How to Install an EV charger at Home? | Useful Guide for Beginners
Do you know how to install an EV charger at home? Well, do not worry if you are entirely unaware of the process. We are here to explain the installation of all three levels of EV chargers.
If you are an electric vehicle owner, having an EV charger at home is your need. You can do the installation on your own, but experts recommend hiring a professional if you are a beginner. These people not only make sure that the installation is done correctly but safely as well. Moreover, they follow a proper procedure to ensure that you do not face any problems in the future. Thus, it is essential to have the installation, but it should be secure as well.
How to install an EV charger at home?
When you have an electric vehicle, it is crucial to have the EV charger at home. This ensures that you are always fueled up and ready to go anywhere. Along with this, you need to understand how to install an EV charger at home. This will allow you to learn a lot about the vehicle and the charging system as well.
Here we will explain the installation of all levels of EV chargers. The details are as given in the section below:
Installation of Level 1 EV Charger
The electric vehicle may come with a level 1 EV charger. Thus, the installation of this charger is not the need of a car. You just need to do is to plug the level 1 EV charger into the switch that supplies 120 volts electric current. You are ready to go after the charging is done.
The ease of level 1 electric car charger installation and zero cost for the process makes it very appealing. Also, you do not have to go through the hassle of hiring a professional, so the cost further cuts down.
Installation of Level 2 EV Charger
When we talk about installing a level 2 EV charger, we know that it uses a 240 volts wall outlet. However, this type of charger requires unique installation that uses a particular procedure but offers faster charging time.
The installation of some electric gadgets like dryers also uses the same amount of electric power and procedure. So, the process is almost similar to them when it comes to the installation of an EV electric car charging system.
Specifications of Level 2 EV Charger Installation
First, you need to turn on the 240 volts wall outlet for level 2 EV charger installation. You can use the double pole circuit breaker that connects two 120 volts buses to make a total of 240 volts of circuit voltage. This will require a 2-strand cable that will allow you to do this task.
The wiring during level 2 charger installation involves ground wire, common wire, and two hot wires. These three go to the ground bus bar, wire bus bar, and double-pole breaker, respectively. To get an excellent interface, the replacement of the breaker box is crucial. Also, you can try to fit the double-pole breaker in the panel already present there. By turning off the main breaker, you can ensure that no power is present in the breaker box.
After connecting the suitable circuit with correct wiring, how to install an EV charger at home? Well, you may start by installing the 4-strand cable in the charging location. This cable has insulation and security that does not allow any damage to the electrical system of your home. Next, just fix the charging unit or car charger to the wall outlet, and put into it the 240-volts cable. This unit is smart enough to start the electric flow only when it senses its attachment to the EV charger of your vehicle.
Cost of Installation
The cost of the best home EV charger installation may vary between $200 and $1,200. It depends on which company you hire for this purpose and how complicated the whole process is for the workers.
Note
● Due to the technical nature of the task, it is wise to get professional help to install a level 2 EV charger. Moreover, if you live in a local building, you need a permit and inspection before doing this job. The professionals know how to go about such processes.
● Further, hiring them also ensures that no electrical error will cause damage to the home or electrical system. This procedure could prove to be a health hazard, so always keep your safety as a priority. So, hire the professionals to handle this work for you.
Installation of Level 3 EV Charger
In the industrial and commercial sector, the use of level 3 Ev chargers is common. As it is expensive, specialized, and powerful equipment, therefore, its is not for public use. This means it is not possible to install an EV charger at home that is of level 3.
Mostly, the level 3 EV home charger installation ensures more than 80 percent charging within 30 minutes. This is how they are suitable for charging at the roadside as well. For vehicles like the Tesla Model S, a supercharging option allows about 170 miles from just half an hour.
Cost
There is a lot of diversity in charging the EV charger of level 3 in public. The rates are extremely variable, and this mainly depends on the provider. Mostly, the charging stations make a monthly fee schedule, and some go for a per-minute fee. However, some stations offer a combination of both. Therefore, you have to find out the one in your vicinity suitable for your car charger plug. Also, it should be in line with your needs.
Note
● The installation of level 3 EV chargers is that they are not compatible with all vehicles. Therefore, you have to be sure about the station that can do the charging for your car. Otherwise, do not rely on level 3 chargers on the road.
Conclusion
From all the above discussion, it must be clear to you that how to install an EV charger at home. Doing the installation on your own can prove crucial, but it is a great learning process.
If you find it overwhelming to do all on your own, the EV charging station installation is always an option to avail. You can hire the right professionals and forget about this task because they can handle it quite correctly.
