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The ESA’s guide to installing an EV home charger safely 

When EV drivers consider installing a home charging solution, a common question often arises: “Can I install the charger myself or ask any electrician to do it for me?” We wanted to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable information, so we turned to the best source possible – the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). The ESA plays a vital role in setting safety standards, regulations, and codes to ensure the protection of consumers and electrical systems across Ontario. They collaborate with Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) to promote safe electrical practices, including the proper installation of home EV chargers, making them an essential resource in the electrical industry. 

We conducted an exclusive interview with Trevor Tremblay who is a Technical Advisor from the ESA. He supports the northern region of Ontario and is a member of ESA’s regulatory group responsible for interpreting the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and creating a variety of bulletins. He is an expert on anything and everything electrical and was happy to answer some common questions about safe EV charger installations in homes. 

What are the primary challenges associated with installing a home EV charger by yourself? 

Installing a home EV charger by yourself can be a complex project, and while you have the right to do it as a homeowner, certain challenges should be considered. The installation process demands an understanding of current electrical codes and safety standards. Many aspects require careful attention such as adjusting user settings properly to avoid circuit overload, wiring and connections, proper mounting and more. You also need to ensure that you take out an ESA permit before doing the work yourself. Improper installations can lead to severe consequences such as electrical fires, property damage and personal injury. It’s crucial to understand that electrical work requires a high level of expertise and adherence to safety standards to avoid these risks. 

Who should you hire for your EV home charger installation? 

In Ontario, you should hire a Licensed Electrical Contracting (LEC) Business for EV home charger installations as they are the only type of professionals that are licensed by the ESA to do so. People often mistake Certified Electricians and Master Electricians for LECs but they are not considered an LEC and are just employed by an LEC. The best way to find an LEC (and their licence number) is by entering your location and the type of electrical work you’re looking to do on the ESA online directory. Every LEC has an ECRA/ESA license number posted so look for this on their website or business cards. The easiest option is to work with a company like Ivy that provides a comprehensive solution to set you up with a home charger installed only by LECs. 

Why should you work with a Licensed Electrical Contractor for your EV home charger installation? 

Working with an LEC for your EV home charger installation is important for a safe and successful outcome. Their expertise ensures that the installation is done properly, minimizing risks and hazards. They thoroughly understand local regulations, permits and inspection procedures, and compliance. Their knowledge and professionalism provide peace of mind, knowing that your charging system is installed safely, your electrical system is protected, and you will have a reliable charging solution set up to meet your EV charging needs! 

What are the electrical requirements that need to be considered for a home EV charging station? 

The first thing you need to do is assess your electrical panel to make sure there is enough capacity to add the EV home charger. Since charging an EV requires a significant amount of power, it’s crucial to have sufficient capacity in your panel to handle the increased demand. The amperage level is another important consideration, and this will depend on the specific charger you plan to install and the charging speed that you desire.  

What factors influence the cost of home charger installation? 

The cost of home charger installation can be influenced by several factors such as the size of the EV charger and features, the electrical panel size, the location of the charger, materials required (wires), and the complexity of the installation. While you can contact various LECs to obtain quotes, you can also take the hassle-free option with Ivy whose LECs will fully set up the charger at your home quickly.  

Are permits necessary when installing a home EV charger? 

Yes, a permit is necessary when you’re installing a home EV charger. If you work with an LEC, they will obtain this permit for you by filing a notification of work with the Electrical Safety Authority in Ontario. You can learn more about the permits here. 

Where are the best places to install your home charger? 

The ideal locations for installing your home charger are typically within a garage or as close to your EV and house as possible.  Additionally, make sure to keep it at a higher level as that helps prevent any potential damage, such as accidentally hitting it with a vehicle bumper, lawn mower or snowplow. By selecting a location that is easily accessible yet out of harm’s way, you can ensure the safety and optimal functionality of your home charger. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to install a home charger in their home? What are the steps you would follow? 

A few tips to get you ready and set up with your EV home charger are: 

  • Before you buy your EV home charger, look for a certification mark. An EV charging system must carry the official mark or label of a recognized Canadian certification or evaluation agency. You can learn more here.   
  • Identify your charging needs by figuring out how fast you need to charge your EV and establishing the size of charger you need. Make sure you review your existing infrastructure to see if your home can handle the EV charger load.  
  • Find a location that is convenient and close to your home, such as your garage. 
  • Find a LEC that you can trust to do a safe and efficient EV charger installation job for you. 

Thank you, Trevor, for sharing your invaluable insights and expertise, which are key to ensuring a safe and secure installation of EV home chargers. Learn more about electrical safety and compliance at esasafe.com/EV

How can I get a level 2 charger at home? 

Are you ready to take the next step in your electric vehicle journey? With a level 2 electric vehicle charger, you’ll experience hassle-free charging as you power your ride from the comfort of your home. How can you get a level 2 charger? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of getting a level 2 charger installed at home and offer tips and resources to make the process as simple as possible. We’ll have you charging in no time!

Understanding different levels of EV charging

Before jumping into the first step towards a faster and more convenient charging experience for your EV, it is important to understand the electrifying world of EV charging. There are 3 different levels of charging you need to understand as a current or soon-to-be EV driver:

Level 1 EV chargers (AC charging)

Level 1 chargers typically deliver 3-8 km of range per hour of charging and it is the s-l-o-w-e-s-t way to charge. Every plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle can be charged on Level 1 by plugging into a standard 120V AC plug (i.e. a common household plug).

Level 2 EV chargers (AC charging)

Level 2 chargers typically deliver 6-120 km of range per hour (10 times faster than Level 1) and are the most commonly used at home or the workplace. They require a 240V AC plug, which is usually a standard plug for a stove.

Level 3 EV chargers (DC charging)

Level 3 (L3) chargers are the fastest chargers available delivering up to 160 km of range in just 20-30 minutes. These chargers are typically found at public charging stations along highways or major routes. The voltage is much higher than level 1 and 2 (L2) charging, which is why you don’t see level 3 chargers ever installed in homes. They are the perfect option for long-distance travel road trips or quick top-ups when you’re on the go. Try to plan ahead for your trips by looking up L3 and L2 chargers using the Ivy app or PlugShare.

Important factors to consider when buying a level 2 EV charger for your home

Now that we’ve got the EV charging basics out of the way, let’s dive into specs that will help you choose the perfect level 2 EV home charger. There are a number of factors you need to consider before making your big purchase decision and adding the right charger to your home. Let’s explore these factors below:

Important factor regarding your electric vehicle

Type of connector 

There are several types of connectors for level 2 chargers available including the J1772 and Tesla connectors (NACS). It is important to choose a charger that is compatible with your EV’s connector type (check your EV’s user manual) to ensure that you can plug in and charge. Some chargers also offer multiple connector types, making them more versatile and suitable for use with multiple EV makes and models.

Important factors for your home 

Length of the cable

EV home chargers come with cables that are different lengths and it is important to find out which one is most suitable for your home and electric vehicle. Make sure you measure the distance from your charging port to your electric vehicle’s parking spot and choose a cable that’s long enough to comfortably reach. This way you’ll avoid the hassle of having to move your car around or rearrange your space just to be able to power your EV.

Suitable for indoor or outdoor use

Before choosing a home charger, make sure it is suitable for the location that you’re planning to have it installed. If you’re planning on having it installed outside, ensure that it is compact, waterproof, and able to withstand all types of weather conditions. Certain chargers are built for certain climates. If you live in Ontario and are planning to install your charger outside, take a look at Ivy Home. It is built in Ontario for Ontario’s weather conditions and is made to withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. Happy charging, rain, shine, or snow!

Plug-in vs hardwired 

EV home chargers are either plug-in or hardwired, which is an important factor to consider before making your purchase. Do you plan on staying in the same home for the next 10 years and only charging at this location? Or are you thinking of moving next year and would like to charge at different locations like a cottage? If you’re leaning towards the second option, a plug-in charger is the better option for you.

Important factors for your personal preferences

Amperage level

Amperage level determines how fast your electric vehicle will charge. If you have a high amperage level, you’ll be able to charge your EV faster and get back on the road in no time. But if you have a low amperage level, you’ll have to wait longer for a full charge.

A common amperage level for level 2 home charging units is between 16 and 50 amps. To understand how different amperage levels impact the speed of charge, we’d like to share some examples of common amperage levels and speeds below:

  • 45-48 kilometers per hour at 40 amperage
  • 35-40 kilometers per hour at 32 amperage
  • 24-28 kilometers per hour at 24 amperage
  • 16-19 kilometers per hour at 16 amperage

Depending on the distance of your trips and how often you drive your electric vehicle, you may need to rely on public charging as well. Some electric vehicle home charging solutions offer discounted rates to charge on their public network. Exploring options that provide home charging and public charging may be a good idea if you’re spending lots of time on the road!

Smart EV chargers

When choosing an electric vehicle home charger, you have the option of choosing a smart charger as well. Smart chargers are connected to a mobile app and allow you to remotely start and schedule a charge as well as check your consumption. Does this sound interesting to you? Then add “Smart EV chargers” to your checklist of what an ideal home charging solution looks like for you.

Important factor in the installation process

Permits for the EV charger installation

The installation of a home charger for your electric vehicle will likely require an electrical permit. This permit ensures that the installation is done in compliance with local electrical codes and regulations. The requirements may vary depending on your local municipality, so it is best to check with your local permit office to determine the specific requirements.

In Ontario, you need to get a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before starting the installation. You can learn more here. If you decide to work with a licensed contractor, you don’t have to worry about permits as they will take care of this for you.

What’s the cost of installing a level 2 EV charger at home?

The cost of installing an electric vehicle home charger can vary depending on multiple factors such as the type of charger you choose, the location of your electrical panel, and any necessary upgrades to your home’s electrical system.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from 500 to $1,500 for the charger itself, and another $500 to $2,000 for the installation. Finding the right home charging solution can be overwhelming but worry not, there are many options available on the market. You can find suitable home charging solutions within this price range here.

FAQs

Still have more questions? Below you’ll find the answers to some common questions.

Can I install an EV charger by myself?

Electrical changes in your home can be dangerous to attempt without the required knowledge and tools. It is recommended that you work with a professional, ESA-certified installer to get your home charger set up. Some charging solutions include an ESA-certified installation so you don’t have to worry about finding someone to get your charger set up.

What if my panel is full or I do not have the electrical capacity to add a charger?

If your panel is unable to handle the new charging load, or the space to add a new 2-pole breaker, a certified installer will need to upgrade your panel to provide additional capacity.

Can I plug my EV into a regular electrical outlet?

We highly recommend you always refer to the charging instructions provided by your vehicle manufacturer. EVs may come with a charging cable suitable for a regular electrical outlet, however, this may only provide you with speeds of up to 1.3 – 2.4 kW (5 – 8 km/hour).

Do I need a permit for installing an EV charger?

Adding a 240V electrical appliance—like an EV charging station—can require a permit from your local jurisdiction. Depending on where you live, permitting processes can vary. We recommend checking with your local permit office to determine the specific requirements.