Tesla Automotive Error Code CC_a046: How to Fix It

Medium 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
CC_a046
Brand
Tesla
Product Type
automotive
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Tesla error code CC_a046 means a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) tripped while your vehicle was attempting to charge. This is a safety-triggered interruption — the charging circuit detected a ground fault or leakage current and shut down to protect you, your car, and your home's electrical system. While this is sometimes caused by a simple nuisance trip, it can also point to a faulty outlet, a damaged charging cable, or a problem with the car's onboard charger.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code CC_a046

  1. Unplug the Charging Cable Safely

    Never handle electrical charging equipment with wet hands or in standing water. If you see any visible sparks, burning smells, or scorch marks, do not touch anything — call an electrician immediately.

  2. Locate and Reset the Tripped GFCI Outlet

    If the GFCI will not hold its reset, stop here. This indicates a persistent ground fault in the circuit or downstream wiring. Do not bypass or tape the GFCI — this is a critical safety device.

  3. Inspect the Charging Cable and Connector for Damage

    Do not attempt to repair a damaged charging cable with electrical tape or DIY splicing. A damaged EV charging cable must be replaced entirely to maintain safety.

  4. Try a Different Outlet or Charging Location

  5. Check Your Home Electrical Circuit for Overload or Wiring Issues

    Do not open your electrical panel cover or touch any wiring inside the panel unless you are a licensed electrician. Panel interiors contain live wires at lethal voltages even when breakers are off.

  6. Perform a Vehicle Soft Reset

  7. Attempt to Charge Again and Monitor

  8. Contact Tesla Service if the Error Persists

    The Tesla onboard charger operates at high voltage. There are absolutely no user-serviceable components inside it. Attempting to access high-voltage components can cause serious injury or death.

Parts You May Need

GFCI Outlet (20A or higher, duplex)
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Tesla Mobile Connector or replacement EV charging cable
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Dedicated circuit breaker (50A or as required)
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GFCI Outlet (20A or higher, duplex)
Check Price on Amazon
Tesla Mobile Connector or replacement EV charging cable
Check Price on Amazon
Dedicated circuit breaker (50A or as required)
Check Price on Amazon
GFCI Outlet (20A or higher, duplex)
Check Price on Amazon
Tesla Mobile Connector or replacement EV charging cable
Check Price on Amazon
Dedicated circuit breaker (50A or as required)
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Call a licensed electrician if your GFCI outlet will not hold its reset, if you notice any burning smell or scorch marks near the outlet or panel, or if the dedicated charging circuit breaker keeps tripping. Contact Tesla Service directly if the CC_a046 error persists after testing with a different outlet and a known-good cable, as the onboard charger may need professional diagnosis or replacement. Do not attempt any repairs inside the vehicle's high-voltage system under any circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tesla error code CC_a046 mean?
CC_a046 means a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) tripped during a charging session. The GFCI detected abnormal current leakage to ground and interrupted the circuit as a safety measure. It can be caused by a faulty outlet, a damaged charging cable, environmental moisture, or — less commonly — a fault in the vehicle's onboard charger.
Is it safe to keep charging after a CC_a046 error?
No — you should not simply reset and ignore this error without investigating the cause. GFCI trips are safety events. Repeated trips indicate a real ground fault that could pose a fire or electrocution risk. Follow the troubleshooting steps above to identify and fix the root cause before resuming charging.
Why does my Tesla keep tripping the GFCI breaker?
Repeated GFCI trips during Tesla charging can be caused by a worn or faulty GFCI outlet that is overly sensitive, a damaged charging cable with insulation breakdown, moisture inside the outlet or connector, an undersized or improperly wired circuit, or a developing fault in the car's onboard charger. Start by testing a different outlet and cable to isolate the cause.
Can I charge my Tesla at a Supercharger if I get a CC_a046 error at home?
Yes. CC_a046 is specifically triggered by a home GFCI circuit trip. Tesla Superchargers use a completely different charging standard (DC fast charging) and are not affected by home GFCI issues. If you need to charge urgently, use a Supercharger while you investigate and fix the home charging issue.
How do I prevent CC_a046 from happening again?
To prevent future GFCI trips, ensure your home charging setup uses a dedicated circuit with proper amperage rated for EV charging. Have a licensed electrician install a high-quality GFCI outlet or breaker rated for continuous heavy loads. Regularly inspect your charging cable for damage. Keep the connector and outlet clean and dry, and avoid charging in very wet conditions without appropriate weatherproofing.

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