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By | 02 May 2022

Steps to install EV charger at home

For many eco-conscious drivers, charging a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) at home makes sense. You can relax knowing that your vehicle is fully charged and ready to go whenever you need it, rather than spending a few hours each day waiting at a public charging station.

You'll probably have a lot of questions as you try to figure out all the lingoes and figure out how much it will cost. How to install EV charger at home? To begin, you'll need to figure out what kind of charger you require.

What exactly do the "levels" imply?

The type of charger you require will affect the installation method. Charge your electric cars in 15 to 24 hours using a Level 1 EV charger that plugs into a typical 120-volt household outlet. Level 2 chargers plug into 240-volt outlets, allowing your electric vehicle to charge significantly more quickly.

Some vehicles can benefit from the rapid and powerful DC fast charging available at public charging stations, but it is not feasible to use at home.

Is it necessary to engage a professional?

You won't need the assistance of an electrical contractor because installing Level 1 chargers is as simple as plugging in any other electronic device. Installing a Level 2 charger, on the other hand, is more difficult.

You'll only need to hire a certified electrician to complete the electric car charging station installation if your home currently has 240-volt electric service for equipment like laundry dryers and electric ovens. Level 2 charging outlets must be on a separate branch circuit, according to the National Electrical Code. If your home isn't ready for the Level 2 wall connectors, you'll need to improve your electrical service.

Read more: A guide to electric car home charging and charger installation

How to install EV charger at home? Before making any changes to your electrical system or installing a charging station, consult your utility and a licensed electrician. Before installing the charging station, an electrician will need to ensure that your home's wiring complies with local, state, and national standards and regulations, and the contractor may need to obtain a permit.

How much does this set you back?

Level 1 charger are frequently supplied with new cars, thus there are no further fees associated with their installation.

Basic 240-volt Level 2 chargers cost around $600, but some charging stations come with extra features like a larger touchscreen display and smartphone app management, which raises the price. Your electric vehicle's manufacturer should be able to suggest compatible accessories.

The average cost of installing a Level 2 charging station is $1,200, but this might vary depending on the charging station features included, contractor expenses, and incentives. A required utility upgrade could increase your total expenditure by $150 to $350.

Is it necessary for you to look after my charging station?

You should clean the charging station with a moist cloth regularly and inspect the equipment for wear and tear. Over time, some moveable elements, particularly the charging cord, may be damaged or malfunction. Level 2 charging stations are frequently built up of smaller pieces, allowing for easy equipment upgrades without having to replace the entire device.

Is it better to hire an electrician or do it yourself?

How to install EV charger at home? Enel X recently conducted a poll of over 1,000 JuiceBox subscribers. One-third of electric vehicle owners installed their charging station themselves, while the other two-thirds engaged an electrician.

Around 40 percent of those who hired an electrician spent less than $500, 65 percent spent less than $800, and 34 percent spent more than $800. Enel X can assist you in finding a qualified local installation partner at a reasonable price.

Is it better to hard-wire or plug it into an outlet?

Level 2 home EV chargers, which are about the size of a shoebox, require a 240-volt outlet in your home. (The automobile is connected by a separate line that runs from the electric vehicle charging station.) Home EV charging station must be hardwired to your home electrical supply in some localities. In the Northeast, this is more common. If the charger is exposed to the outdoors, a hardwired charging station connection will almost probably be required. To do so, you'll need a professional electrician to connect the item to the same electrical circuit directly.

Installing a heavy-duty outlet—like the ones used for a dryer but with a slightly greater power tolerance so it can support 240 volts—may be an easier alternative if it's an option. Your charging station will include a plug. Alternatively, you can purchase an electric outlet converter that connects to a dryer outlet. The charger is then plugged into the wall outlet. The charger can be unplugged and taken with you if you move in the future. The NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 plugs are the most prevalent varieties of EV outlets.

How to install EV charger at home?

8 stages to a successful single-family home installation

Installing a Level 2 charger in your garage, carport, or near your driveway if you're a single-family homeowner with an EV makes charging a pleasure. As a result, it's worthwhile to perform it correctly.

Locate an electrician

Do you require assistance in locating an electrician? Request an EV electrician referral from our Alliance of Energy Professionals to connect with skilled electricians.

To ensure the safety of your home and your EV, we strongly advise choosing a trained electrician who has completed the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training program to finish the task professionally and safely - and to qualify for a reimbursement.

Follow the procedures below to complete your installation and apply for your reimbursement after you've hired a trained electrician.

Steps for Installation

Step 1: Determine whether your home qualifies.

To ensure that your home is qualified for a charger installation, check with your municipality or Technical Safety BC.

Step 2: Verify that you have adequate electrical service.

Check to check if your home has enough electricity to support an electric vehicle charger. Learn about electrical service extensions.

Step 3: Double-check that your electrical panel has enough room.

Check to check whether there's enough room on your electrical panel for an EV charger to have its circuit breaker. If not, you'll need the assistance of an electrician.

Step 4: Go out and get a charger.

Select and purchase an electric vehicle charger. If you want to apply for a rebate, make sure you choose an eligible model.

Step 5: Obtain a permit for electrical work.

Make an application for an electrical permit with your local government. This is something that an electrician will take care of for you.

Step 6: Installation of the charger

Install the electric vehicle charging station. Remember to have your electrical work inspected by a safety officer before any wiring is hidden or connected to a power source. After the installation is complete, your electrician must fill out the contractor consultation form. When you apply for a rebate, you'll need this.

Step 7: Inspection

Have your municipality inspect the installation. If you had an electrician install the system, they will take care of this for you.

Step 8: Submit a rebate application

Fill out the rebate application.

The Installation

Now that you have the necessary electrical supply, the suitable plug, and a strategic location for your charging station, it's time to put that dog to work. First and foremost, safety! Turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet or the electrical connection to the hardwired charging station.

  • Depending on the model, the JuiceBox level 2 charging station weighs between 15 and 17 pounds. The JuiceBox is 7.6" x 18.6" x 5.6" and has a two-foot input wire, thus it should be positioned close to the outlet.
  • Use a stud sensor to establish the best mounting location, then secure the wall bracket with the two screws.
  • Tighten the screws as directed in the instructions, then attach the JuiceBox to the bracket.
  • Re-energize the charging station by plugging it in, resetting the circuit breaker, and confirming that it is getting power. You're in business if the green bar on the front of the JuiceBox lights up.

The smart way of Charging

There's one more thing to do, and it's crucial. You can plan EV charging to happen automatically during less expensive, off-peak times using a smart charger like the JuiceBox home EV charger. Utilities offer EV Time-of-Use tariffs to encourage EV drivers to take advantage of renewable energy, which is more plentiful at times of the day.

That is all there is to it. Drive your electric vehicle up to the EV charging stations and plug it in. As the electricity flows into the EV battery, relax. Electric vehicle charging stations do not need to be maintained. Charging your electric vehicle will be simple once it's been set up.

Conclusion

Installing a Level 2 aftermarket EV charging station at home is one of the greatest strategies to avoid being linked to or dependent on public charging solutions. Fortunately, learning how to install an electric vehicle charging station and doing so is often easier than many people believe. Yes, you may set up an EV charging station in your home.

Efficiency: DC charging stations are increasingly integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, enhancing the sustainability of EV charging.