Electric vehicles, or EVs, are rising in popularity. These vehicles consume fewer fossil fuels, emit fewer emissions, and are less expensive to maintain over time, making them a budget- and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline engines. If you drive an EV, it’s important to understand how to keep it charged safely. Here, Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. offers a guide to your home EV charging station to help you make the most of your electric vehicle.
Use the Correct Outlet
First, it’s important to choose the right station for your application – and plug it into the right outlet. While some electric car chargers can use a standard outlet, these are inefficient and slow. The stations recommended for residential use require a more advanced setup. Here’s our breakdown of the charging station types and their voltage requirements:
Level 1 Charging Station
Level 1 charging stations run on 120 volts. This type is designed to be plugged into standard wall outlets, making them very versatile. However, it can also be slow, taking over 24 hours to deliver 80% of the full charge. This type is most useful for overnight charges on a short commute.
Level 2 Charging Station
This station type runs on 240 volts. Because of the higher voltage, it delivers a much faster charge – 80% capacity in only four to five hours. It can also charge two vehicles together. Level 2 stations must be plugged into a special outlet or connected directly to the electrical panel.
Level 3 Charging Station
Faster stations than Level 2 exist. However, these typically cost thousands of dollars and have energy requirements that exceed what is available at home. This station type is currently available for commercial use at gas stations, shopping centers, and other public areas.
Hire a Reliable Electrician
Because Level 2 charging stations require special outlets or direct wiring, it isn’t recommended to set one up yourself. Inexperienced DIYers can easily make electrical mistakes, such as:
- Unprotected connections
- Bad wire splices
- Reversing wires and terminals
- Wrong-sized conductors
- Overfilled boxes
- Overloaded circuits
- Insufficient grounding
All these errors can create a shock hazard that may potentially prove fatal. Even if your wiring is safe, you may accidentally void your charging station’s warranty – losing your protection if something breaks.
Instead of attempting to install your EV charger yourself, hire a reliable electrician. An expert can complete your electrical car charger installation, making sure all electrical wiring is set up correctly, safely, and in compliance with warranty requirements and the local code.
Use Responsibly
Your EV charger is now installed and ready to use! Before you do, however, make sure you read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Improper usage can lead to injury and may fry your vehicle or charging station. The manufacturer’s guidelines will tell you how to charge your vehicle safely, and your dealer may have additional information. Here are our tips:
- Regularly maintain your charger and inspect the components. If you notice visible damage, stop using the charger immediately.
- Avoid using your charger in rainy or wet conditions.
- If using a Level 1 station, never plug other appliances into the same outlet. Also, never use an extension cord to connect the charging station to your outlet.
- If using a Level 2 station, never plug it into another outlet or attempt to change the wiring without consulting an expert.
- Keep all device components out of reach of children when not in use.
- Place a fire extinguisher near the EV charging station.
Install Your EV Home Charging Station Today
So long as you use it safely, your EV home charging station will let you enjoy your electric vehicle with more convenience than ever. Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. can help with your installation. We offer expert electrical services in Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean County, New Jersey, including EV charger installation. Contact us to find out more or to discover what special offers we’re currently running.
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