How to Install an Electric Car Charger in Your Home
8 Feb 2022 Electrical Safety
As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity throughout North America, many homeowners are looking at installing a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charger in their home. While this may seem like a straightforward task, these chargers should be installed by a licensed electrician to ensure that they are properly integrated with your electrical systems and comply with local bylaws. As a team of residential electrical contractors, BNR Electric knows how popular EV chargers have become over the past few years. That is why they have provided some information outlining how to install an electric car charger in your home to make the process as smooth as possible for all homeowners.
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5 Steps to Install an EV Charger in Your Home
To ensure that your charger is installed correctly, complete the following steps:
1. Determine Your Home’s Eligibility
Before purchasing a charger, you will need to confirm that you can legally install one in your home. To ensure that your home is eligible for an electric vehicle charger installation, contact your local municipality or Technical Safety BC.
2. Ensure That You Have Sufficient Electrical Panel Space
If your home is over 20 years old, you will need to check to see if you have sufficient electricity to support an EV charger. Once this has been confirmed, you will then need to ensure that there is enough space on your electrical panel to accommodate a circuit breaker for the EV charger. If there is not enough space, an electrician will need to upgrade your electrical panel and wiring.
3. Purchase a Suitable Charger
Once you have confirmed that your home is suitable for a charger, it is time to choose a unit that is suitable for your vehicle. If you are planning on applying for a rebate, ensure that you are selecting a model that qualifies for one.
4. Contact an Electrician to Obtain Permits and Install the Charger
Once your charger has been purchased, contact a professional electrician to obtain permits and install it. It is recommended to hire an electrician that has completed the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program as this will ensure that your charger installation is organized, effective, and safe.
5. Apply for a Rebate Once the Installation is Approved
After the EV charger has been installed, it must be inspected by your municipality or Technical Safety BC to ensure safety and compliance with local bylaws. Most electricians will arrange to have this inspection performed on your behalf. Upon completion of this inspection, you can then apply for a rebate on your charger to get a portion of the purchase price back.
To learn more about their residential electrical solutions or to get a quote for an electric car charger installation, get in touch with the team at BNR Electric. They can be reached through their online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their services.
