EV charger installation has become one of the most common residential electrical jobs — and one of the most frequently done incorrectly. The combination of new technology, significant electrical load, and homeowners eager to get their charger up and running has created a market where corners get cut. An EV charger installed without a proper permit on an undersized circuit by an unlicensed installer is a fire risk and an insurance liability.

The questions in this guide help you hire the right electrician for the job and get it done safely and correctly.

“EV charger installation is the job I get the most callbacks on from homeowners who hired someone cheap and unlicensed. The problems are always the same: undersized wire, improper breaker sizing, no your local electrical safety authority notification, and no permit. A $400 installation by an unlicensed handyman becomes a $2,500 remediation job when the inspection comes — and it always comes eventually, when you sell the home.”

— Andre Fontaine, licensed master electrician and electrical contractor with 22 years of experience in residential and light commercial electrical work in the local area

Understanding EV Charger Levels

Before asking questions, it helps to understand the two types of residential EV chargers:

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V outlet. No electrical upgrade is needed — it’s just a plug. Charging speed is approximately 6–8 km of range per hour. Adequate for plug-in hybrids or drivers with very short daily commutes.

Level 2 charging uses a 240V dedicated circuit. This is what most EV owners install — charging speed is approximately 30–50 km of range per hour, and a typical EV can be fully charged overnight. Level 2 installation is a significant electrical job that requires a licensed electrician, a dedicated circuit, a proper breaker, and your local electrical safety authority notification.

This guide focuses on Level 2 installation.

Questions About the Electrical Assessment

Is my current panel capable of supporting a Level 2 charger?

A Level 2 charger typically requires a 40-amp or 50-amp dedicated 240V circuit. Ask the electrician to assess your current panel capacity before quoting. A 100-amp panel that’s already nearly loaded may not have the capacity to support a Level 2 charger without a panel upgrade.

What a good answer looks like: A specific load calculation for your current panel before any quote is finalized.

Do I need a panel upgrade to support this charger?

If your panel doesn’t have capacity for the required circuit, a panel upgrade is necessary before the charger can be safely installed. Ask the electrician to be direct about whether an upgrade is needed and what it would cost.

For more: Questions to Ask an Electrician About Panel Upgrades

What wire gauge and breaker size are required for my specific charger?

Most Level 2 chargers rated at 7.2 kW or 9.6 kW require a 50-amp breaker with 6 AWG wire (or a 40-amp breaker with 8 AWG wire for 7.2 kW chargers). The specific requirement depends on the charger’s maximum ampere draw. Ask the electrician to specify the wire gauge and breaker size required for the specific unit you’re installing.

What a good answer looks like: A specific wire gauge and breaker size tied to the charger’s rated capacity.

Questions About the Installation

Where will the charger be located, and how will the wire be run?

The route from the panel to the charger location determines much of the installation cost and complexity. A garage directly adjacent to the panel is simpler and cheaper than a detached garage requiring underground conduit. Ask the electrician to walk you through the planned wire route and identify any complications.

Will the charger be on a dedicated circuit?

EV chargers must be on a dedicated circuit — not shared with other loads. Ask explicitly whether the circuit being installed is dedicated to the charger.

What a good answer looks like: A confirmed dedicated circuit specified in the quote.

Is the charger being mounted by you, or supplied and mounted separately?

Clarify who is supplying the charger unit and who is responsible for mounting it. Some electricians supply and install the complete unit; others install the circuit and connect a charger the homeowner supplies. Both are legitimate — but you need to know which is being quoted.

Will you file an electrical permit/notification for this installation?

EV charger installation in many regions requires your local electrical safety authority notification and inspection. Ask directly whether the contractor will be filing the notification and arranging the inspection.

What a good answer looks like: “Yes, we file your local electrical safety authority notification on all EV charger installations as standard.”

Questions About Smart Charger Features and Load Management

Should I install a smart charger with load management?

Smart chargers — brands like ChargePoint, Wallbox, JuiceBox, and others — can monitor your home’s total electrical load and reduce charging speed when other high-draw appliances are running. This allows a larger charger to be safely installed on a smaller panel. Ask the electrician whether a smart charger with load management is appropriate for your panel situation.

What a good answer looks like: An honest assessment of whether load management would allow a more capable charger to be safely installed on your existing panel.

Is there any utility rebate program for EV charger installation in my area?

Some your region utilities and the federal government offer rebates on EV charger installation. Ask the electrician whether they’re familiar with current rebate programs and whether the installation qualifies.

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