Preparing your home for EV charger installation ensures the process proceeds smoothly and helps you get the most from your new charging capability. While professional installers handle the technical work, homeowners can take several steps beforehand to facilitate efficient installation and avoid delays on the scheduled day.
Assess Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel serves as the starting point for any EV charger installation. Before scheduling installation, take a moment to examine your panel. Note the total amperage rating, typically printed on the main breaker, with most residential panels rated at 100, 150, or 200 amps. Observe whether available breaker slots exist or if the panel appears fully utilized.
Panels rated at 100 amps may require upgrading to accommodate EV charging comfortably alongside your existing electrical loads. While a professional evaluation provides the definitive answer, preliminary observation helps you anticipate potential scope and budget implications.
Locate your panel in relation to your preferred charger location. The distance between these points significantly affects installation complexity and cost. Shorter distances require less wiring and labor, while longer runs or routes requiring passage through multiple walls add to project scope.
Choose Your Charger Location
Consider where you will park your electric vehicle for charging. Most homeowners install chargers in their garage, positioning the unit so the charging cable easily reaches the vehicle charge port. For Teslas, the charge port is located on the rear left side, so positioning your charger accordingly minimizes cable stretching.
If garage installation is not feasible, exterior installation on a carport post, house wall, or dedicated pedestal provides alternatives. Florida weather requires attention to weatherproofing for outdoor installations, but modern charging equipment handles outdoor exposure well when properly installed.
Consider cable management in your location planning. The standard Tesla Wall Connector includes a 24-foot cable, which accommodates most parking configurations. However, ensuring the cable can reach your charge port without laying across walkways or creating tripping hazards improves daily usability.
Clear the Work Area
Before installation day, clear the area around your electrical panel and the charger mounting location. Installers need unobstructed access to the panel for electrical connections and sufficient space to mount and wire the charging unit. Removing vehicles, storage items, and clutter from these areas expedites the work.
If the wire route passes through your attic, garage ceiling, or other enclosed spaces, ensure these areas are accessible. Moving stored items away from access points prevents delays during installation. Consider that installers may need ladder placement in specific locations.
Verify Utility Service
In some cases, particularly for older homes with smaller service entrances, your utility service may require upgrading before EV charger installation is possible. This is separate from your electrical panel and involves the connection between the utility grid and your home.
Signs that service upgrades may be needed include main breakers smaller than 100 amps, old-style fuse boxes rather than modern breaker panels, or visible deterioration of utility-side equipment. Your installation consultant can assess this during the evaluation process.
Contact your utility company to inquire about any special programs or requirements for EV charging installations. Some Florida utilities offer incentives or special rate programs for EV owners that you may want to explore before installation.
Gather Relevant Information
Having certain information ready for your installation consultation helps the process proceed efficiently. Know your vehicle make, model, and year, as this affects charging speed capabilities and connector compatibility. If you have already purchased a charger, have the specifications available for the installer to review.
Be prepared to discuss your typical daily driving distance, as this helps determine whether standard installation provides adequate charging speed for your needs. Consider future plans as well, such as additional electric vehicles or other significant electrical projects, which may influence panel capacity decisions.
Understand the Permit Process
Professional installers handle permit applications and scheduling, but understanding the process helps set timeline expectations. Permit approval typically requires three to five business days in Central Florida jurisdictions. Installation scheduling follows permit approval, and final inspection occurs after installation completion.
Having documentation about your home readily available can help if unusual permit situations arise. This might include house plans, previous electrical permits, or information about significant renovations that affected your electrical system.
Schedule at Your Convenience
Once preparation is complete, scheduling your installation at a convenient time ensures you can be present to answer questions and observe the work if desired. Most installations complete within a half day, but planning to be home allows flexibility if unexpected circumstances arise.
ChargeOrlando provides comprehensive installation services throughout the Orlando area. We handle permits, inspections, and all technical aspects while keeping you informed throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward convenient home charging.
