Making The Switch To An Electric Car? Here’s How To Install A Charger
Electric cars are quickly becoming a popular choice for lots of drivers. They offer a greener, more efficient alternative to a traditional combustion engine car. And, with the advancements in technology only getting better over time, electric cars are becoming increasingly more affordable year on year. If you are considering making the switch to an electric car, one of the first things you’ll need to think about is how you are going to charge the vehicle. Keep reading to find out more about the process of installing a charger for your electric car at home.
Why Install A Home Charger?
There are several benefits to having a charger for your electric car at home. These include:
- Convenience: With a charger at home, you can easily plug your car in to charge overnight so that in the morning, you’re ready to go.
- Save Time: Compared to using a public charging station, charging your car at home is often much faster.
- Save Money: Home charging may have costly initial expenses, but over time, it’s often less expensive in comparison to charging at public stations.
What You’ll Need
There are a few items you’ll need to gather before you begin the process of installing your electric car charger. You can buy electric car chargers and kits from powerpointelectrics.co.uk. You’ll also need:
- A level and drill
- An electrical circuit breaker
- A dedicated circuit and outlet
- A charging station and cable
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection
Note that you should only attempt this job by yourself if you have the necessary skills, training and expertise. Otherwise, it’s always best to hire a registered and trained electrician to conduct the work for you.
Finding The Right Location
It’s important to choose the right location for your electric car charger. Choose somewhere that is easy to access and close to your electrical panel. A garage is often the best option as it provides protection from the elements. However, if you do not have a garage, you can charge your car on the drive with a safe outdoor electric car charger installed on the exterior of your house.
Check The Electrical Panel
You will need to check your electrical panel and ensure that you have the right electrical capacity to support your electric car charger. The charger will need a dedicated circuit and outlet, which may mean making some updates to the electrical panel.
Installation And Connection
Once you have the correct electrical capacity, you or a registered electrician can begin the process of installing the charging station at your home. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Once installed, connect the car’s charging cable to the station and plug it into the dedicated outlet. Secure the cable correctly and safely to avoid any tripping hazards. Finally, make sure that the charger is working properly by testing it. If it’s working, you’re good to go.
With electric cars becoming more and more popular with drivers, it’s always good to know the basics of installing an electric car charger at home.