Level 2 Plug-In EV Charger - Nuisance Tripping and What To Do About It

If you’ve heard about nuisance tripping and thought it sounded like a bad 70s flashback — don’t worry, it’s just your plug-in EV charger and outlet not getting along.

If you’re using a Level 2 charger at home that plugs into a NEMA 14-50 outlet and are dealing with GFCI tripping issues, you’re not alone. Lately, we’ve been hearing from a lot of customers who chose the plug-in EV charger route and are now running into unexpected headaches.

Let’s break down what’s going on — and why, at ChargerPro, we typically recommend a different setup.

Nuisance tripping and what is actually causing the breaker to trip?

It all comes down to safety rules — specifically, modern electrical codes now require Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection on 240-volt outlets like the NEMA 14-50 in garages or outdoor areas. GFCI protection is there to cut power if even a small electrical leak is detected — a good thing for safety.

But here’s where it gets tricky: most EV chargers are already built with their own GFCI protection inside. So, when you plug a charger with its own protection into an outlet that’s also protected, the two systems can clash. The result… false alarms — or what’s known as nuisance tripping — even though nothing’s really wrong.

You plug in your car, start charging, and then — click — everything shuts off. It’s frustrating, and it can leave you without the charge you need.

Can’t we just ditch the GFCI breaker to fix nuisance tripping?

Short answer: no. If your installation calls for GFCI protection by code, it has to stay. Safety comes first. Permits will get declined and inspections will fail if not done properly. In the event of an incident, you also knowingly accepted modifications to your electrical system that were not compliant with the National Electric Code.

Instead of trying to get around the rules, the better move is to choose a setup that works with the code, not against it — and that’s where hardwiring shines when compared to plug-in ev chargers.

Do it right, the first time

After countless installations, we have learned that if you want fewer headaches and a more reliable charging setup, hardwiring is the way to go. When your charger is hardwired, the built-in protection in the unit itself satisfies code requirements. You won’t need an extra GFCI breaker or outlet that could cause tripping.

While hardwiring may cost a little bit more upfront compared to level 2 plug-in ev chargers, it’s usually worth it to avoid the frustration of interrupted charges — especially when you need a full battery for the next day’s drive.

ChargerPro is here to help

If you’re weighing your options or struggling with a charger that won’t stay on, hardwiring is your best bet. At ChargerPro, we help homeowners every day find the right setup — no guesswork, no surprises, just safe, reliable charging you can count on.

Need help with your EV charger installation - get an instant quote and choose an installation date, or reach out to us — and our team will answer your questions and get you set up right.