Simple and Transparent EV Charger Installation

Many customers ask if they can use 240V dryer outlets to charge their electric vehicles. Often, electricians install the more affordable ($15) Leviton plugs from Home Depot for such installations. However, this is not safe. Electric vehicle batteries create a 'constant draw' on the circuit, drawing 32, 40, or 48 amps of electricity continuously for hours. Residential-grade outlets, such as dryer outlets, were not designed to handle this constant level of electricity. Consequently, these outlets risk melting within 1 to 2 years, potentially damaging the charging equipment and causing electrical fires.

We have also explored using industrial-grade NEMA 14-50 outlets (e.g., Bryant, Hubbell), which cost about $100 more than residential alternatives. Unfortunately, we found that even industrial-grade outlets carry similar melting risks after 3 to 4 years.

Moreover, according to the National Electric Code, GFCI protection is required for 240V outlets installed in garages or on home exteriors, adding an additional $100 - $150 to the installation cost. Proper installation of GFCI breakers can conflict with the GFCI mechanism in most mobile charging cords, causing nuisance tripping where the breaker trips periodically without warning.

Given the melting risks and conflicting electrical code guidance for NEMA 14-50 installations, the safest and most reliable residential charging solution is a hardwired installation for level 2 charging units. In a hardwired installation, the wire and conduit connect directly to the mounted charging unit from the main electrical panel. Therefore, we only recommend hardwired EV charger installations, and our 3-year warranty applies exclusively to hardwired installations.

Every package includes the recommended charging unit, labor, and materials, along with a 3-year warranty for new installations. Permitting and inspection are billed separately.

The charging time depends on your car's battery size and the amperage of your charging unit. Most level 2 chargers provide between 32 to 48 amps and can usually charge a car from 10% to 100% overnight, typically taking between 6 to 12 hours. For exact charging speeds, please call or text us your specific EV make and model.

There are two types of home chargers: Tesla NACS and Universal J1772. Universal J1772 chargers are for non-Tesla vehicles, while Tesla vehicles require a NACS charge gun. Adapters are available to switch between NACS and J1772 charging standards. Many manufacturers have announced that starting in 2025, new models currently using the J1772 standard will switch to NACS. If you have a J1772 unit installed, you can purchase a J1772 to NACS adapter ($50 - $75) to plug in without any reduction in charge rate.

Popular installation points include garages and driveways. The charging cord is typically 23' - 24'long. All of our recommended charging units are UL listed for both indoor and outdoor use, so the unit can be installed on the building exterior without any issues.

Most cities require permits for EV chargers since they involve installing a new, dedicated 240V circuit. We can assist with pulling contractor permits, but there are additional fees for permitting and inspections.