even start a fire, especially with older equipment that doesn’t seal well. Many modern chargers come with waterproof features; mine, for example, claims to withstand heavy rain, but I don’t rely on it entirely. To stay safe, I’ve made it a habit to check the weather before charging or find a dedicated charging spot with a roof to avoid unnecessary worry. If the charger does get wet, I always make sure it’s completely dry before using it again to prevent any long-term issues.
