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Electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, but that’s leaving many people who’ve made the switch with a challenge: How do you keep an EV charged up and ready to go at all times?
Some EV converts try to get by using publicly available charging stations, but that’s rarely convenient. It can even require you to sit in long lines or run the risk of having a dead battery when you need your car the most.
The obvious workaround is to install an EV charger at your house. But is that the kind of thing you can do on your own, or do you need an electrician’s help? We’ll answer this question and explain a few of the most important things to understand about EV charger installation below.
Can You Install an EV Charger Yourself?
In some cases, you can install an EV charger yourself. But in other cases, you’ll need a licensed electrician to carry out the work for you. The primary factor you’ll need to consider is the type of charger you need — some require professional installation, while others do not.
The Three Types of EV Charger
There are three basic types of EV chargers:
- Level 1 Chargers: These chargers plug straight into a standard 120-volt household outlet and typically provide about 4 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Level 2 Chargers: These chargers can provide an additional 20 to 60 miles of range per hour of charging time, but they must be plugged into a 240-volt outlet (like the kind your dryer or oven uses).
- Level 3 Chargers: Also called DC fast chargers, these are commercial chargers that require 480-volt service. However, they’re capable of providing an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes.
Level 3 chargers are not designed for home use, so that basically means you’ll have to choose between a Level 1 and a Level 2 charger.
Installing Level 1 and Level 2 EV Chargers
If you’re comfortable being patient while waiting for your car to charge, you can opt for a Level 1 charger, which is suitable for DIY installation. In fact, there’s really no “installation” necessary — you can simply take the charger out of the package, plug it into a standard wall outlet, and start charging your car.
On the other hand, if you want the additional convenience and faster charging times a Level 2 provides, you will need a licensed electrician to install a 240-volt outlet in your garage. In some cases, you may also need a dedicated circuit or subpanel installed.
What’s Involved with a Level 2 EV Charger Installation?
The actual steps needed for a Level 2 EV charger installation will vary based on your charging needs, your home’s electrical system, and the specific charger you’ve selected. However, most basic Level 2 installations involve:
- Running new 240-volt wiring from your electrical panel
- Installing a double-pole circuit breaker
- Mounting a NEMA 14-50 outlet or hardwiring the charger
- Checking panel capacity to ensure it can handle the additional load
- Pulling the necessary permits and ensuring code compliance
What May Happen If You Install a Level 2 Charger Yourself
Some EV drivers still consider installing a Level 2 charger, even once they’ve learned that it is typically a job that’s best left to professionals. We’ve already explained that you should rely on a licensed electrician for your charger installation needs, but to ensure complete clarity, we’ll share some of the potential problems of DIY charger installation below.
- Electric Shock Risks: Installing the 240-volt circuit that a Level 2 charger requires is a dangerous job that can lead to electric shocks. Even if you manage to install the charger without suffering an injury, the charger may still cause shocks during use.
- Fire Hazards: Any kind of electrical work can present fire risks if proper procedures aren’t followed, including using safe connection methods, proper wire gauge selections, and correct component choices.
- Poor Charging Performance: If there are any problems with your wiring, you may find that your Level 2 charger doesn’t charge your car as quickly as it should.
- Code Violations: Homeowners rarely understand the code requirements enforced in their area, which can lead to headaches when you decide to sell your home.
- Permitting Difficulties: It can be difficult for homeowners to navigate the permitting process, which can lead to unexpected delays and other problems.
Given these potential problems, it’s simply wiser to have a professional electrician install your Level 2 charger for you.
DIY EV Charger Installation: FAQ
Still have questions about EV charger installation? We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions we hear from our clients and answered them below!
Can a normal electrician install an EV charger?
Yes, any licensed electrician should be able to install an EV charger for you. However, for the best results, it is wise to select an electrician who has experience installing Level 2 chargers.
Can I install an EV home charger myself?
You can install a Level 1 charger yourself, but that’s because they don’t really require “installation”; you simply plug them into a standard household outlet. A Level 2 EV charger, on the other hand, does require professional installation.
How much does it cost to install a 240V outlet for an EV charger?
The costs of installing a 240-volt outlet vary based on the details of your home’s electrical system, but this kind of project typically costs between $300 and $1,500. You can try our online estimate calculator now to see what your project will cost!
Do I need to rewire my house for an EV charger?
You probably won’t have to rewire your entire house to install a Level 2 EV charger (and you definitely won’t for a Level 1 charger). However, you will need to have a 240-volt outlet installed, and you may also need a new subpanel installed.
Can my house handle a Level 2 EV charger?
You’ll need to have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring to be sure, but if your home has at least 200-amps and two empty slots for a double-pole circuit breaker in your panel, it can likely support a Level 2 charger.
Do I need a permit to have an EV charger installed?
Yes, you will need a permit to install a Level 2 EV charger in the state of California. However, you can install a Level 1 charger without needing a permit.
Is there an IRS tax credit for EV charger installation?
In some cases, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit after installing an EV charger.
Rely on Alpha Omega Electric for Your EV Charger Needs
Whether you’ve decided to have a Level 1 or Level 2 charger installed, a licensed electrician can make sure that your new charger is properly set up to keep your car charged and your home safe. Our team of EV charger experts will be happy to visit your home, assess your charging needs, and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Contact us today to start enjoying the convenience a home EV charger provides!
