One of the first questions Orlando homeowners ask when considering an electric vehicle charger installation is how long the process will take. Understanding the timeline helps you plan accordingly and sets appropriate expectations for the day of installation. While every home presents unique circumstances, most residential EV charger installations are completed within a single day.
The Typical Installation Timeline
A standard EV charger installation, where the electrical panel has adequate capacity and the charger location is relatively close to the panel, typically takes between two and four hours. This timeframe includes mounting the charging unit, running the necessary electrical wiring, making connections at both the panel and the charger, and performing thorough safety testing before completion.
Our installation team arrives with all necessary equipment and materials, having already assessed your specific situation during the initial consultation. This preparation eliminates delays and ensures the work proceeds efficiently. Most homeowners find they can continue their normal daily activities while installation occurs, with minimal disruption to their routine.
Factors That Influence Installation Time
Several variables affect how long your particular installation will take. The distance between your electrical panel and the desired charger location significantly impacts the timeline. Installations where the charger mounts on the same wall as the panel, or within 20 feet, proceed more quickly than those requiring longer cable runs through walls, ceilings, or underground conduit.
The type of mounting surface also matters. Installing on drywall in a finished garage differs from mounting on concrete block or brick exterior walls. Exterior installations may require weatherproof conduit and additional sealing work to protect electrical connections from Florida weather conditions.
Your electrical panel configuration plays a role as well. Panels with available breaker slots and sufficient amperage capacity allow for straightforward connections. However, if your panel requires reorganization to accommodate the new circuit, or if a sub-panel installation becomes necessary, additional time is required to complete these preparatory steps.
When Panel Upgrades Are Needed
Some Orlando homes, particularly those built before 1990, may require electrical panel upgrades before charger installation can proceed. A panel upgrade typically adds one to two days to the overall project timeline, though this work is often scheduled separately from the charger installation itself.
During your initial consultation, our electricians evaluate your existing panel capacity and inform you if an upgrade is recommended or required. This assessment considers not only the charger requirements but also your home overall electrical usage patterns, ensuring the upgraded panel meets both current and future needs.
Panel upgrades, while adding time and cost to the project, provide benefits beyond EV charging capability. Increased electrical capacity supports additional home improvements, such as pool equipment, hot tubs, workshop tools, or future solar panel installations. Many homeowners view this upgrade as an investment in their property overall value and functionality.
The Permit and Inspection Process
In Orange County and surrounding areas, EV charger installations typically require electrical permits and subsequent inspections. ChargeOrlando handles the entire permitting process on your behalf, submitting applications and scheduling inspections to minimize delays and ensure full code compliance.
Permit approval usually takes three to five business days, though this varies by jurisdiction. Once approved, we schedule your installation at a time convenient for you. After installation completion, an inspector visits to verify the work meets all applicable electrical codes. This inspection typically occurs within a few days of our request and takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
What to Expect on Installation Day
Our team arrives at the scheduled time with a fully stocked service vehicle containing all necessary materials, tools, and safety equipment. We begin by confirming the installation plan with you and protecting the work areas with drop cloths and other coverings to minimize mess.
Throughout the installation, we maintain clear communication about progress and any unexpected findings. While we strive to anticipate all requirements during the consultation phase, occasionally hidden conditions within walls or unexpected panel configurations require adjustments to the original plan. We discuss any such situations with you before proceeding.
Upon completion, we demonstrate charger operation, explain any programmable features, and ensure your complete satisfaction with the installation. We clean the work area thoroughly, leaving your garage or installation location as tidy as we found it.
Getting Started with Your Installation
Ready to enjoy the convenience of home EV charging? Contact ChargeOrlando today to schedule your free consultation. We will evaluate your home electrical system, discuss your charging needs, provide a detailed quote, and explain the expected timeline for your specific installation.
