Safety Precautions for Charging Outside Garage
Using a J1772 Charging Cable: This cable locks into the vehicle, preventing unauthorized removal.
Securing Cable Under Garage Door: Run the cable under the garage door’s edge and weight it down to prevent movement.
Back Up Tesla to Garage: Position the vehicle close to the garage door to minimize cable exposure.
Keep Cable Clean and Dry: Inspect the cable regularly for damage and keep it away from water hazards.
Consider a Cable Protector: Use a protector to cover the cable where it passes under the door for added protection.
Garage Door Closure Over Charging Cable
Safety Concerns: Closing the garage door over a charging cable is not recommended due to potential safety hazards.
- Cable damage or pinching can lead to electrical fires.
- The door’s weight can stress the cable and vehicle’s charging port.
Recommendations
Use an Extension Cord or Longer Charging Cable: Safely reach the outlet from the driveway without closing the door.
If Closing Door is Unavoidable:
- Ensure the cable is undamaged and unobstructed.
- Place a protective cover over the cable to prevent pinching.
- Open the door slightly to reduce the weight on the cable.
Longer Charging Cable
Benefits:
- Eliminates the need for closing the door over the cable.
- Ensures safe charging without potential hazards.
Considerations:
- Purchase a cable that meets the manufacturer’s specifications for your vehicle and charging system.
- Choose a cable with durable construction and weather-resistant materials for outdoor use.
Can I Close the Garage Door on a Tesla Charger?
Is it safe to close the garage door over a Tesla charger?
No, it is not recommended to close the garage door over a charging cable as it poses a safety hazard. The cable can become pinched or damaged, potentially causing an electrical fire. The weight of the door can also put stress on the cable and the vehicle’s charging port.
What should I do if I need to close the garage door over the cable?
If closing the door is unavoidable, take the following precautions:
- Ensure the cable is undamaged and free from any obstructions.
- Place a protective cover over the cable to prevent pinching.
- Open the door slightly to reduce the weight on the cable.
Is there a better solution?
Yes, consider using an extension cord or a longer charging cable to reach the outlet from the driveway. This eliminates the need for closing the door over the cable.
| Characteristic | Advice | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Cable | Use a J1772 Charging Cable | Allows for locking the charging handle into the vehicle |
| Cable Security | Secure Cable Under Garage Door | Prevents cable movement and unauthorized removal |
| Vehicle Positioning | Back Up Tesla to Garage | Minimizes cable exposure |
| Cable Maintenance | Keep Cable Clean and Dry | Ensures safety and durability |
| Cable Protection | Consider a Cable Protector | Provides added protection from damage |
| Charging Monitoring | Monitor Charging Session | Allows for remote monitoring and issue detection |
| Cable Removal | Unplug Cable Before Moving Vehicle | Prevents damage to cable and charging port |
| Garage Door Closure | Avoid Closing Door Over Charging Cable | Safety hazard due to potential cable pinching or damage |
| Garage Door Closure Precautions | Use Protective Cover, Open Door Slightly | Minimizes risk if door closure is unavoidable |
| Longer Charging Cable | Consider a Longer Charging Cable | Eliminates need for closing door over cable |








