Electric vehicles are more popular than ever, and homeowners are looking for ways to charge them. Many households are choosing to install charging equipment so they don’t have to rely on public charging stations. This takes up space and costs money. Some homeowners wonder if their dryer outlet can be used to charge electric vehicles. Dryer outlets put out 240 volts of electricity, which is like most level 2 EV chargers. This may appear to be a possible solution, but there are several limitations you need to be aware of. This includes electrical requirements, safety concerns, and potential legal consequences.
Three EV Charging Levels
Electric vehicle charging occurs at three different levels.
Level 1 Charging
You can accomplish level 1 charging with a standard 120V outlet, which is common in homes in the United States. This is the slowest form of charging. Your EV will likely gain between three and five miles of range for each hour you charge through this outlet.
Level 2 Charging
This is the most common kind of residential EV charging. A 240V outlet adds between 20 and 60 miles of driving range per charging hour. It’s a faster option, and it provides an electric vehicle with good driving capacity the next day when plugged in overnight.
Level 3 Charging
Also known as DC fast charging, level 3 charging can sometimes restore 80% of an EV battery charge in just 20 minutes or so. It’s primarily an option at public charging stations and not used as frequently in residential applications. The charging is rapid, but it requires specialized equipment.
Two Kinds of Dryer Outlets
There are two types of dryer outlets used in residential homes. Identifying which one your residence has is the first thing you should do before determining whether it can support EV charging.
1. NEMA 10-30
Homes constructed before 1996 usually come with these outlets unless upgrades or renovations take place later. These outlets are known for their three-prong construction. They lack dedicated ground wiring, and that alone can present potential safety risks if you try to use one for EV charging.
2. NEMA 14-30
These are considered newer outlets. Homes built from 1996 and later are more likely to have them, but older homes might have their dryer outlets upgraded to them during electrical repairs and renovations. These are four-pronged outlets and include a ground wire. That makes them more compatible with EV charging and safer to use.
Most household dryer outlets work at 240V whether they’re NEMA 10-30 or 14-30. They’re approximately equivalent to level 2 EV chargers, but multiple factors determine whether it’s safe to charge your EV using a dryer outlet.
Before You Plug in to Your Outlet
If your home has a four-pronged NEMA 14-30 outlet, you might be able to use it for EV charging under certain conditions. However, you need to take certain steps. Directly plugging your EV into any dryer outlet without taking the appropriate precautions can be hazardous.
1. Upgrade the Outlet
If your dryer outlet is the older three-prong model, consult an industry professional about an upgrade. Newer outlets are going to be much safer to use.
2. Use the Right Adapter
Adapters are available through both EV manufacturers and third-party providers. These adapters let you connect your vehicle to a dryer outlet safely. Make sure any adapter you get is UL-certified.
3. Confirm the Circuit Load
Many dryer outlets have connections to 30-amp circuits, but most level 2 EV chargers need 40 or 50 amps. That means your dryer circuit might not be able to support the necessary load. Charger settings might need to be adjusted. Otherwise, you’ll risk overloading your circuit.
4. Consider a Splitter or Switch
If you still need the outlet for a dryer, you can get a device that lets you alternate between EV charging or using the laundry appliance. This frees you up from constantly unplugging things and plugging the other one in.
5. Schedule a Safety Check
Even if everything looks compatible, schedule an appointment with an electrician. Industry technicians can inspect your home’s setup and make sure everything is safe and compliant with the electrical codes in your jurisdiction.
The Cons of Using a Dryer Outlet for Charging
Charging your EV using your home’s dryer outlet might be possible, but it’s not always an ideal situation.
Potential Risks
Possible risks of using your dryer outlet for EV charging include overloaded circuits, fire hazards, code violations, and limited convenience. Electric vehicles draw power for long periods of time, and this can make wiring overheat or cause circuit breakers to trip. Older outlets and wiring aren’t usually designed for continuously high loads and can result in fire. Some jurisdictions have electrical codes that don’t permit EV charging through dryer outlets, possibly resulting in insurance issues or monetary fines.
A Possible Inconvenience
Sharing one outlet between an EV and your dryer can present an inconvenience in scheduling the use of both devices. The typical American household does laundry between two and five times per week, with more loads occurring with bigger families and active lifestyles. Scheduling turns between using a dryer and charging your EV can get complicated depending on how many people you live with.
Potential Solutions
Some smart EV chargers dynamically adjust their power usage based on the current home electrical load. This can prevent overloads from happening. Upgrading your electrical panel to a higher-capacity model with more amperage service means your home could support additional circuits for more safety.
You can also have a home EV charger installed. Level 1 chargers use 120V outlets but can take over a full 24-hour day for a full EV charge. A level 2 charger is five to 10 times faster and can work overnight while you sleep. Home charging is often cheaper than public options, and utility companies might offer lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. A level 2 charger can also increase the value of your property. This kind of charging is also better for EV battery health than relying on public fast chargers.
Maybe a Temporary Solution
Owning an EV can free you from fluctuating fuel prices and be an integral facet of your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. Only using public chargers can be very inconvenient. In some homes, a dryer outlet might be able to charge an EV. However, it’s a temporary possibility at best, and there are notable limitations and risks. Make sure you have a compatible outlet type before you try it and use certified adapters. Your best option is to consult electrical professionals. Dedicated level 2 home chargers usually wind up being the best option because of their cost savings, convenience, quick charging, and long-term benefits. Installing one is a smart choice and a future-proof investment for your home.
Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing offers electrical services to residents of Canton, OH and the surrounding communities. Contact Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing to install an EV charging station at home or to schedule electric repairs and upgrades that will help support the process of charging your electric vehicle.
