Why is my EV charger showing a ground fault error?
Quick answer
A ground fault error on your EV charger means the unit has detected an unintended electrical path to earth, triggering a protective shutdown. The most common cause is moisture ingress into the charge point, cable, or vehicle inlet. Do not attempt to reset and continue charging until the fault is investigated. Check for visible water damage or a damaged charging cable first. If the error persists after a dry-out period, contact a qualified electrician — this fault indicates a genuine safety risk that must not be ignored.
🏠Homeowner view
What Does a Ground Fault Error Mean on My EV Charger?
A ground fault (sometimes called an earth fault) means your EV charger has detected electricity flowing somewhere it shouldn't — specifically along an unintended path to earth. Your charger has a built-in safety system that monitors this constantly, and when it detects a problem, it shuts down charging to protect you, your vehicle, and your home's electrical installation.
This is a safety feature working correctly, not a random glitch — so it's important to take it seriously.
Common Causes a Homeowner Can Check Safely
Moisture or water ingress — rain, condensation, or a hosepipe near the charge point or vehicle inlet connector
Damaged charging cable — cuts, crushing damage, or a bent connector pin
Faulty vehicle inlet — inspect the socket on your car for debris, bent pins, or signs of moisture
Tripped RCD or RCBO — check your consumer unit (fuse board) to see if a circuit breaker has tripped
Temporary environmental cause — very cold or very damp weather can occasionally trigger false readings
What You Can Do
1. Unplug the charging cable from both the charger and the vehicle
2. Inspect the cable and connectors visually for damage, moisture, or debris
3. Allow everything to dry for several hours if damp conditions are suspected
4. Check your consumer unit — if an RCD or RCBO has tripped, reset it once only
5. Try charging again — if the error returns immediately, stop and call a professional
When to Call an Electrician
The error returns after drying out and a single reset attempt
You can see visible damage to the cable or charge point
The RCD at your consumer unit keeps tripping
There are any signs of burning, discolouration, or a burning smell
Your charger is more than 5 years old and has never been serviced
Do not repeatedly reset the fault and continue charging. A persistent ground fault indicates a real electrical problem that a qualified electrician must diagnose. Always use an EV charger installer registered with a competent person scheme such as OZEV-authorised or NICEIC/NAPIT registered.