If you, like many, have been concerned about gas prices and the environmental effects of gasoline and diesel, you may have been considering purchasing a hybrid or fully electric vehicle (EV). But one thing that keeps people from making the leap to a hybrid or full EV is the unknowns that come with charging your vehicle yourself at home.
If you’ve had the same worry, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll talk you through the installation process and share some routine maintenance tips for your charging station.
First, how would one go about installing a charging station at home?
The Steps Involved in Installing an EV Charger
EVs have three types of chargers; most homeowners will opt for a Level 2 charger. This form offers a relatively fast charge time (approximately four to six hours, depending on the vehicle model), meaning that owners can leave their vehicle overnight so it’s ready for action in the morning.
Due to the convenience of a faster charging time, the Level 2 charger requires an outlet that can comfortably manage 240 volts. This requires a professional install. It’s important to connect with a licensed electrician who offers EV charger installation services as a speciality. Doing so will ensure your charger is install correctly and safely, thus protecting your home, vehicle and family. It may also keep you on the right side of compliance.
Before electricians begin work, depending on your location, you may need to acquire a permit from your regional electrical safety authority. Once obtained, a certified electrician will check that your breaker panel has enough capacity to manage your station. If not, they can upgrade the breaker to accommodate it.
Your electrician will also help you locate the best spot on the outside of your home or in your garage to establish the charging station. Chargers should be easy to access, both for the install and for everyday use, and they should be in a location that’s protected from the elements.
On installation day, the electrician will run wiring between the charger and the panel. They’ll securely mount the panel to your chosen wall and then connect the station to its dedicated circuit on the breaker. Upon completion, they’ll run a test charge to ensure everything operates as it should.
As you can see, once you’ve secured help from a qualified electrician, the installation is a relatively straightforward process. Now that the station is installed and operational, there are a few minor maintenance activities that you can perform to maximize the charger’s operational safety and longevity.
Maintaining Your EV Charging Station
Fortunately, maintenance is very straightforward. Every charger will come with a guide for you to follow, and your electrician will be able to provide you with some helpful tips and pointers. Here are some general rules of thumb to ensure the process is straightforward.
- General housekeeping around your station is recommended. Regularly wipe the charger and its cables to remove dirt and debris.
- Check the cables and the wall-mounted station for erosion or other signs of damage. These components are generally quite robust; however, it’s always worth checking for damage. If you do notice anything untoward, connect with your electrician.
The Takeaway on the Install and Maintenance of EV Charger
As you can see, electric vehicle chargers are relatively easy to install and maintain. If the thought of managing this home project has been deterring you from making the move to an EV or hybrid vehicle, don’t let it. The short set-up time and the minor maintenance activities are well worth the self-sufficiency that owning an EV and having a home charging station offer.
So why not connect with an electrician who offers such a service to learn more today?
