One rule electric utilities tell consumers is never handle electrical cords, appliances and equipment whenever water is present. So what about the public 240-volt charging stations for electric vehicles in wet weather?

Charging stations have been put through rigorous tests by Underwriters Laboratories and have its UL-approval. Also, the plugs use five prongs: two for the current, the third for grounding.

The fourth communicates with the charger and will not allow electricity to flow until it detects that the proper connection to a vehicle has been made, like a ground-fault circuit interrupter but in reverse. No electricity flows through the power cord until charging is ready. The fifth prong is for future data use.

The cars also are equipped with safety measures to prevent driving off while still plugged in.

EVs can be charged with a regular 120-outlet. A home station using a dedicated 240-volt circuit requires installation by a licensed technician.