A Level 2 charger runs on 240 volts and charges an electric vehicle much faster than a standard 120 volt outlet. It needs a dedicated circuit from your panel, and sometimes more panel capacity. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that permits may be required. A licensed electrician sizes the circuit and installs it safely.
Level 1 and Level 2
Most electric vehicles come with a cord that plugs into a regular 120 volt outlet. This is called Level 1 charging. It needs no special equipment as long as the outlet is on a suitable circuit, but it is slow. For drivers who travel only a few miles a day, it can be enough.
Level 2 charging uses 240 volts, the same kind of circuit that runs an electric dryer or range. The Department of Energy describes Level 2 as faster home charging that needs professional installation. Most drivers who charge at home every day choose Level 2.
Two ways to install a Level 2 charger
A Level 2 charger can be connected in one of two ways.
Hardwired: the charger is wired straight to its own circuit with no plug
Plug-in: a 240 volt outlet is installed, and the charger plugs into it
Both need a dedicated circuit sized for the charger
The charger’s instructions say which methods and circuit sizes it allows
Does my panel have room?
This is the first question we ask. The Department of Energy notes that some homes may not have enough electric capacity for Level 2 equipment, and that a qualified electrician can add circuits to meet the need.
A load calculation answers it. It adds up the AC, the range, the water heater, the dryer and anything else large in the home, then checks whether the charger fits within what the service can supply. Some homes have room. Some can use a lower charger setting. Some need a panel upgrade. Some can use a load management device that pauses charging when the home is using a lot of power.
Choosing a location
Where the charger goes affects both how easy it is to use and how much wiring is needed.
Close to where you park, so the cable reaches the car’s charge port without stretching
Out of the way of car doors and walkways
Near the panel when possible, since a shorter run means less wire
Protected from direct sun and monsoon rain if outdoors, and rated for outdoor use
Where the cable can hang up off the floor so no one trips on it
Permits and inspection
A new 240 volt circuit for a charger usually requires a permit and an inspection. The Department of Energy notes that permits may be required by local building authorities. We pull the permit and meet the inspector.
Choosing a charger
Pick a charger that is listed by a recognized testing lab and matches your car. Check the maximum current it draws, since that sets the circuit size. A charger that can be set to draw less current gives you more options on a smaller panel.
Talk with us before you buy. We can tell you what size will fit your panel so you do not end up with a charger your home cannot support.
Safety basics
Do not plug an EV charger into an extension cord or an adapter on a dryer outlet unless the charger’s maker allows it and the circuit is sized for it. These setups can overheat. Do not open the panel or wire a circuit yourself.
Smart features and settings
Many Level 2 chargers connect to Wi-Fi or a phone app. These features can let you schedule charging, track how much power you use, and lower the charging current when needed. Some utilities offer rate plans that cost less to charge at certain times. Check your utility’s plans if you want to take advantage of that.
A charger whose current can be set lower is also useful if your panel is close to its limit. Our electricians set the charger to match the circuit they install.
Plan for a second vehicle
If a second electric vehicle may come later, say so before the first install. It may change where the charger goes, what size circuit makes sense, or whether a load sharing setup is worth planning now.
Outdoor and carport installs
Many West Valley homes park in a carport or on the driveway. A charger mounted outdoors needs to be rated for outdoor use, and the wiring and boxes need to handle sun, heat and monsoon rain. A spot with some shade helps the charger and its cable last longer. We plan the route so that the cable reaches the car without lying across a walkway.
Installation with Solana Electrical
Our electricians install EV chargers across Sun City and the West Valley. Call us at (602) 999-2770 and a real person answers. Tell us your panel size, where you park, and which charger you are considering. You will hear the price before anyone drives out.
All of our labor and material carry a two-year warranty, and we are licensed under AZ ROC #341966.
If a charger, plug or outlet feels hot or smells like burning, stop charging and unplug only if it is safe to do so. If you see smoke or fire, get out and call 911.
Common questions
Do I need an electrician for a Level 2 charger?
Yes. It needs a dedicated 240 volt circuit, and the Department of Energy recommends professional installation. A permit is usually required.
Can I use a dryer outlet for my EV?
Only if the charger’s maker allows it and the circuit is right for continuous charging. It is safer to have a dedicated circuit installed.
Will a Level 2 charger work on a 100 amp panel?
Often it can, depending on what else the home uses. A load calculation shows whether it fits, needs a lower setting, or needs more capacity.
