Installing an electric vehicle charger at home may look simple from the outside. However, a professional installation involves several electrical considerations beyond mounting the charger and connecting a cable. Understanding what an EV charger installation includes can help Orlando homeowners know what to expect when they schedule electrical work.
Electrical System Evaluation
The process should begin with an evaluation of the home’s electrical system.
An electrician needs to determine whether the existing electrical service can accommodate the proposed charger and identify any limitations that could affect the installation.
This may involve looking at the electrical panel, existing loads, available capacity, and the charger’s electrical specifications.
Choosing the EV Charger Installation Location
The charger needs to be installed somewhere that is convenient for your vehicle and practical from an electrical standpoint.
Common locations include:
- Attached garages
- Detached garages
- Driveways
- Carports
- Exterior walls
The distance from the electrical panel to the charger can affect the wiring requirements, so location is an important part of the planning process.
Installing the Dedicated Circuit
Level 2 EV chargers typically require a dedicated circuit.
The electrician determines the appropriate circuit and installs the necessary breaker and wiring based on the charger’s requirements.
The circuit should be designed specifically for the charging equipment rather than sharing electrical capacity with unrelated household loads.
Running the Wiring
The wiring needs to travel from the electrical panel to the charger location.
The route can vary considerably from one home to another.
In some cases, wiring may have a straightforward path through an accessible garage. In others, the electrician may need to route wiring through walls, ceilings, exterior areas, or other parts of the property.
The installation approach depends on the home’s construction and the charger location.
Mounting or Connecting the Charger
Once the electrical circuit is prepared, the charger can be mounted or connected according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Different chargers have different installation requirements.
Some are designed to be hardwired, while others may connect through a properly rated outlet.
The equipment should be installed according to its specifications and the requirements of the electrical system.
Testing the Installation
After the equipment is connected, the electrician should verify that the system is operating properly.
Testing can help confirm that the charger is receiving the appropriate electrical supply and that the connections are functioning as intended.
This is an important step before the charger is put into regular use.
Permits and Inspections
Depending on the location and scope of the electrical work, permits or inspections may be required.
These requirements can vary based on the local jurisdiction and the specific installation.
A professional electrician can help determine what requirements apply to your project and address the necessary permitting process.
What If Something Needs to Be Upgraded?
Not every EV charger installation requires an electrical upgrade.
However, if the home’s electrical service doesn’t have sufficient capacity, additional work may be necessary.
Depending on the situation, that could include electrical panel work, service upgrades, or another appropriate solution.
The important thing is to identify these issues before the installation is completed.
How Long Does Installation Take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the project.
A straightforward installation may be completed relatively quickly, while projects involving long wiring runs, difficult access, electrical upgrades, or permitting may take longer.
An electrician can provide a more accurate estimate after evaluating your property.
Get Professional EV Charger Installation in Orlando
A professionally installed EV charger involves much more than attaching a device to the wall.
The electrical system, circuit, wiring, equipment, location, and applicable requirements all need to work together.
Thomas Edison Electric provides professional EV charger installation throughout Orlando and Central Florida. Our electricians can evaluate your home, determine what the installation requires, and complete the electrical work safely and professionally.
If you’re ready to install an EV charger at your Orlando home, contact Thomas Edison Electric to get started.