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EV Charger Error

What Does Ground Fault Mean on an EV Charger?

Updated March 2026

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This is general guidance based on ChargeX MREC Standard (Idaho National Laboratory). Actual charger behavior varies by manufacturer and firmware version. Always follow on-screen instructions and contact the charging network if you are unsure. If anything looks or feels unsafe, stop charging and move away from the charger.

Critical

The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) has been activated. This is a safety shutdown triggered by the charger or vehicle detecting an electrical grounding issue.

Seeing this on the charger right now?

  1. Don't unplug while the charger is active. Wait for the screen to update.
  2. Try stopping and restarting the session from the charging app or RFID card.
  3. If the error persists, move to a different connector or charger if available.

Read the full explanation below, or scan the charger screen with EVcourse for instant help.

What to do

  1. Unplug and move to a different charger. Do not retry on this unit
  2. Report the charger as faulty to the charging network
  3. If this happens repeatedly on multiple chargers, contact your vehicle manufacturer

Technical details

Error code
GroundFailure
Category
Electrical
Classification
safety, maintenance
Source
Learn more from ChargeX MREC Standard (Idaho National Laboratory). EVcourse is not affiliated with ChargeX MREC Standard (Idaho National Laboratory).

Related charging terms

Understanding these terms can help you troubleshoot this error:

Seeing this error at the charger?

Drivers can verify this specific error by scanning the screen with EVcourse. The app reads any charger display, any language. Free to try on iOS.

Get the app

Other errors

From Finn, engineer: This error code is part of the ChargeX MREC standard used across public charging networks. Always follow the instructions on the charger display. If the error persists, contact the charging network's support line or try a different charger.

The EVcourse app provides instant troubleshooting and expert explanations at the charger. Scan any station or car screen for step-by-step help, free to start on iOS.

Don't understand the screen? Scan it.

Point your phone at any charger or car screen for instant help. Any brand, any language. Free to try on iOS.

Free to try on iOS. Android coming soon. Join the Android waitlist.