Being able to charge your electric vehicle (EV) at home is a major benefit of having this kind of car. You might be tempted to just plug the cord that came with your EV into a standard wall outlet, but that is often not effective because this is the slowest way to get a charge. To get a fast charge, you need a specialized Level 2 station. Deciding whether to call an electrician or try a DIY project is a choice that affects your home’s safety and your daily schedule.
The Big Wins of Hiring a Professional
A licensed electrician knows exactly how much extra stress a charger puts on your home’s main electrical panel. An electric car draws a considerable amount of steady current for hours at a time. That constant heat can overheat wiring inside your walls and increase the risk of a fire. A professional will check your service capacity and install a dedicated circuit breaker that is specifically rated for high-speed charging.
If your garage is far from your electrical panel, an expert knows how to run heavy-duty conduit through your attic or basement safely. They also handle the permits and inspections required by your town. This ensures that your home insurance will actually pay out if something goes wrong later on.
The Steep Price of Expert Labor
While having a pro do the work is the safest route, the biggest downside is the jaw-dropping bill that follows the installation. This can feel like a high cost when you have already spent a lot of money on the car and the charging unit itself. You also have to deal with the hassle of scheduling a time for them to come over. This might mean taking a day off work or staying home on a Saturday.
The Temptation and Risk of Doing It Yourself
If you are handy with tools, you might think you can save a fortune by watching a few videos and buying the parts at a hardware store. This is no substitute for the training and experience of a professional. While it is true that you can save hundreds of dollars by doing the labor yourself, the risks are high. Working inside a live electrical panel is extremely dangerous. One slip of a screwdriver can cause a significant arc flash that leads to serious injury. Even if you manage to get it working, a small mistake in the wire gauge or the torque of a screw can lead to overheating months down the road. If a fire starts because of a DIY electrical project that wasn’t inspected, your insurance company might refuse to pay for the damages. This leaves you in a huge financial hole.
Taking the time to make a smart choice now ensures that your new car stays charged and your home stays safe for many years to come. Your peace of mind is valuable, so treat your electrical system with the respect it deserves. If you live in Denver, CO or a surrounding area and need EV charger services, make your first call to Absolute Electrical Heating & Air.