My 240V Outlet Keeps Disconnecting Every Time I Charge My Chevy Bolt, and I’m Starting to Wonder If It’s a Hidden Wiring Issue or Something Inside the Car

Introduction: The Home Charging Quirk That Won’t Go Away

If you’ve owned an electric vehicle for any length of time, chances are you’ve come across some sort of quirk when it comes to home charging. As convenient as having a Level 2 charger installed in your garage is, it can come with its fair share of headaches. One issue that’s been making the rounds in EV owner groups is the dreaded tripping breaker, and it turns out, I’m not alone.

A Chevy Bolt Owner’s Experience

This evening, while strolling through the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV Owners Group on Facebook, I came across a post from Stephan J. Jennebach that caught my attention because it mirrors an issue I’ve recently seen pop up more and more. Stephan’s been dealing with a frustrating and unpredictable problem where his 240V Pass & Seymour 14-50 outlet keeps tripping the breaker, and naturally, he’s wondering whether it’s a car issue, an installation issue, or something else entirely. Stephan explains: "Our 240V Pass and Seymour 14-50 outlet has been tripping the breaker randomly (four times since October last year, but the last two times were only about two weeks apart). Last night was another occurrence: the car was plugged in, waiting to charge at 9:00 PM (TOD rates). Of course, it's in the garage, so I don't know EXACTLY when the breaker tripped, but I'm almost certain it was at 9:00 when the car would have started to draw electricity. Would the car's error log give me any more insight as to why this is happening? I have a reader that I could use to pull codes if there are any. When I contact my electrician, is there anything I should mention? I read up on 'proper torque for the wires,' etc., but this doesn't appear to be an issue of loose contacts, or is it? Any suggestions will be appreciated."

Comments from the EV Community

Some folks chimed in on Stephan’s post with valuable insights that shine a light on how surprisingly common this issue is. Jayson commented: "I'd guess loose connection or bad breaker. Either will cause the problem you're experiencing. The fact that this is a GFCI makes it even worse. Any possible path to neutral vs. ground and that thing will pop."

And Jason added a key piece of context that many new EV owners might not realize: "This is pretty common with plug installations. Code requires a GFCI breaker for plugs intended for EV charging, but EVSEs have their own built-in GFCI as well and sometimes the combination causes a trip. That's why a lot of people opt for hardwired EVSEs because those don't use the GFCI breakers. Not sure there's anything that can be specifically done to reduce it in this type of setup. I went with hardwired and it hasn't tripped once in 3 years."

Why This Happens: The Double GFCI Dilemma

That last point is crucial. Many owners opt for plug-in installations because they’re convenient and flexible. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that the combination of a GFCI breaker and the GFCI protection inside the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) can sometimes lead to nuisance tripping, even when everything seems to be wired properly. It’s a quirk of how ground fault protection works, two GFCI devices in series can be overly sensitive to certain momentary current imbalances, leading to unexpected trips.

And while a hardwired solution can reduce that risk, it’s not always practical or affordable for everyone. Plus, with more people switching to EVs and adding home chargers, issues like this are only going to become more common.

Growing Pains in the EV World

Interestingly, in a recent article I wrote, I talked about how modern EVs, and the infrastructure around them, are still in a kind of growing pains phase. Problems like these aren’t dealbreakers, but they are reminders that we’re still ironing out the kinks in this new era of transportation.

What to Ask Your Electrician

Stephan’s situation raises a good point about what you should ask your electrician if this starts happening to you. First, have them check for loose connections at both the outlet and the breaker panel. Over time, especially with high-current devices like EV chargers, connections can loosen slightly, creating resistance and heat, which can trip breakers. Make sure the wiring is properly torqued to spec.

Second, ask about the breaker itself. Is it functioning within its expected range? Is it a quality brand? Breakers can go bad, and a faulty or overly sensitive one might trip even if there’s no real issue. It might also be worth considering whether swapping to a non-GFCI breaker with a hardwired EVSE setup (if local code permits) would help.

And finally, don’t overlook the EV’s onboard charging system. If possible, pull any error codes and see if the car itself logged any faults when the trip occurred. While it’s less likely, it’s still possible for a malfunction in the car’s charging circuitry to trigger a ground fault or spike that trips a breaker.

My Take on This Issue

In my opinion, while much of this seems like a wiring or breaker quirk, it’s also a symptom of the rapidly evolving EV landscape. As both vehicles and home charging setups get more advanced, we’re seeing technology outpace residential electrical standards in some cases. I think we’ll start seeing updated code recommendations, smarter chargers, and improved breaker technology that’s better designed to handle the unique charging characteristics of EVs. Until then, it’s vital for owners to stay informed and not hesitate to ask electricians tough questions, or even get second opinions.

Other Charging Setup Considerations

If you’re considering whether to go with a plug-in or hardwired installation for your EV charger, you might also want to check out this article on why one Chevy Bolt owner opted to track every kilowatt with a Level 1 charger. It’s a good reminder that sometimes simpler setups have their own benefits.

Cold Weather Charging Challenges

Another useful read for Bolt owners comes from this article about a Bolt EV left unplugged in the cold, which provides a good perspective on how weather can also affect charging behavior and system stability.

Learning from Fellow EV Owners

As more people share stories like Stephan’s, it helps shed light on the real-world challenges of EV ownership. The good news is that most of these issues are solvable, whether it’s through a simple wiring fix, upgrading equipment, or tweaking your setup.

Uncovering EV Quirks and Dealer Claims

If you're curious about how other Bolt owners navigate their charging and battery situations, you might be interested in this story of a 2020 Bolt owner dealing with an 80% charge limit even after a battery replacement. These kinds of ownership nuances add another layer to what might seem like straightforward home charging setups.

Reliability Over the Years

For a broader view of long-term reliability, check out this review reflecting on nearly three years of Bolt EV ownership. It’s fascinating to see what issues persist and which ones fade with time.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the EV Learning Curve

The moral here? As with any new technology, there are bound to be hiccups. EVs are fantastic, but the charging infrastructure, especially in residential settings, is still catching up. If you’re experiencing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow owners, consult a knowledgeable electrician, and advocate for yourself with your local installer or utility company.

And if you happen to be house-hunting or upgrading your electrical panel soon, it might be worth future-proofing your home’s wiring for higher amp service and modern EV charging setups. Being proactive now can save you from troubleshooting headaches down the road, especially as battery sizes and charging rates continue to increase with new EV models.

Bonus Reads for Bolt Owners

And if you’re curious about other real-world Bolt experiences, take a look at this reflection on why buying a particular 2021 Bolt EV Premier turned out to be a tough start for a new owner.

Share Your Experience

So now I want to hear from you:

Has your EV charger ever tripped a breaker? What kind of setup are you using (plug-in vs. hardwired), and how did you resolve it?

Drop a comment below and let’s compare notes, you might just save a fellow EV owner a headache.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.