With this shift toward green energy and many environmentally conscious drivers flooding into electric vehicles, many people forget one crucial component that is complementary to electric vehicles for the first time, which is an electric car charger home installation. In general, installing a home charger for an electric car is quite a painless process when one understands what goes into it.
Here’s everything you need to know about preparing your EV charging setup, from the steps involved to the benefits.
Why Go For An Electric Car Charger Installation?
It would be more convenient to charge your EV at home. Instead of returning to public charging stations, which may not be nearby or available, you can now start every day with a full battery, especially since you may have to drive a long distance to work or rely on it for daily activities.
An electric car charger installation has many benefits:
- Convenience: Charge it overnight, and it would be good to go tomorrow morning.
- Cost Saving: Charging at home is significantly cheaper than in public stations.
- Time-Saving: No waiting in a queue or waiting for an empty charging point.
- Increased Property Value: An electric car charging station makes any home attractive to buyers, and electric car transport is in demand in most areas.
Steps of Installation
The installation of an electric car charger in a house involves several steps. Though the steps are generally standardised, they vary depending on the type of charger and the home electrical system.
● Step 1: Assess Your Home’s Electrical System
You must first assess your house’s electrical system before you begin an electric car charger installation. Most homes possess a simple 120-volt outlet, but this may not be enough to recharge the EV within a reasonable time. A 240-volt outlet, for instance, like that for major appliances such as dryers, will probably be required to charge your car properly.
Consider hiring an electrician to visit your place to assess your system and determine whether an upgrade is needed. Your panel should be able to support the load it exerts on the system. If it cannot, you’ll need a new circuit or an upgraded panel with enough power to accommodate your electric car charger’s additional power requirements.
● Step 2: Select the Correct Charger
There are various types of EV chargers available, ranging from their charging speed and features. Among the common types, they include:
● Level 1 Charger: This is the most basic charger. It uses a standard 120-volt outlet. It is the cheapest charger, but it’s also the slowest. It may take 8 to 20 hours to charge your EV fully.
● Level 2 Charger: This 240-volt charger is more efficient and faster than the level 1 charger. Most EVs can be fully charged for 4-8 hours with a level 2 charger. This is why installing the charger at home is highly recommended for EV owners who need regular or frequent charging.
Some factors to consider while determining which charger is good enough for your needs in a given space include type, model, and personal drive habits.
● Step 3: Hire an Experienced Electrician
An experienced, licensed electrician is required for an electric car charger home installation. The electrician will assess the house’s electrical capacity and install new circuits if necessary, ensuring everything is up to the task.
It is critical to engage an electrician with experience installing EV chargers. They will ensure that the installation is done safely, according to all local regulations, and meets your vehicle’s charging requirements.
● Step 4: Installation Process
It usually takes a few hours to one full day for an electric car charger installation, depending on the complexity of the work. The time taken for an installation varies. The electrician will;
● Install an appropriate outlet or charging station.
● Connect the charger to the electrical panel.
● Test the system to confirm whether everything is working right.
In some cases, upgrading the wiring and electrical panel is a requirement for installing an electric car charger, which increases the time.
● Step 5: Permits and Inspections
In many regions, an electric car charger installation requires a permit. Additionally, the installation may require inspection to comply with local electrical codes and safety guidelines. Your electrician should be familiar with this process, so ask them how it might be done.
● Step 6: Testing and Activation
Once the electric car charger installation is complete, an electrician will test it to confirm that it’s working properly and is properly connected. They will also verify that the charger supports your electric vehicle. After the testing, you can start using the charging station at your house.
Benefits of Home Installation of Electric Car Charger
Though it is a little costly at first, the long-term advantages of an electric car charger installation clearly offset the costs. Some of the key benefits include:
● Convenience: No hollering around for looking at public charging stations to be found. You get to charge your EV right in the comfort of your own home, whatever the need is.
● Save Time: Overnight charging means the vehicle is ready the next morning for daily drives or road trips.
● Cost-Effective: Home charging is usually inexpensive compared to public stations. Most utility companies also charge at the time of use and can charge your car off-peak for lesser rates.
● Environmentally Friendly: People can utilize cleaner energy sources if they install solar panels and clean electricity sources in their homes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When planning for an electric car charger installation, there are some common mistakes that you need to avoid:
● Not Upgrading Your Electrical System: Some homes are not electrically equipped for a Level 2 charger. If you do not upgrade your electrical system, then slow charging may be the result, or worse, overloading your electrical system.
● Wrong Charger: Not all chargers are designed for all EVs; thus, ensure to use the one compatible with your EV’s specifications.
● Engagement of Untrained Electrician: Specialized knowledge applies to all electrical work, even to the ones dealing with high-voltage systems; hire a licensed and experienced electrician to perform the task at hand.
● Failure to Obtain Permits: All permits and inspections should be made prior to the start of installation. Lack of doing so will result in fines or expensive rework.
Get Ready for the Future of Driving
An electric car charger home installation is a big deal for any new electric vehicle owner. Before making the right charger choice, you have to determine how much power your house consumes. Then, contact a qualified electrician and have them install the charger in your home. Once installed, you save money while enjoying all the conveniences.
Are you ready to install your EV charger? It’s time to reach experts like Myrtle Beach Electrician now. Get detailed insights by sending an email to william@mb-electrician.com and invest in safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective charging of the home.
FAQs
1. What is the best electric car charger for home installation?
Your needs determine the best charger. Most EV owners will benefit from a Level 2 charger that charges faster and is more efficient than a Level 1 charger.
2. How long will it take to install the electric car charger at home?
Normally, this installation takes 4 to 8 hours to complete, though it may take longer if the work becomes complicated and requires an electrical upgrade.
3. Do I have to install this charger myself?
No, since a licensed electrician must install it for safety and to comply with local codes. 4. Do I need a permit for an electric car charger home installation?
Most locations require a permit to install a residential electric car charger. Your electrician can help you obtain a license to install an EV home charger.
5. What is the lifetime of a residential home electric car charger?
Properly installed, well-maintained EV chargers may last several years. Long-lasting designs exist, and manufacturers usually give 3-5-year warranties.
