Charging routines

Every worker needs a place to rest that's out of the way. Think of the charging spot as that break room: somewhere it can stand or sit, recharge and wait without blocking anyone. Choosing it is a layout decision, not a product decision, so you can do it before any hardware exists.

If a spot fails one of these, keep looking.

• Is it out of traffic? Not the hallway, not in front of the fridge, not where kids run through, and never blocking a doorway or exit.
• Is there a proper outlet nearby? A real wall outlet, not a tired power strip behind the couch. If you're unsure about your wiring, ask a licensed electrician, not the internet. Don't plan on extension cords.
• Is the floor level and solid? Flat and firm, not a thick rug, a threshold or a step.
• Is it dry and not too hot? Keep it away from dryer vents, water heaters, sunny windows, and exterior doors that let in rain.
• Is it safe from pets and toddlers? Keep the spot out of the pet zone and the cord out of small hands' reach.

The useful question isn't 'how long will the battery last?' It's 'when do I want help?' Most households want help in two windows: after everyone leaves in the morning and after dinner. Plan resting and charging for the other times. Overnight charging is a common habit with phones and cars for a reason, but treat it as a starting guess until real details are published.

Avoid scheduling chores in the busy hours: school mornings, dinner, and the dog's walk.

On your house rules page, write down what you expect if a helper needs to charge mid-job: it stops somewhere safe, not in the middle of the stairs or the hallway, and not in a room where someone is sleeping. Whatever the real behavior turns out to be, you'll already know what you want.

A spot next to a bedroom may be fine, or it may bother a light sleeper. Charging equipment can also give off heat and light. Choose somewhere you won't notice it at night, with some open space around it for air.

• Use a dedicated wall outlet if you can. If you need a new one, hire a licensed electrician.
• Keep cords short, tidy and out of walkways. A tripped cord is a hazard for people and machines.
• Keep the dock path clear, day and night.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions once they exist. They override everything on this page.

• Planning around a battery number from a rumor video.
• Using a charging spot that blocks a doorway or fire exit.
• Choosing a spot only because it's hidden, then finding it's damp or hot.
• Assuming a charger accessory you saw online is official. Tesla gear is sold by Tesla, and lots of what's online is fan-made.
• Building a routine that needs the robot 24/7. Plan for downtime.

A house that already has a rest spot, set hours and a low-battery rule will be ready for whatever real specs come out. When Tesla publishes real charging details, we'll update this page and point out what changed.