You may sometimes think about no more detours to the gas station and no reliance on unreliable fuel prices. That is where the EV home charger comes into play. Recharging at home is convenient and may be much cheaper than refueling with gasoline in terms of its electricity equivalent. Also, having an EV charger improves the environment and leaves a minimal carbon footprint behind.
According to a recent study, most people in Colorado spend considerable amounts of money on gasoline to fuel their automobiles. Nevertheless, the good news is that electric cars are gradually becoming more popular.
In this blog we will explore how to install an EV charger and promote energy and cost savings as a homeowner.
Understanding EV Chargers
Let's keep it simple for Colorado residents: an EV charger refers to the hardware device that supplies charging power to an electric vehicle. These chargers are helpful because they charge electric vehicles from the comfort of your home, and enable them to perform well and at full battery capacity.
There are various types of EV chargers designed to meet different needs and charging speeds.
Level 1 Chargers
These are simple chargers and do not provide the fastest charging. They get power and charging from a regular 120-volt household outlet, so you can charge your car as you do your home appliances and other devices.
This home EV charger is the slowest and can charge a car as low as 2-5 miles per hour that a vehicle takes charging. This makes them suitable for home use, where motorists today only travel a few miles a day to run local errands.
Level 2 Chargers
These chargers are similar to the previous chargers because they are used for charging electric cars. However, this one is a more powerful option. It should be connected to a 240-volt outlet, like most home appliances such as dryers and ovens.
Level 2 chargers can offer a range between 10-73 miles per charging hour, which is relatively faster. They are primarily installed in homes, offices, and other publicly accessible charging stations.
DC Fast Chargers
DC fast chargers are among the quickest EV charging stations available. They transform AC power received from the electric power grid into DC power, which can be used to charge the vehicle's battery.
These chargers provide a 60 to 250-mile range in 15- 40-minute charging intervals. They are usually located at well-identified charge facilities along highways and urban centers, making them suitable to plan out a longer road trip.Â
Features To Look For In An Electric Vehicle Charger
When picking a charger to install in your home, selecting the correct speed is one of many things one must consider.
Here are some key features to consider:
EV Charging Speed
The charger with a faster charging speed will cut your charging time in half.
EV Charger Power Output
The higher the power output, the faster your kilowatts are charged. Think about your car and how quickly you charge, its capabilities, and your typical charging rate.
EV Charger Smart Features
Some chargers have Wi-Fi capabilities so that you can see the charging status set during the night to save cash and be notified when charging is complete.
EV Charger Safety Features
Ensure the EV charger has protection measures, such as GFCI and over-temperature protection to avoid dangerous potential situations.
EV Charger Durability
Since the charger will be located outside, it has to be protected from water and physical impacts to have a long service life.
Warranty
An extended warranty gives owners confidence and regularly covers for malfunctions that need repairs or replacements.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Certain factors should be considered when installing EV chargers to enhance safety, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Proper planning must be done for the charger, whether it is for domestic or industrial use.
Assessing Electrical Capacity
The first thing to do is assess whether your current electrical system can accommodate an electric vehicle charging. This entails checking the reserve capacity of your home's circuit breaker or fuse box. Make sure that your panel has enough capacity to handle such a load. You may need an upgrade if the electrical panel is old or almost near its maximum capacity for storing energy.Â
Choosing the Right EV Charger
The suitable charger will depend on the vehicle being driven, its usage, and the charging requirements. Depending on how many miles you will be traveling per day and how often you need to recharge, choose between Level 1, 2, or DC fast chargers.Â
EV Charger Installation Location
The placement of the charger is essential to ensure easy access and, most importantly, to avoid hazards. Mount the charger as close as possible to your electrical panel since the installation costs and loss of power increase with distance. Home chargers should be visible and easily accessible in the garage or driveway.
Permits and Regulations
Local authority approval may be required before installation, which may involve permits, among other regulations. Consult with your local authorities to determine if the installation requires a license. This may require an inspection to check whether the work meets the safety code standards.Â
Professional Installation
Some Level 1 chargers can be self-installed by homeowners, while Level 2 and above chargers require professional installation. Consult certified, locally owned, and veteran-owned Colorado electricians who have previously worked on EV chargers to guarantee that the installation follows safety regulations and local by-laws. They can also help with proper permitting and any other paperwork required.
How To Install An EV Charger | Step-By-Step Process
Wondering how to install an EV charger? You can follow the steps below.
Hire a Licensed Electrician
To avoid any complications and legal issues, it is recommended that a professional electrician be hired. They should be a licensed professional with some experience in electric charger installation. The electrician will also be responsible for other wiring, including the wiring of a particular circuit for charging, rewiring, and electrical panel upgrading if necessary.
Prepare the Installation Site
Select an appropriate and secure space for the EV charger, commonly in the parking area or the driveway for residential use. If the charger will be mounted outside, ensure the location is weatherproofed or find a suitable place to protect it from harsh weather conditions. The installation site should also be as close as possible to the electrical panel to minimize installation costs and any loss of power.
Install the Electrical Circuit
The electrician will provide a separate circuit for the charger since the car uses electricity to charge the battery. This entails pulling cables from the circuit breaker box to where the charger is placed. The wiring must be capable of delivering the required power to the charger and should comply with all local codes and provisions.
Mount the Charger
Finally, depending on the location selected, the charger can be installed on the wall or a pedestal. It should be fixed at a level where the car can effectively get into and out of the charger location, which must not block the avenues or any car traffic. Upon installation, ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the risks of the product falling during normal use.
Connect the Charger to the Electrical Supply
After the charger has been fixed, the electrician will install it with the electrical power supply. This involves the wiring of the circuit that has been created back to the wiring of the charger. The electrician will double-check all the connections and guarantee that the connections follow the appropriate safety measures.
Test the Installation
Once the installation is done the electrician will check if the charger is working as required. This ranges from ensuring that the charger is correctly calibrated regarding its voltage amperage to whether it is compatible with the EV model you own. If there is any problem, it should be corrected quickly for safety improvements and increased energy efficiency.
If you want to learn how to lower home energy costs in Colorado, click here.
Maintenance And Post Installation Tips
Once your charger is installed, regular maintenance and proper usage can ensure its longevity and optimal performance.Â
Here are some essential EV charger maintenance and post-installation tips:
Regular Inspection
Ensure that you inspect your EV charger thoroughly from time to time for any manifestation of damage. Examine the cables’ exterior, the connectors, and the housing for signs of wearing or other types of damage.Â
Check for any visible problems, such as redness or blackness around the plug and socket connections, mostly when the device is hot. If there are any issues, seek the assistance of a technician immediately to look into the charger and correct it.
Cleaning
Always clean the charger and its parts to maintain their functionality. To clean a charger and a cable, one should take a soft, dry cloth and gently wipe them. Do not use chemicals or rough surfaces to clean the charger since they might wear it out. If the charger is fixed to an external structure, clean it to ensure it is not affected by dust, dirt, and water intrusion, which may damage the EV charger.
Software Updates
If smart chargers for EVs are equipped with such features, they should be checked for software updates frequently. These can be performance enhancements, security patches, or even the ability to address compatibility issues with newer EV models from car makers.
To stay updated with the latest in your charger, download and install the software upgrades according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Monitoring Energy Usage
If your smart charger has this feature, switch it on to monitor how much energy you are consuming. This can help you get a clear picture of charging patterns and make adjustments to improve the charging process. It also lets you notice electricity concentrations that are off the norm and may indicate a problem with the charger or your car.
Professional Maintenance
It is advisable to seek the services of professionals for charger maintenance at least once a year or as often as required, depending on the situation. Only a licensed electrician can conduct proper checks and amend anything that needs doing to ensure the charger is safe and works efficiently.
If you need info on how to choose the right contractor in Colorado, click here.
Warranty and Support
The EV charger warranty and the manufacturer’s details should always be kept on record. When you encounter any problem, check the warranty details and contact the manufacturer. Besides, registering your charger with the manufacturer, if necessary, can also help you receive timely assistance and updates.
Environmental Considerations
If your charger is installed outdoors, weather conditions may affect the efficiency of the charging procedure. Therefore, it is essential to protect chargers from these conditions, such as rain, snow, and even hot or cold temperatures. Since chargers are vulnerable to damages caused by harsh weather conditions, enclosing them under a cover or roof is advisable for a longer life span.
Safe Charging Practices
To increase the life of the vehicle and maintain safety while charging an EV, here are some safety measures to take while charging your electric vehicle. It is recommended that the charger be connected to an effective ground outlet with no extension cords, which may lead to the heating up of chargers, hence lower charging rates. Do not twist the cable around your fingers, and avoid sharp bends because this may cause some degree of cable damage over time.
Conclusion
Possessing a home electric vehicle charger is a significant step toward expanding sustainable transportation while increasing comfort in daily life. By strictly adhering to the installation instructions outlined in this article, maintaining your charging infrastructure, and practicing safe charging practices, your electric car charger can be a reliable power source for years.
For any professional help and guidance you can turn to Colorado Home Services.Â
Contact us to start your path to a more environmentally friendly existence with a new home EV charger. We serve Denver, Fort Collings, Colorado Springs, and the entire Front Range of Colorado.
FAQs
How Many Volts Does An EV Charger Need?
Level 1 chargers only need a 120-volt outlet, a standard house outlet suitable for slow overnight charging. Level 2 is stationary and connects to the building’s electrical system; these chargers output a higher voltage of around 240 volts. This enables relatively faster charge times than other forms of charging.
Do Ev Chargers Need An Internet Connection?
The basic functionalities of a charger do not require a connection to the internet. Some chargers, however, are smart and provide options accessible through a smartphone application with an active internet connection. Such aspects could include monitoring, setting up a charging session, and being alerted.
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