Why You Need an Electrician to Install a Level 2 EV Home Charger

With electric vehicles becoming more and more popular, many homeowners need a convenient and more efficient way to charge their cars at home. Many EVs come with a standard Level 1 charger that can be plugged into a regular 120V household outlet, but they are notoriously slow. Much to everyone's chagrin, they can take up to 24 hours to fully charge a vehicle. 

A better solution than charging using a standard household outlet is a Level 2 charger installed directly into your home electrical system. Although some people think this might be a simple installation, this isn’t as easy as just plugging it in. Installations require a licensed electrician to avoid any electrocution risks or potential electrical fires. 

Why a Regular Home Outlet Isn’t Enough for EV Charging

While you might be tempted to still use a standard outlet, this easy and cost-free solution is far from ideal. Here’s why:

1. Extremely Slow Charging – A standard 120V household outlet provides just 1.3 to 1.9 kW of power. For most EVs, this means gaining only 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging. If your battery is low, you might need an entire day (full 24 hours) or more to fully charge your vehicle. This just is not practical for daily use, especially if you need to drive long distances.
2. Increased Strain on Your Electrical System – A regular household circuit isn’t designed to support continuous high-power draw over long periods. Running a Level 1 charger overnight can strain the circuit and increase the risk of overheating or even electrical fires, particularly if your wiring is old or not up to code. 
3. Limited Flexibility – As mentioned above, with a slow Level 1 charger, you’re stuck waiting to charge before using your car. This defeats the purpose of having a convenient home-charging solution, which should allow you to quickly recharge and get back on the road.

DIY Installation of a Level 2 Charger is Dangerous

While you may be considering installing a Level 2 EV charger yourself to save money this is definitely a risky decision. Level 2 chargers require a 240V circuit, which is significantly more powerful than a standard 120V outlet. Here are few reasons why attempting to install one without professional help is a bad idea:

1. Risk of Electrical Shock – Working with a 240V circuit requires specialized knowledge of electrical safety procedures. A mistake in wiring or grounding can result in serious electric shocks or even fatalities. Death by electrical shock is never worth the risk!
2. Fire Hazards – Improper wiring or overloading circuits can lead to overheating and potentially cause an electrical fire. As licensed electricians, we have to follow strict safety codes in order to prevent these hazards.
3. Code Violations & Legal Issues – Electrical work must comply with local building codes and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. If your installation isn’t up to code, it may not only be unsafe but could also lead to fines, insurance issues, or even difficulty selling your home in the future.
4. Warranty & Insurance Issues – Almost all EV charger manufacturers require professional installation for warranty coverage. Don’t void your car's warranty by trying to install a charger yourself! Also, if an electrical fire or damage occurs due to DIY installation, your home insurance provider may not cover the claim.

Why You Should go with a Professional Electrician

We will ensure your Level 2 charger is installed safely and up to code. This is why you should hire us:

1. Proper Electrical Panel Assessment – Before installing a Level 2 charger, we will evaluate your home’s electrical panel to determine if it can handle the additional load. If necessary, we can upgrade your panel to prevent circuit overloads and power issues.
2. Correct Wiring and Installation –By running the appropriate gauge wiring, installing a necessary circuit breaker, and ensuring proper grounding will prevent electrical hazards. This guarantees safe and efficient power delivery to your EV charger.
3. Compliance with Codes and Permits – Since we are local electricians, we know the local codes inside and out. Therefore, we can ensure your installation meets all safety and legal requirements. If it is necessary, we can also obtain the necessary permits for installation, avoiding legal issues.
4. Efficiency and Peace of Mind – Professional installation minimizes the risk of issues like overheating, circuit failures, and power fluctuations. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your charging station is safe and reliable for long-term use.
5. Warranty Protection – Many manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty on your Level 2 charger. We will make sure you stay covered in case of future equipment issues.

A Level 2 EV home charger is a game-changer and will significantly reduce charging time while also being a major convenience for you. Just don’t forget that installing one requires expertise and proper safety protocols that only a licensed electrician can provide. Attempting a DIY installation or relying on a regular household outlet can lead to safety hazards, inefficiencies, and costly repairs.

If you're considering upgrading to a Level 2 charger, contact a qualified electrician today and enjoy the benefits of fast, safe, and reliable home charging!