Owning an electric vehicle (EV) can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint as well as the overall cost of owning your car or truck. One popular method of powering your EV is to install a charger in your home that you can use at any time. However, before doing so, you might need to upgrade your house’s electrical panel.
Are You Currently Experiencing Issues?
If the lights flicker when you turn on the washer or other appliances, it could be a sign that your electrical panel needs to be upgraded. The same is true if appliances run hot or if you notice breakers tripping on a regular basis. These are all signs that you’re using more power than the panel is capable of generating at one time. In such a scenario, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to add an EV charger without adding more electrical capacity.
How Old Is the Existing Panel?
A typical electrical panel is designed to last for about 20 years, assuming that it’s properly taken care of. Therefore, if the panel in your house was installed more than two decades ago, it may be best to get a new one to ensure that you can charge your EV safely. Putting a new panel in your home may also help to improve its value and functionality even when you aren’t charging your vehicle.
Does the Manufacturer Recommend It?
The company that makes the EV charger may have minimum standards that you’ll need to adhere to before it can be installed. For instance, you might have to certify that your electrical panel can generate a certain number of amps or that it meets other standards.
Failure to adhere to those standards may void any warranty that comes with the charger or any other guarantees that could be in place. Furthermore, failing to ensure that your panel can handle the extra power created by an EV charger could leave you exposed to liability for any damage your negligence might cause.
Is There a Slot for Your New Charger?
Even if your electrical panel is capable of generating enough power to handle your EV charger, it may not have any room for it. In such a scenario, you might need to get a larger panel to ensure that there’s a spot in the circuit breaker for it. At a minimum, you’ll need to have a subpanel installed to ensure that your EV charger is properly connected to the electrical grid.
How Much Power Should Your Electrical Panel Handle?
Many homes come with electrical panels that provide up to 100 amps of power. However, an EV charger may require you to double that to 200 amps to be safe. In fact, there are products capable of generating 250 amps or more, which can help to ensure that your power needs are met for years to come.
The Process of Getting a New Panel
In most parts of the country, you’ll need to get a permit before you can put a new electrical panel in your home. The same might be true if you’re adding a subpanel, as any changes to your house’s electrical system could pose a safety risk if not done correctly.
Although it may be possible to install an electrical panel on your own, it’s generally not recommended. Instead, you’re encouraged to hire professionals such as those at Stott Brothers Electric in Port St. Lucie, FL. Doing so ensures that the work will be done safely and in accordance with all applicable local regulations.
After the panel is put in place, a local building inspector will likely come to your house to ensure that the work is done properly. The contractor hired to do the work on your behalf may coordinate with authorities to pull a permit and schedule an inspection after the work is complete.
Installing a new electrical panel in your home can offer a variety of benefits in addition to ensuring that your EV charger will work properly. Getting in touch with the team from Stott Brothers Electric makes it easy to get the work done quickly, safely, and affordably. We can also help with generators, landscape lighting, and other electrical projects, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today!
