When having an electrician complete your EV Charger Installation, there are some things you should consider ahead of time. Electricity can be hazardous and it is always important that any wiring is handled with care, caution, and expertise. A certified electrician will have the knowledge and expertise to install your EV properly according to your personal needs.
How much electricity does EV Charger Installation need?
Based on the type of charger you wish to install the amount of electricity you will need varies. Electric vehicles can be charged at power draws comparable to various household appliances. Most electric vehicles charging at home on a 240-volt level 2 charger will draw about 7,200 watts or less.
Before my EV Charger Installation, do I need to upgrade my current hydro service?
An electrician will look at your current electrical panel and determine what your existing electrical load is. Based on which kind of charger you wish to use, the electrical capacity needed will be different. Another determining factor is how many electrical devices are already in your home. Based on this you may, or may not, need to upgrade your electrical service to 200-400 AMP.
Will my electrical panel accommodate a new circuit for the EV charger?
Newer services likely will not need you to change the panel and can simply add a new circuit. If the wiring is not that long, getting the plug should be straightforward. Remember, a dedicated circuit in the panel is required for an EV charger. If you do not have space in your current panel, a sub-panel may be installed to accommodate the new circuit.
Will I need an electrical permit?
Not all electrical work or installations require a permit or inspection. These rules vary by municipality. To be sure, contact your municipality to determine what is required before installing your EV charger, and a certified electrician should be knowledgeable about local permits and should be able to help advise accordingly.
Before you start the installation process, these are some questions to consider asking your local electrician about installing an EV charger. For more information and to obtain a free estimate, contact AJ’s Electrical.
