Charging cables are objects that you handle frequently, wind up, place on the ground and sometimes, through lack of time, forget to take care of. When you use a cable on an everyday basis both indoors and out, it can get dirty and is subject to wear and tear. We would like to give you a few tips on how to look after your charging cable and so be able to charge your all-electric EV or plug-in hybrid for as long as possible in the very best conditions.
Cleaning your EV or PHEV charging cable
How easy it is to clean your charging cable depends on its quality. Some cables become porous over time making cleaning a complicated operation. Cleaning a straight charging cable is easier and faster than a spiral cable where you have to wipe each loop.
Before cleaning your cable, make sure it is disconnected from your vehicle and the electric power supply.
Check for any signs of wear and tear on your cable, such as cuts, rips, exposed wires or damaged connectors. Make sure you understand the type and extent of the damage before continuing.
If your cable is just dirty without any apparent damage, you can wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove any mud, dust etc.
⚠️ Do not soak your cable in water or clean it with a high-pressure water jet as this can lead to the electronic parts malfunctioning as they are not designed to be immersed in water.
Maintenance of the charging cable connectors
Check the inner parts of the connectors regularly if your cable is not systematically stored away in a carrier bag, or hung up on a wall-mounted cable holder or if the connectors are not fitted with a safety cover. A pebble or even an insect can quite easily get inside and make charging impossible.
If you find a foreign body inside your connector, remove it carefully with tweezers or pliers.
Dust and clean the inner parts of the connectors with a soft, dry cloth. Never use water or household cleaning products as they could damage your charging cable.
💡 Mister EV charging cables are fitted with safety covers which protect them from dust, foreign bodies and water splashes between each charging session.
By checking your connectors on a regular basis, you avoid all sorts of charging issues caused by unwanted matter!
Store your charging cable away
To avoid driving over your charging cable and damaging the connectors, there are several simple storage solutions you can adopt.
Your cable is likely to be damaged if you walk on it or drive your EV over it because it wasn’t properly stored away. Over time, this may have an impact on the charging performance of your vehicle.
The easy way to avoid such problems is to wind up your cable and remember to store it away carefully after each charging session to protect it from wear and tear. This also leaves you with a tidy, hazard-free area to park your car.
It is also a good idea to prevent your EV cable connectors from falling on the ground as they can rapidly become dented or scratched - even if the high-quality plastic they are made from is hard-wearing. If your electric cable is fitted with safety covers, don’t forget to clip them in place after every charging session. A convenient solution is to install a wall-mounted cable holder next to your charging station or your socket for easy storage so that you don’t have to bend down to place the cable neatly on the ground.
💡 For e-drivers who charge at public charging points, think about storing your cable in a specifically designed carrier bag to protect it from dust and all other items stashed in the boot of your EV.
In all cases, think about protecting your charging cable and connectors from water and heat so that you can charge your EV in the best possible conditions. Their waterproof rating covers outdoor usage in snow or rainy weather conditions, but does not mean they can be left on the ground in a puddle of water! Furthermore, wall-mounted cable holders are specially designed to prevent water from seeping into your connector when it is installed outdoors, thereby extending the operational life of your equipment.
Repairing a damaged charging cable
In the event of a small cut or bared cable, it may be possible to take on the task of repairing it yourself.
Before proceeding with any repair operation, check whether the charging cable is still under warranty or not. If it is no longer under warranty and cannot be repaired by the manufacturer, you can proceed as follows.
Unplug your cable so that it is no longer connected to the power source, and then clean the damaged section with a soft, dry cloth.
Insulate the cut or bared cable using insulating tape.
Repairing a charging cable that no longer works
In some instances, the cable is in perfect condition, but does not actually function. If you have already applied the maintenance tips for connectors given above, check the socket on the charging station and on your vehicle to make sure there is no foreign body in the way preventing connection.
If the problem persists once you have followed the process of cleaning the cable and the connectors and if you have purchased a charging cable belonging to the Mister EV brand, you can enter a repair request on our website (a quote will be issued for products no longer under warranty).
If you have a charging cable provided by the EV carmaker or purchased from another manufacturer, it is not usually possible to repair it. Only cables under warranty can benefit from an after-sales service.
Repairing the charging cable connector
Repairing an EV charging cable connector is a delicate operation and has to be undertaken with great caution as most connectors are moulded and require specific tools to open them. Moreover, this implies working hands-on with the electricity supply, entailing the risk of fire hazards. It should be noted that if you attempt to repair a charging cable connector, this may cancel the cable warranty and is not recommended by the manufacturers. The best thing to do is to contact the cable manufacturer to receive specific advice on repairing a faulty connector.
In short
An EV or PHEV charging cable can be damaged by everyday usage outdoors or indoors if it is not carefully stored away after use. To ensure optimum charging for your vehicle, don’t forget to take care of your cable and connectors on a regular basis, tidy your cable away in a bag or hang it on a wall-mounted cable holder and protect it from water and sunshine. If your cable is damaged or stops functioning correctly, contact the manufacturer before repairing it yourself.
If you follow this maintenance advice, you can extend the operational life of your EV or PHEV charging cable and ensure efficient charging.
A unique repair service in France 🇫🇷
Cables belonging to the Mister EV brand benefit from a repair service in our workshop in Alsace. We manufacture high-quality cables which can be repaired for a sustainable, eco-responsible purchase.
I have a Levitron 40A EV Charger. Someone may have accidentally tripped on the chord and now there is 1 inch of the wires showing near the area where the black chord goes into the charging handle. Can this be repaired. I believe a new Levitron modelcosts $485.00 on Amazon. Can you give me any advice or can this be repaired? Thank You, Ken Visser
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