Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in the Pacific Northwest. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they can also save drivers money on fuel costs. However, owning an EV requires some additional considerations, such as installing a dedicated circuit to charge your vehicle. In this blog post, we will go over the basics of EV charger circuits and what you need to know before installing one in your home.
What Is an EV Circuit Vs. a Charger?
An EV circuit is an electrical system that is specifically designed to power an EV charger. The circuit is made up of a dedicated breaker, wiring, and an outlet or charging station. On the other hand, an EV charger is the device that actually charges your vehicle. There are several types of EV chargers available, each with different charging speeds and features.
Types of EV Chargers
There are three types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging. Level 1 chargers are the slowest and most basic type, using a standard 120-volt outlet to charge your vehicle. They can take up to 24 hours to fully charge your car, making them best suited for overnight charging at home.
Level 2 chargers are the most common type for residential use. They require a dedicated 240-volt circuit, which is four times the voltage of a standard outlet. This allows them to charge your vehicle much faster than a Level 1 charger. A Level 2 charger can fully charge your car in 4-8 hours, depending on the size of your battery.
DC Fast Charging is the fastest type of charger, capable of charging your car up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. These chargers are typically found at public charging stations and are not typically used for residential purposes.
Hire a Certified Electrician to Install a Circuit
Now that you know what an EV circuit and charger are, you may be wondering how to install one in your home. It is important to hire a certified electrician to install an EV circuit to ensure that it is done safely and up to code. Installing an EV circuit requires running new wiring and installing a dedicated breaker, which can be a complex task.
A certified electrician will also ensure that your electrical panel can handle the additional load from the circuit without overloading your home’s electrical system. Overloading your electrical system can lead to power outages, electrical fires, and other safety hazards.
How to Find an Electrician in Olympia, Tacoma, or the Surrounding Area
If you’re looking for “EV circuit installers near me” in the Pacific Northwest, there are several ways to find a certified electrician. One option is to search online for electricians that specialize in EV circuit installations. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your local EV dealership.
When hiring an electrician, it is important to make sure they are licensed, insured, and have experience with EV circuit upgrades. You should also ask for references and check their online reviews to ensure they have a good reputation.
EV Charger Circuit Upgrades
If you already have an EV circuit installed, it’s important to periodically check that it’s still functioning properly. As your electrical needs change, you may need to upgrade your circuit to support higher power chargers or multiple EVs. Our electricians can assess your current setup (and other electrical systems in your home) and recommend any necessary upgrades to ensure that your EV charging station is operating safely and efficiently.
EV Charger Circuit Installers Near Me
If you’re looking for EV circuit installers near you in the Pacific Northwest, Alpine Ductless can help. Our certified electricians have experience working with EV circuits and can ensure that your home’s electrical system is set up correctly to support your EV charger without overloading the rest of your home.
At Alpine Ductless, we understand that EV charging stations are an investment, which is why we offer free estimates for EV circuit installations. Our certified electricians will assess your home’s electrical system and provide a detailed estimate of the cost and timeline for your EV circuit installation. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and get one step closer to powering your electric vehicle at home.
Want to learn more about EV circuits and electrical work in the Pacific Northwest? Check out our electrical services page.
We proudly serve the Thurston, Pierce, Mason, Lewis and South King county areas.
Want to learn more about residential electrical services? Check out our Complete Guide to Residential Electrical Services in the Pacific Northwest.