Do you own an electric vehicle? And, if you do, are you always searching for someplace to charge it? Well, with a home EV charger installation in Littleton, you’d never lack car power again.

With that in mind, let’s consider nine common questions about EV chargers and the EV charger installation process. 

What Are EV Chargers?

As the name implies, an electric vehicle charger is a device that takes electricity from an electrical grid or outlet and sends it into an electric vehicle. 

What Wiring Is Needed for EV Chargers?

For a Level 2 charging station — the most common system of EV home charging — the wiring often consists of a ground wire, a common wire, and a pair of hot wires. 

You can plug a Level 2 charger right into a 240-volt electrical panel. Alternatively, you could hardwire it to an electrical panel.

Can a Normal Electrician Handle an EV Charging Station Installation?

Yes, a “normal” certified electrician should be able to manage an EV charger installation with no problem. 

Do I Need an Electrician for an EV Charger Installation?

You need an experienced and licensed electrician to install your home EV charger. Without expertise, this work is dangerous. If you attempted to do it yourself, you’d face the risk of a severe electrical shock. 

Moreover, unless you install this machinery correctly, it could easily malfunction. It could even start a fire. 

Should I Charge My Electric Car Every Night?

You shouldn’t have to charge your electric car every night. Ideally, your EV battery would stay in the range of 20% to 80% charged. Most electric vehicles need charging once every few nights to remain in that zone. 

Of course, the exact frequency depends on how far you drive each day and how many miles of range your vehicle has. Soon enough, you’ll figure out how often to charge it. 

Is It Cheaper to Charge an Electric Car at Home?

Despite the initial cost of installing an EV charging station at home, this system will save you money over the long haul. That’s because public charging costs significantly more than home charging. 

On top of that, many utility companies offer discounts to EV owners who get an EV charger installation. And some of those companies even provide cheaper electricity at night for after-dark EV charging. 

What Is the Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 EV Charging?

Level 1 EV charging is a simple concept. It involves using an average 120-watt home electrical outlet to charge a vehicle. The main drawback is that it takes so long to fully charge a vehicle this way: probably at least 30 hours.

Thus, it’s best to try the Level 1 approach in emergency situations only. 

As mentioned above, Level 2 charging involves a special device. And those devices require professional EV charging installations. 

A Level 2 charger supplies 208 to 240 volts of power, about the same as a central air conditioning system. 

In addition, this charger can provide between 12 and 80 amps of electricity. For most people, 40 amps or so would be ideal. However, for 80 amps of power, you’d need a special supply line as well as a dedicated server, and the entire apparatus would be more expensive. 

In practical terms, this type of charging is much faster — and thus much more convenient — than Level 1. Indeed, with a Level 2 electric vehicle charging station, you should be able to fully charge your EV in three to eight hours. 

Can You Get a Level 3 EV Charger Installation at Home?

There’s another type of charging: Level 3. It’s the fastest type of EV charging currently available, and commercial enterprises are the typical users. 

Level 3 uses direct current (DC), whereas Level 2 chargers rely on alternating current (AC). DC is more expensive but more powerful. With DC, the direction and voltage of the electricity never change. By contrast, with AC, they do change from time to time. 

In fact, Level 3 charging is so fast and powerful that you should be able to fully charge your vehicle in about half an hour.

Installing an EV Level 3 charger at home is possible. However, this system is much costlier than the Level 2 version. Not to mention, many homes just don’t have the capacity to provide the necessary voltage for Level 3 charging. 

What Size Breaker Do I Need for My EV Charger Installation? 

To answer this important question, just keep this handy formula in mind:

Take the charger’s electrical output, and add 25%. That number is the minimum size you’ll need. 

For instance, imagine that you’ll be having a 20-amp charger installed. Since 25% of 20 is 5, you’d need a 25-amp breaker.

Can I Charge My EV in the Rain?

Yes, it is perfectly safe. Charging your EV is safe in almost any weather condition. EV charges are designed with weather in mind to withstand water and other particles that could potentially be hazardous to your electrical system.

Should I Install an EV Charger at My Home?

Finally, if you’re seeking an EV charger installation near Littleton, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. Our electrical contractors offer first-class customer service, competitive install costs, and unsurpassed workmanship. 

Once you receive our EV charger home installation services, you’ll enjoy safe and fast charging right in your own garage. Each morning, you can hop into your car and look forward to the open road without a worry about finding a public charging station.

Attaboy Electrician Littleton serves the Littleton metro area with superior quality and reliable residential electrician services. Our certified technicians and Master Electricians provide professional, affordable service and electrical repairs. Attaboy Electrician Services does home rewiring, electrical installations including breaker panels, electrical panel repairs, lighting installation services, and appliance installations. Call us today at 303.288.2269 to schedule an appointment!