Just bought a new electric vehicle and wondering what to expect during the EV charging installation process?
Hooking up an EV charger to your home’s electrical system can seem challenging. It’s the last step in the process of buying an electric vehicle, and it’s crucial to get right so that you can charge your new car at home efficiently.
To navigate this process, you’ll need to work with a master electrician. At Rock Electrical, our electricians are experienced in EV charging installations in Pontiac, MI, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about working with us for EV charging station setup.
5 Steps in the EV Charging Installation Process
Electric vehicle charging installation involves five key steps. Working with an electrician who is familiar with EV chargers ensures these steps are followed and the charger is setup properly:
Initial Assessment
EV charger installation begins with an initial assessment of your home’s electrical system. During this step, your electrician will gather key information about your system and begin addressing safety and code requirements.
They’ll start by inspecting your home’s electrical service panel and performing a load calculation. This calculation will tell them if the panel has enough capacity to take on the EV charging installation.
Once they’ve determined that, they’ll look for the best location for your charger. The location will depend on the shortest, safest wiring route from your electrical panel.
Based on all that information, the electrician will give you a quote for the EV charging installation process. The quote is based on factors like:
- Whether or not your electrical panel needs upgrade
- Distance of wiring that has to be run
- Type of EV charging installation
- Labor & materials
1. Permits
The EV charging installation process requires a permit because it’s a permanent electrical modification. A municipal permit and inspection ensure the installation is safe and complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
At Rock Electrical, our team will handle the permit application and documentation, so the process is as streamlined as possible.
2. Panel Upgrades
If your home’s electrical panel doesn’t have the capacity to take on an EV charging installation, you’ll need to have it upgraded. Your electrician will either perform an upgrade or sub-panel addition. These steps are essential to make sure your home can safely handle the new electrical load.
At Rock Electrical, our licensed electricians safely perform all electrical panel upgrades and inspections to get your home ready for your new EV charger.
3. Installation Day
Once all the preparations are complete, the next step is to begin the actual physical work of adding the EV charging installation to your home. This includes running the wire from the panel to the charger and mounting the charger hardware on the wall.
EV chargers require their own dedicated circuit to function properly and prevent system overloads. Your electrician will connect this circuit to your electrical panel and run it to your chosen charger location.
4. Final Testing
After everything is set up, the last step of the EV charging installation process is to test the circuit. The electrician will make sure the circuit has proper voltage and functionality. They’ll make sure it connects properly to your vehicle and charges at the right rate.
In addition, a municipal electrical inspector will look at the circuit work to make sure it complies with all local regulations. Once they approve your charging installation, you’re ready to start using it.
Need Help with EV Charging Installation Near You? Contact Us
If you’re planning on adding an EV charging installation to your home in Pontiac, MI, or the surrounding areas, your first step will be finding a licensed electrician.
At Rock Electrical, we have years of experience in the industry. Our reliable electricians will handle the entire installation process from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating permits or municipal inspections.
Our goal is to provide a seamless and stress-free experience and make it easier for you to start enjoying your new electric vehicle as fast as possible.
Want to learn more about working with us for EV charging installations? Call (248) 620-6555 or contact us today for a quote.