An electric car is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Many of these cars do not rely on gas and need to be charged via an electrical outlet. In order to get the most from your experience, you may want to install a home charging station. For most homeowners, this means hiring an electrician to upgrade their electrical system. There are important considerations to make before tackling the job, and you can use the following helpful tips to get started.

Choosing a Level

There are three levels of electric car charging stations, 1, 2, and 3. Levels 1 and 2 are the most common for home use, with Level 2 being the most powerful. Generally, one hour of Level 1 charging will prepare a battery to handle four to five miles of driving. This increases to 25 to 30 miles for each hour of charging on a Level 2 station.

You should first know if your electrical system can handle something higher than Level 1. An electrician can help you determine this. They can also determine if you actually need a Level 2 charger based on the charging capabilities of your electric car.

Deciding Between Hardwired & Plug-In

Once you’ve chosen a charger level, you can choose how it’s connected to your system. Plug-in chargers are connected to a 240-volt wall outlet, and hardwired chargers are wired directly in your home’s electrical panel. Homeowners enjoy plug-in chargers because they can be moved around as needed. Often, they’ll simply unplug their clothes dryer and plug in the charger whenever it needs to be used. If you don’t have the right outlet in your garage, however, you’ll need to have an electrician install one. Hardwired connections can’t be moved around, but they are cheaper to install. 

Figuring out the Placement

Most homeowners will want their charging stations in their garages. The National Electrical Code limits cord length to 25 feet, so decide if you’re able to add a charging station to the garage. If you don’t have a garage, you can talk to an electrician about adding an outdoor outlet to accommodate a plug-in charger.

If you need an electrician for a home upgrade, Walter’s – Eaton’s Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC can assist. This Ellsworth, WI, electrical contractor serves commercial and residential clients and also handles septic installation, HVAC services, and plumbing assistance. You can learn more about their company online or by calling (715) 273-5589.