What is the purple light on my EV charger?
The purple LED on an EV charger does not have a universal meaning; its interpretation depends on the charger’s brand and model.
LED indicators on electric vehicle supply equipment are used to communicate status, safety, and fault conditions. Purple is less common than other colors like green, blue, amber, or red, and there is no global standard. To understand what your unit is signaling, identify the exact model and consult the official documentation or the manufacturer’s support resources.
Possible meanings of a purple light (brand- and model-dependent)
Because LED color legends vary by maker and model, purple can indicate several different conditions. The following are common possibilities you may encounter with various brands:
- Firmware update or maintenance mode — some chargers display purple while applying software updates or when they’re in a maintenance state.
- Fault or error state — in certain models, a purple LED flags a fault or abnormal condition requiring attention.
- Connector locked or session-restricted — purple may appear when the plug is locked to the vehicle or the unit is in a restricted mode.
- Standby or not ready — the unit may show purple when connected but not actively charging due to safety checks or start-up delays.
- Communication issue — a purple indicator can signal a problem in the handshake between the EV and the charger or within the charging network.
Bottom line: the precise meaning is specific to the make and model. To be sure, consult the owner’s manual or the vendor’s official support resources for your exact unit.
Brand-specific notes and how to verify
Because color codes differ across manufacturers, verify the meaning for your exact unit by checking the official documentation or support resources. If you cannot locate the manual, try the manufacturer’s website or app, or contact customer support for an LED legend tailored to your model.
In many cases you can also find LED explanations within the charger’s companion app, which may show the current status or any active faults alongside standard color codes.
If the purple light persists after checking the documentation, perform a safe diagnostic sequence: ensure the circuit is powered, try a soft reset or power-cycle the charger, and if issues continue, contact a licensed electrician or the installation company for a thorough check.
How to diagnose and respond when you see purple
Follow a structured approach to determine cause and ensure safe operation.
- Identify the charger model and manufacturer to locate the correct LED legend.
- Check any display or app for error codes or messages related to the purple indicator.
- Power-cycle the charger (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in) and observe if the purple light clears or changes.
- Inspect the electrical circuit (breaker status, cable integrity) and ensure the EV is correctly connected.
- If the purple light returns or you cannot identify the cause, contact the charger’s support team or your installation professional for guidance.
Safety note: Do not attempt hardware modifications or force charging if you’re unsure what the indicator means; when in doubt, pause charging and seek professional advice.
Summary
The purple LED indicator on an EV charger is not universally standardized and can represent different states depending on the brand and model. To interpret it accurately, locate your unit’s model and consult the official LED legend in the manual or in the manufacturer’s support resources. If you remain unsure, contact support or a qualified electrician to avoid safety issues or charging interruptions.
