Updated January 18, 2024

Have you thought about buying a new electric vehicle but are worried about how you would keep it charged? At Golden Rule, we want to help you gain peace of mind. You can charge your car faster than ever with the correct charger. You no longer need to spend time looking for a local charging station. Let’s talk about the basics of EV chargers and the process of obtaining a permit to install one on your property.

Types of Charging Stations

You have two options for the EV charging stations you use at home: Level 1 and Level 2. A Level 1 station is the most basic option. It allows you to use any 120-volt outlet around your home. Your electric car should have a charger that lets you plug one end into the vehicle and the other into an outlet. Most of these models will charge your battery in about 20 hours, giving you more than 120 hours of driving time. You do not need a permit to use one of these chargers.

A Level 2 charging station is more prominent and works with a 240-volt outlet. The right one can charge your EV up to seven times faster than a Level 1 station, cutting your charging time down to as little as three hours. You must have a permit to install a Level 2 charging station.

Charger Upgrades

A primary reason you need a permit for a new charging station is that most homes require upgrades to their electrical panel to accommodate this service. Some homes have both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, but some only have smaller outlets. You will want to work with a licensed professional to install a new outlet safely.

If you try to use a larger charger with a 120-volt outlet, you risk damaging the circuit breaker. When you contact Golden Rule, we will examine your electrical system to decide what work is needed. Do homeowners require a new electrical panel or an upgrade to their existing panel? To install a Level 2 charger, you need a double pole breaker. It would be best to have a breaker for your charging station that won’t fit your appliances or other electrical needs.

We recommend that you check with your electrical company or provider. Some providers require homeowners to have a dedicated meter that monitors the power their chargers use. You can talk with the company about whether it will install the meter or if you need to hire a professional for the job.

Why Do Some States Require Permits for EV Chargers?

Some states require that homeowners have permits before they install EV chargers. If you need to do any work on your electrical system, like upgrading the panel, it is likely you will have to secure a permit. State regulators want to ensure that you have a professional with electrical experience to handle the job.

You’ll also nYou’llpermit if the work includes a new circuit. Any time you make significant changes to your home’s system, you must have a permit. An inspector may even come to your house to verify the work is safe and up to code. Adding a new EV charger may also require some renovation work that needs a permit, such as:

• Taking on a construction project to make room for the charger
• Making major repairs to walls and other surfaces after adding one
• Building a new exterior structure to store the charging station
• Removing or moving any parts of your current plumbing system to make extra space

What Do You Need to Get a Permit?

To get an electrical permit, you usually need to supply various information. You need to supply your full name and address, as well as the type of station you plan on having installed. The application will ask for certification details and information about the installer.

Most states have inspectors who work in every county. You can conveniently apply and get in touch with an inspector online. Use the secure system to both apply for and pay the permit fee. Most state portals accept check payments via ACH, credit cards, and debit cards. It’s usually Easier and faster to work with a pro like Golden Rule and let them complete the process for you.

Why Should You Let an Electrician Apply for Your Permit?

When you hire a professional to install an EV charger, you reap the benefits of professional installation. This includes protecting your home and accomplishing the job efficiently. Another benefit of choosing us is that we can provide the state with all the technical details and specifics of your charger before work begins.

Adding an EV charger requires several steps. It helps to have a professional walk you through this process. They can help you pick out the proper charger if you need assistance. This ensures that you can select a model that can handle the type of electric vehicle and battery that you have. You’ll also get professional advice regarding whether or not this process requires significant upgrades to your home. Many of the new Level 2 chargers also work with an app. The app lets you check on the status of your battery and see how much time is left in the process. You’ll then hire a crew member and obtain the proper permits. We will be on hand to answer the state’s questions and help during inspections.

Charging Station Rebates

Did you know adding a charging station to your home helps you qualify for certain rebates? You only qualify for one of these rebates if you opt for the professional installation of a Level 2 station. We can help you learn more about rebates available for Association of Electric Cooperatives members in your area. You must usually submit proof of the charger you picked and who installed it. The cooperative will issue a rebate in the form of a check.

EV Charging Made Easy

At Golden Rule, we have years of experience helping homeowners in the Metro area with their electrical needs. Whether you bought a charger and want to know what to do next or need help installing one, we’re just a call away. We can help you decide on your home’s upgrades and obtain the proper permits for every change you need. By contacting us today, learn how easily we make the electric vehicle charging installation process happen. In addition to installing EV chargers, we offer heating and cooling services, plumbing maintenance and repairs, and ductwork repairs.

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