What is EV Charger Installation Certification?

EV Charger Installation certification is the approval of an EV Charger Installation through a review process that ensures it follows all applicable laws, codes, or guidelines set forth by local and/or federal authorities and manufacturers. The reviewer can be either an electrician who has received specialized training and/or an inspector who is certified for this type of work. The certification indicates that an EV charger Installation complies with Electrical Codes, Manufacturer’s specifications, and Municipal Zoning Ordinances.

Certification also provides you with confidence knowing that your EV Charger Installation meets safety standards and that your EV Charger will operate correctly, efficiently, and without damaging your home or commercial property.

Do I need a permit for an EV charger installation?

Most jurisdictions require a permit to install an EV Charging station. The first step in obtaining a permit is determining the jurisdiction in which your home or business resides. Permit requirements will be different throughout the country, but generally include submitting an application, employing a licensed electrician, and having your installation inspected after it is finished.

Reasons you’ll want to get a permit for your EV charger:

• To comply with laws and ordinances in your area.
• To ensure that you have a safe and reliable electrical system.
• To increase the resale value of your property with an approved installation.
• To protect your warranty and insurance coverage for the EV charger.

Steps to Follow When Getting a Certification

If you are looking into getting an electric vehicle charger installed in your home or business, it’s important to understand how the process works so you know what needs to occur. Here are the basic steps in getting a certification for an EV charger installation:

Consult with a Qualified Electrician: Hire a licensed electrician or contractor who is qualified to install EV chargers. They can assess the electrical capabilities of the property and help you choose the best charging solution.

Get All Permits Required: Check with your local building department for what permits are required. Your electrical contractor can generally help you through the permitting process.

Installation and Inspection: When the charger has been installed, a qualified inspector will evaluate your installation to ensure that it meets safety requirements and applicable codes.

Receive Certification: Following the inspection, you will be issued a certification confirming that your EV charging station installation is in compliance with all regulations.

Why Certification Is Important

Although some homeowners may choose to skip the certification process in order to save time and money, doing so can have ramifications. Here are four reasons why you should never skip getting your installation certified:

• Safety: Certified installations can help reduce the risk of electrical fires, equipment failure, and other hazards.
• Compliance: Not obtaining the proper permit can result in fines or legal action against you, thus making you liable for not complying with the requirements for building permittable installation.
• Warranty Coverage: To receive warranty coverage from most manufacturers of EV chargers, you need proper installation, including obtaining an electric permit and posting a signed inspection of the installation.
• Insurance Coverage: Unprofessional or unlicensed installers will void your insurance coverage in the event of electrical damage from your EV charger. If your EV charger poses an electrical hazard due to improper installation, your insurance provider may not pay for damages due to electrical failures.
• Resale Value: Certified properties will maintain their value better than untrained EV charging stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EV Charger Permit and how do I obtain a permit?

The EV Charger Permit is the agreement between you, the local building authority with jurisdiction, and the local electrical authority responsible for approving the plans for your EV charger installation as required by local building and electrical codes. The local building permit office will provide the requirements of submission for an EV Charger Permit in your locality; however, the process generally requires you to fill out an application for an EV Charger Permittable Installation through the local building department. The fees associated with obtaining an EV Charger Permittable Installation permit may be paid at the time of obtaining a copy to use with your EV Charger. You have the option to have a licensed electrician assist you with this process as well.

Can I install my own EV charger?

If you are technically adept enough to install an EV charger yourself, that’s okay to do, but I urge you to hire someone who is a licensed electrician to do it. A licensed electrician will ensure everything is installed in compliance with applicable laws and protect you from any safety concerns with the installation. Additionally, installing the charger yourself without a professional certification could void the warranty for the charger.

What is involved in obtaining a certification?

Certification means that a licensed professional will inspect the installation to make sure it was done according to the proper safety standards, meets all the requirements of your local jurisdiction, and complies with the manufacturer’s specifications. When you obtain your certification, you will be issued a certificate as proof that the installation complies with the above.

Can I upgrade my home’s electrical panel or wiring to support my EV charger?

Upgrading your home’s electrical wiring or panel may be necessary, particularly in older homes, to support the additional load of an EV charger. Your electrician will be able to do a load calculation to determine if an upgrade is needed before they proceed with the installation of the charger.

How to Choose the Right Electrician for Your EV Charger Installation

It is important to realize that not all electricians are equal, which is why it is critical to hire an electrician who has experience installing EV chargers. A licensed electrician will have experience installing chargers and the following qualifications:

• A licensed/insured electrician.
• An electrician who has experience installing residential or commercial EV chargers.
• An electrician competent with local jurisdictions’ electrical codes, permit requirements, etc.
• A licensed electrician with positive reviews and recommendations from previous clients.

A qualified electrician will perform the installation correctly the first time, minimizing your overall expense and stress over time.

Investing in an electric vehicle is a significant step toward sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint. It is just as important to make sure you have a compliant, safe, and certified charging infrastructure in place. By obtaining EV Charger Installation Certification, you will meet the legal requirements and provide safety, optimal performance for your charger, and add value to the property where the charger will be installed. The first step toward greening your future is to work with a certified professional and be sure you have the EV charger permit needed to ensure a smooth, worry-free installation. Contact a licensed EV charger installation company today to begin your journey toward cleaning up the environment.