A charging device for inductive transfer of electric energy with a primary conductor arranged in a first housing, by which an alternating magnetic field can be generated when it is energized with an alternating current, electrically connected to a power source that is electrically connectable to a power electronics device for energizing the primary conductor with an alternating current. A drive means for moving the first housing from a first position to a second position, wherein the charging device is equipped with a fault detecting device, by which can be detected whether the first housing is or is not moved when a movement operation has been initiated by the drive means.