Are Tesla Chargers Waterproof?

To know whether Tesla chargers are waterproof we have to dig deep into both 2 types of Tesla chargers. Because both come with different water-resistant capabilities.

One is Tesla wall connectors, which include Gen 3 wall connectors and Universal wall connectors.

Another is Tesla mobile connectors, which include Gen 2 mobile connectors and corded mobile connectors. Out of both Gen 2s are selling currently. 

Checking Waterproofing Quality of Tesla Chargers

Now, waterproofing capacity is determined by what standard of enclosure these chargers come with. Because it’s enclosure which protects inner parts from external environment. 

The enclosure standards of electrical equipment are being maintained by National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

These enclosures are differently rated with a specific NEMA rating which indicates the degree of protection from the external environment.

So let’s see what enclosure standard all four versions of Tesla chargers are equipped with.

Wall Connectors:

• Tesla wall connector Gen 3: NEMA 3R
• Tesla universal wall connector: NEMA 3R

Mobile Connectors:

• Tesla mobile connector Gen 2: NEMA 4X
• Tesla corded mobile connector: NEMA 4X

Now what do these NEMA 3R and NEMA 4X enclosure standards mean? Let’s see. 

Meaning of NEMA 3R and NEMA 4X enclosure standards in Tesla Chargers

According to the NEMA enclosure rating standard, 

NEMA 3R means, 

• The enclosure can protect inside parts from rain, sleet or snow water ingress. 
• PLUS, it can also protect inner parts from external ice formation.
• Now, when it comes to solid particle protection, it protects from falling dirt. 
• But it does not protect from corrosion and it can form around the boundary of enclosure. 
• It can be used for both indoors and outdoors. 

NEMA 4X means,

• The enclosure can protect inside parts from rain, sleet, snow, splashing water or hose spray water ingress. 
• PLUS, it can also protect inner parts from corrosion and external ice formation.
• When it comes to solid particle protection, it protects from falling dirt and windblown dust. 
• It can be used for both indoors and outdoors. 

So now let’s make it clear to what extent Tesla chargers are waterproof. 

Are Tesla Chargers Waterproof?

Tesla chargers including Tesla wall connectors and mobile connectors are weather-resistant with different degrees, but not completely waterproof. 

Tesla chargers provide different degrees of protection against various water ingress.

As you know Tesla wall connector versions and Mobile connector versions are equipped with enclosures with different ratings. 

So both provide different degrees of protection against water.

So let’s look into each one by one.

Waterproofing capacity of Tesla wall connector – Gen 3 and Universal

As you know Gen 3 Tesla wall connector and Universal wall connector are equipped with NEMA 3R enclosure.

So Tesla wall connectors are protected from rain, a mixture of rain and snow or sleet and snowfall, plus also protected if snow forms around the body of charger.

But it does not protect from high amounts of water inflow like splashing of water or hose directed water. 

It also means that it does not protect from heavy rainfall. And it also means that it does not protect from water submerging. 

PLUS, the main thing you need to take care of is that water should not flow inside where charging cable is connected to the charging unit.

Because it is possible that water flows along the cable and seeps inside the charger. So it has to be taken care of.

So if you have installed wall connector outside of your home without any roof then it has chances of damage if heavy rainfall occurs or by any chance if the water level increases and wall connector gets drowned inside water or submerged. 

Also, if by any mistake it falls from your hand into stored water then again it has chance of damage. Because enclosure does not provide such kind of water ingress protection.

So it’s better to install wall connectors inside the garage or with a rooftop, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall. 

But, if you live where not much chances of too heavy rainfall then it’s ok if you install it over external wall of your house or somewhere without any rooftop.

And in any case, you have to take care of not letting it fall into the water or have high water flow faced over wall connectors, like when you are watering around or using water pipe for any other purposes. 

Consider Rainwater Jacket for Tesla wall connectors

Now, considering safer side for Tesla wall connectors, you should use a rainwater jacket if using outdoors without a rooftop and your area is prone to rainfall.

Waterproofing capacity of Tesla mobile connectors

Now, as you know Tesla mobile connectors are equipped with NEMA 4X rated enclosure. 

So it means, Tesla mobile connectors are protected from rain, sleet, snow, water splashing and heavy water flow like hose spray, plus also protected from ice formation over the body. 

So these are more protected compared to NEMA 3R rated enclosures which are in wall connectors. 

So if you are using Tesla mobile connectors in heavy rainfall then nothing to worry as far as charging unit is concerned. 

But, you have to take care of water seeping inside charger from where charging cable is connected to charger.

Because water can flow along the charging cable and water ingress can happen which may damage the mobile connector then. 

Also, mobile connector is not protected from submerging of unit into water. 

So you have to take care of mobile connector if water level increases in case of heavy rainfall and unit gets submerged or drowned inside water. Also, it may damage the charger by any chance falls inside stored water. 

So, Tesla mobile connectors are more protected from water than wall connectors adding water splash and hose spray protection.

Common cautions for both wall connectors and mobile connectors

One is, water submerging or drowning of charging unit into water, that is something you have to take care with both Tesla wall connector and mobile connector. 

So submerging of charger into water is completely NO! Remember.. it is not designed for that.

Another is, water seeping into the charger from one end of charging cable which is connected to charger. That way water can seep inside charger and can damage charger parts. 

So considering this for both wall connectors and mobile connectors you should consider rainwater jacket if using outdoors.

One more thing is, you also have to take care of water not seeping inside charge port of your car. Either water flows through charging cable or just direct expose to rainfall while charging. 

So, while charging outdoors in case of considerable rain you should consider rainwater jacket also for the car’s charge port. 

What about Tesla Superchargers?

While Tesla Superchargers are always placed outside without any rooftop.

But the thing is commercial chargers are equipped with more safety regarding the environmental concerns. They are actually designed to sustain various weather conditions. 

So nothing to worry about superchargers.

But again you need to take care of water seeping inside the cable, plug or charge port when you are charging at Tesla supercharger station.

Conclusion

So this was all about waterproofing capacity of Tesla chargers. Remember No Tesla charger is completely waterproof (except commercials) and you have to take care of charging unit from various degrees of water exposure corresponding to the kind of enclosure protection provided.

I hope now you are clear about how much waterproofed are Tesla chargers.

Then see you in the next article!