Like many other Kingston homeowners, you may want to take the usage of your EV to the next level. Having a home EV charger can be quite useful, especially for overnight charging and the best use of your EV machine. No matter what you’re doing in Kingston, one of the best ways to get the most out of your electric vehicle is to have a charger at home. If you’re wondering “Do I need a permit to install EV chargers in my home?” then Crowe Electric, a highly related electrician in Kingston, has the answer for you.
Do I Need a Permit To Install EV Chargers at My Kingston Home?
Yes, you need a permit to install EV chargers in your home. The only exception to this rule is when not making any changes to the electrical system that you already have. However, in most instances, to connect a 40A charger to a 240V outlet, you’ll need some upgrades that require an electrical permit to install.
Local regulations typically require that any upgrades, whether they be to your outlets or electrical panel, come with a permit beforehand when you get an EV charging station installed. Not only will you need a permit application for the electrical work, but if you want to make room or remodel for your EV charger installation, local jurisdictions often require a building permit as well before you can enjoy EV charging at home.
About Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 chargers are the most convenient type of charger that you can own in your Kingston home. If you were to have one in your Massachusetts residence, you’d be able to fully charge your EV overnight, even if it was dead the previous day. They supply up to 19kW of power from a 240V circuit, helping get anywhere from 20-60 more miles out of it per hour.
The reason you need a permit for Level 2 chargers is a multifaceted answer. There are many electrical adjustments involved with the installation, making it quite the upgrade and investment. If you want a Level 2 charger, you’ll need:
- A 240V outlet with a circuit from the breaker panel
- A plug-in installation for chargers with an amperage of 40A
- A hardwired installation for chargers with an amperage of 50A or higher
- A separate meter for your EV
- An electrical panel upgrade, if your current one cannot handle the 240 V circuit
How To Apply for an EV Charger Permit
If you don’t have an EV charger at your home, you’ll need to use public charging instead. While EVs are completely feasible without an EV charger at home, getting one is a great way to save time and money. If you want one, you’ll need to work with your city or county to get a permit to have one installed.
Second to your entire HVAC system, an EV charger is one of the most power-intensive items you will have in your household. That’s why you’re required to get a permit to install one.
You can apply for a permit by sending in an application to your city or county for approval. Most of the time, your installer can apply for the permit on your behalf. To begin installation, your installer will need::
- Valid electrical permits
- A permit for installation of the charger itself
- A construction permit if EV charger installation will require modifications to the home
If you’re wondering, “Do I need a permit to install EV chargers?” then the answer is yes. The motivation behind that need for a permit is simple: it directly ensures your safety. If there were to be an accident during installation without a permit, your homeowners insurance would likely not cover the incident. With a permit, you ensure everything from the site plan to the electrical layout and load calculations are all approved and accounted for so that your installation can go without incident.
Work With Crowe Electric
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Do I need a permit to install EV chargers?” why not get your charger installed by a business you can trust? Our fully equipped, veteran, and certified electricians understand the requirements behind these sorts of installations and would be happy to help.
Whether you need an electrical panel upgrade or a wire check, Crowe Electric is here to help in Kingston, MA. To give us a call and schedule an appointment in Kingston or nearby cities, call us at 781-896-2606.