How to Tell if Your Electrical Panel Is Ready for an EV Charger
As gas prices rise, electric vehicles are becoming more appealing to consumers. However, before you purchase one, it’s important to consider what it takes to install a charger at home. If you have an older home, you’ll want to make sure your electrical system can handle the additional power before moving forward with installation.
How to Check Your Electrical Panel
Look for the main breaker rating, commonly 100, 150, or 200 amps. This gives you a starting point, but it doesn’t tell you how much capacity is available for a charger.
If your home already runs several large appliances, an EV charger may require additional planning to avoid overloading your electrical system.
A Level 2 EV charger typically requires a dedicated circuit. Having an empty spot in your panel doesn’t necessarily mean your system has enough capacity.
Older panels or panels showing signs of damage may need further evaluation before adding a new circuit.
When to Call an Electrician
A licensed electrician can evaluate your panel’s capacity and determine what’s needed for a safe EV charger installation. Call an electrician if:
The Bottom Line
You don’t necessarily need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger. An electrician can assess your home’s electrical capacity and help determine the best option for your needs.
If you’re ready to move forward with installing an EV charger, contact our team at Dailey Company to schedule your electrical evaluation today.