Planning to add an EV charging installation to your home? Preparing your garage in advance is a smart approach that ensures a seamless, efficient, and safe installation.
To get your home ready for an electric vehicle charging installation, you’ll need to update your electrical panel, create a dedicated circuit, add weather proofing, and more. Working with a licensed electrician is the best way to know what preparations to make.
At Rock Electrical, our licensed electricians can add an EV charging installation to your home in West Bloomfield, MI, or the surrounding areas. Contact us today to get a quote.
How Can I Get My Home Ready for an EV Charging Installation?
Before adding your EV charging station setup, it’s best to hire an electrical contractor to prepare your garage beforehand. Getting your garage ready in advance ensures the installation is seamless, efficient, and done safely.
There are certain electrical and structural preparations required for an EV charging installation. These include:
1. Assess Your Electrical Panel
The first step to an EV charging installation is evaluating your electrical panel to make sure it’s strong enough to support the charger. Most electric vehicles require a Level 2 charger, which needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit. This circuit typically draws 40 to 50 amps of energy.
For older homes in West Bloomfield and the surrounding area, electrical panels often go up to 100-amps. Usually, these panels are already maxed out by the home’s essential systems, such as the furnace, AC, and major appliances. In this case, a high-demand EV charger can overload the panel.
A licensed electrician will evaluate your panel and either add a sub-panel to support the EV charging installation, or upgrade your current panel.
2. Plan a Dedicated Circuit
It’s crucial for a Level 2 charger to run on its own dedicated circuit. That way, it can’t share power with other outlets or lights.
Before adding your EV charging installation, a licensed electrician will need to add the necessary heavy-gauge wiring through the home. They’ll also need to install the appropriate conduit from the panel to the charger location.
3. Decide on Charger Placement
The best place for an EV charging installation is anywhere near the car’s charge port. This varies depending on the type of electric vehicle you have.
Your electrician can place the circuit and outlet in a spot that’s easily accessible. That way, you can maximize cable reach regardless of which EV car you buy.
4. Add Weatherproofing
If your EV charging installation is mounted outside, it will need a weather-rated enclosure and proper electrical protection.
In addition, the wiring between the panel and EV charging installation must run through a conduit that is durable enough to withstand damage, pests, and moisture. Not only is this important for long-term safety, it’s also crucial for regulatory compliance.
5. Get Necessary Permits
EV charging installations in Metro Detroit, including West Bloomfield, require certain permits and inspections. These inspections ensure the charger is safe and complies with regulations set by the National Electrical Code (NEC).
A professional electrician such as our team at Rock Electrical handles the entire permit process, including managing the final inspection. They’ll ensure your EV charging installation is safe, legal, and covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
Contact Rock Electrical for a Professional EV Charger Installation
Ready to add an EV charging installation near you in West Bloomfield, MI? Our licensed electricians at Rock Electrical are ready to help. With years of experience in the industry, our reliable electricians provide top-quality installation services.
We understand the various types of EV chargers out there, and make sure that every installation is completed to the highest standards.
Customer satisfaction is always our top priority, and we go above and beyond to ensure each EV charging installation is safe and complies with all regulations.
Ready to get started with your EV charging installation? Call us at (248) 620-6555 or contact us online today to get a quote.