Electric vehicles are now a dime a dozen on the roads. More and more people are adopting this form of transportation because it is both great for the environment and cheap to drive. The real savings that come with an electric vehicle come from charging at home. You can pay to charge your car at a number of different public charging stops, but you will pay pennies on the dollar when you have a charger installed at your home instead. Burley Electrical Services is here to talk about what you can do to prepare your home for an EV charger installation.
Why You Need a Charger Installed at Your House
Technically, you can plug your EV into a regular, 110V outlet. However, you will be trickle charging at that point and it would take your vehicle several days to charge. By in large, the best way to charge your EV at home is with a 240V circuit that will need to be installed in your garage. You will charge in a matter of hours when you go that route.
Making Sure Your Electrical Panel has Enough Capacity
If you live in an older home, there will likely be a question as to whether or not your electrical panel has enough capacity to handle a 240V circuit. If the panel is a 100 amp service, that will likely need to be upgraded to a 200 amp panel to handle the new circuit. It is also important that the charge has its own dedicated 240V circuit as well. This will ensure your charging is both safe and efficient. One more thing to consider is the load calculation. The home’s total electrical load needs to be calculated to ensure you can use other appliances and things in tandem with your EV charger.
Choosing the Right Location for the EV Charger
The next thing that needs to be considered is the location of the charger. Here are some things that should be considered when you’re choosing the right place for your charger install:
– Garage or Driveway: The first choice for an EV charger is always going to be the garage, if you have one. This is the most secure and will ensure that there aren’t any strangers that attempt to plug into your charger.
– Distance from Panel: Another thing to think about is the distance from your electrical panel. The further it is, the more complex the install.
– Future: You may want to think about whether or not you ever see yourself getting another EV. If this is the case, you may want it where two cars can easily use it.
Electric Vechical Charger Installation, Electrical Fixture Installations & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you are in need of an EV charger installed in your home, you can turn to Burley Electrical Services to get you all set up. We will help you with any upgrades that need to be done as well as choosing the right location for the charger. Call us today!
