EV Charging Safety: A Practical Guide for Public Charging Stations

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 1 of 2023 states that charging facilities include power supply equipment, current and voltage control, communication, and protection and safety systems. Safety is therefore a system outcome, not a single feature.

IEC 61851 sets general requirements for conductive EV charging systems, including equipment characteristics, the connection with the vehicle, and electrical safety. Installation, inspection, and maintenance still need competent personnel and applicable local compliance.

Park within the marked bay, apply the parking brake, and follow the sequence shown by the vehicle and charger. Check that the vehicle inlet, connector head, and cable are not cracked, distorted, trapped, or exposing conductive parts.

Never force an incompatible connector. The connector type and charging capability must match the vehicle. Avoid adapters, extension cables, or accessories unless both the vehicle manufacturer and equipment provider explicitly permit them.

Once charging starts, confirm that the screen or app shows a normal session. Keep the cable out of traffic paths and avoid placing strain on the connector.

Stop and move away if you see smoke or sparks, smell burning, notice abnormal heat, or receive repeated fault messages. Use the emergency stop when the situation requires it, then contact site staff or the operator. Do not open or repair the charger yourself.

Outdoor charging equipment is designed for defined environmental conditions, but protection depends on the unit specification and installation quality. It is not safe to assume that every charger is suitable for every weather condition.

Do not start or continue charging when a connector or inlet is damaged, submerged, sitting in floodwater, or contaminated. Follow site instructions and the vehicle manual. If the condition is uncertain, use another station and report the issue.

Driver safety must be supported by inspection, maintenance, incident handling, and competent technicians. Indonesia's energy authority highlights electrical safety, operating-worthiness certification, product conformity, and qualified technical personnel for charging facilities.

Drivers can look for well-maintained equipment, clear instructions, reachable support, and an orderly response to faults. Reporting visible damage promptly helps keep the station unavailable until it can be checked.