EV Charger Be Installed at Home?
EV Charger Be Installed at Home?
EV Charger Be Installed at Home?
EV Charger Be Installed at Home?
EV Charger Be Installed at Home?
EV Charger Be Installed at Home?
EV Charger Be Installed at Home?
EV Charger Be Installed at Home?
We are an established supplier of EV chargers and home EV installations in Orange County and have been in the industry since the beginning. One of the most common questions we receive after inquiries about the type of Level 2 EV charger (hardwired vs. 14-50 plug-in, or which brand type) is about the best location for your new home EV charger installation.
Planning Your Home EV Charger Location
With the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the inconvenience of commercial charging stations, homeowners are increasingly choosing to install EV chargers at their primary residence. Once you have bought your electric vehicle, it’s essential to start planning the installation so that when your new EV arrives, your home charging station will be ready.
Here are the key considerations for determining the best location for a home EV charger installation:
Inside vs. Outside Garage Installation
Should I install it inside or outside of the garage? Outside
If you have a busy garage (full of “stuff”) or the garage is often packed with surfboards, e-bikes, a second car, or other miscellaneous items, we recommend that the charger be on the exterior of the garage, near the electrical panel, on the front, facing the road. When deciding the location of your EV charger, accessibility and convenience are key considerations.
Here are the key considerations for determining the best location for a home EV charger installation:
Why Outside Installation Is Often Better
The main reason to avoid inside garage installation is that homeowners frequently end up having to snake the cable under the garage door. This creates several problems:
- It’s inconvenient to manage the cable each time you charge
- Increases the risk of damaging the head of the EV charger when left on the driveway floor
- Can damage both the cable and the garage door through repeated pressure
- Creates an entry point for mice and rat infestations, as the elevated garage door provides space for rodent encroachment, especially in winter and spring
Weather Protection Considerations
Protecting Your EV Charger Investment
Protecting your EV charger from the weather is critical. While most EV chargers are UL certified and have protection ratings such as IP66 or IP67 (and are rated for operating temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit), the ideal location provides additional cover from the elements. The EV charger location should be away from prolonged direct sunlight to maximize the lifespan of your equipment.
Proximity to Electrical Panel
Should I install the EV charger close to my electrical panel? Yes
If feasible and convenient, locating your Level 2 home EV charger close to the electrical panel is safer and more cost-effective. In most homes in Orange County, especially those built in subdivisions since the late 1980s, the electrical panel is located in one of two common positions:
- Front right of the home (when facing the house) on the exterior of the garage (approximately 50% of homes)
- Interior front of the garage (approximately 30% of homes)
Optimal Distance and Cost Considerations
We recommend situating the EV charger no more than 10 feet from the electrical panel for several reasons:
- Safety: Shorter electrical runs mean less potential for problems
- Cost-effectiveness: Each foot of cabling from the electrical panel will cost around $18/foot
- Installation complexity: Running wiring over the garage and down the opposing wall can add approximately $300 to the installation cost
Installation of the EV charger close to the home’s electrical panel simplifies electrical wiring and reduces the amount of wiring and conduit needed, significantly reducing installation costs.
Professional Installation Recommendations
Installing the charger near the main electrical panel can simplify wiring requirements and minimize installation costs. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed electrician for a site consultation to determine the optimal location for your specific home layout and to ensure adherence to local safety requirements.
