So you got an electric vehicle, and now you want to install a home EV charging station. So where do you get started?
Before installation, it’s best to consult with an electrician like OHM Electrical Contracting to help evaluate your current power supply, and overall situation.
Here are 5 things you’ll need to consider when installing a home EV charging station:
Circuit Size: Most US homes will have 120V power, which will call for a circuit breaker/converter to up the voltage to 240V (three-phase power) for adequate charging. Having a higher voltage outlet will allow for much faster charging, and less chances of a breaker slipping while charging,
Amperage: Depending on the type of vehicle you’ll be charging, upping the amperage of your existing electrical infrastructure might be necessary to ensure it can handle the higher power running through your electrical lines to your EV Charger.
Adjusting Electrical Current: If having a charging unit professionally installed, it’s advised that you have your electrician adjust the maximum current to a level that will not overload your circuit.
WiFi Enablement: This is an optional feature not available with all residential/consumer EV chargers on the market. Depending on the brand, having access to a WiFi signal within one’s home can enable the vehicle owner to be connected (via smartphone app) to their vehicle’s charging status, % remaining, and other specs when charging at home.
Mounting: ensure a proper mounting place for the charging station that will reach the vehicles charging port while leaving some slack in the power cord.
Contact OHM today to get started with installing your home EV charging station!
