Why Is My EV Charger Not Starting When Plugged In?

You plug in your EV charger, but nothing happens — no lights, no charging, no response. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on home charging every day. In this post, we’ll cover the most common reasons your EV charger doesn’t start and what you can do to fix it.

Common Reasons an EV Charger Won’t Start

1. No Power to the Outlet or Circuit

• Breaker tripped: A breaker may have flipped, cutting power to your charger.

• Outlet issue: For plug-in chargers, the NEMA 14-50 outlet itself may be loose, burned, or faulty.

2. EVSE Not Powering On

Sometimes the charger itself isn’t turning on due to:

• A defective internal relay or fuse.

• Firmware/software error.

• Moisture or damage inside the unit.

3. Vehicle Communication Failure

Charging won’t begin unless your car and the charger “handshake” properly. Causes include:

• Dirty or damaged charging pins.

• Fault in the car’s onboard charging system.

• Loose connection at the charging handle.

4. Safety Lockouts

 Most EV chargers have built-in safety checks. If they detect:

• Ground faults,

• Overheating, or

• Incorrect wiring —

  
  

  the charger may refuse to start at all.

5. Timer or Schedule Settings

Smart chargers and even some EVs allow scheduled charging. If those settings are active, the charger may appear “dead” until the scheduled time.

Troubleshooting Steps

1.    Check your breaker panel – Reset any tripped breakers.

2.    Test the outlet – Plug in another device to confirm power.

3.    Inspect the charger – Look for indicator lights, error codes, or damage.

4.    Clean the connector – Wipe charging pins and ensure they’re free of dirt or corrosion.

5.    Check scheduling settings – Look in your car’s charging menu or the charger’s app.

6.    Try another charger – If possible, test at a public station to rule out an issue with your vehicle.

When to Call a Professional

• If your charger won’t power on at all.

• If you smell burning or see melted plastic around the plug or outlet.

• If breakers keep tripping even after reset.

• If your EV consistently fails to charge on multiple chargers.

These issues point to deeper electrical or vehicle-side problems that require an electrician or dealership service.

Final Thoughts

When your EV charger won’t start, the issue can range from a simple tripped breaker to a defective charging unit. Start with the basics — power supply, connectors, and settings — before moving on to more complex troubleshooting. If in doubt, call a licensed electrician to make sure your charging setup is safe and working as it should.

👉 If you need help with EV charger installation in Dallas, Plano or the surrounding area, contact us today to schedule service or installation.