How to buy and install an EV charger in your home

You’ve decided to join the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. You research and determine which car makes the most sense for your driving habits and lifestyle. You congratulate yourself on doing your small part to save the planet.

Before you sign on the dotted line, however, it’s important to figure out how to charge your EV once you purchase it. The most convenient and economical way of powering your car is to charge it at your home while you sleep (you can also charge it while at work if your employer provides workplace EV charging—but that is a conversation for a different day).

It can seem overwhelming at first to figure out which home EV charger is right for you, particularly when there are so many options from which to choose. This article will help you understand the various chargers and what to consider before buying one.

Level 1 vs. Level 2 home EV chargers

Level 1 home EV chargers are the simplest to install because they do not require professional assistance. Typically, they can be plugged into a standard 120 V line without any other electrical work necessary. The downside to a Level 1 charger is that they are much slower than the more desirable Level 2 home EV charger.

In contrast, Level 2 chargers need a 240 V electrical line. Unless you are a professional electrician, you should not try to install a Level 2 charger yourself. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates an electrical circuit is rated for 20% greater amperage than your charger’s output. Check your electrical panel to find out how many amps your home has available for charging—a professional installer can help. Locate home EV charger installer here.

To make your decision easier, we have put a table below that compares Level 1 and Level 2 EV Chargers on different parameters:

Factors to consider before buying a home EV charger

As you start to consider which home EV charger to purchase, there are several factors you must account for when making the decision:

• Are you parking your vehicle indoors or outdoors?

  Before you choose a home EV charger, you must evaluate the conditions under which your charger will be operating. If you park your EV outdoors, you must purchase a home EV charger that is rugged and weatherproof. It must handle snowy winters, heavy rains, or intense heat. Enphase EV chargers are designed to do just that. They are built in fully sealed NEMA 4 enclosures constructed to be installed indoors or outdoors.

• Is the home EV charger portable or hardwired?

  Hardwired home EV chargers are permanently mounted to the wall and should be installed by a professional. They are connected directly to a home's central electrical panel.

  Plug-in home EV chargers simply hang on the wall and must plug into a 240 V outlet. If you choose to install a plug-in charger, make sure the plug and outlet are either NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50.

• Are your cables long enough?

  It is crucial to ensure the cables connected to the charger are long enough to reach the EV's charging port. Enphase Level 2 charging stations give you flexibility to park nearly anywhere because the cables are 25 feet long.

• Are you planning to install a second charger to accommodate a second vehicle?

  Once you have purchased an EV, you may want to purchase a second (most people do!). For that reason, you may consider opting for a dual EV charger to accommodate additional mounting requirements, parking distances, and location. Explore Enphase's range of dual EV chargers here.

• Is your EV charger certified?

  All Enphase EV chargers are ETL Listed and Energy Star certified.

• How are your home EV charger cables being managed?

  Enphase EV home chargers keep your charging cord and connector neatly stowed with an integrated cable wrap and included wall-mount connector holster.

• Does your home EV charger have a secure locking mechanism?

  Though a locking mechanism is important no matter where the car is parked, it is even more important if you have an outdoor parking space. Locking the EV charging station can prevent electricity theft. Enphase EV Chargers use specially sized padlocks (included) for security and peace of mind.

• Does your home EV charger contain automatic circuit reclosure?

  In case of a minor power fault, your home EV charger should be equipped with safety measures like an automatic circuit reclosure. Enphase EV chargers have built-in reclosure timers that will continue rechecking conditions and begin charging again as soon as possible if your car needs to be charged.

• Will the manufacturer of your home EV charger offer adequate customer support?

  Finally, you should select an EV charger from a reputable company that can answer your queries through phone support or email.

Installation of EV charger at home

Charging your car at home with a home EV charger is crucial so your vehicle is ready to go whenever you need it. It can also save you the trouble of looking for public charging stations whenever you leave home. Once you decide which home EV charger is right for you, it's time to install it.

If you have decided to install a Level 1 EV charger, they do not typically require professional installation. You should be able to plug it into a standard 120 V outlet and start charging your EV immediately. A Level 2 charger, however, is a different story.

Installing a Level 2 charger requires a 240 V outlet and a dedicated circuit of 40 amps to 100 amps, depending on the charging station. Considering the technical nature and safety requirements of a Level 2 EV charger installation, you should contact a professional electrician to install your charging station. Enphase can help you find an EV charger installer near you.

The bottom line

Enphase's charger selector tool helps you find the right charging station for your EV by selecting your car's make and model from this list. If you know what you need, you can browse Enphase's complete EV chargers and accessories catalog here.

Key Takeaways:

• Once you purchase your EV, it is critical to consider what kind of home EV charger you will need to keep your vehicle charged and ready to go.

• Level 1 chargers are the easiest to install, but their vehicle charging speed is much slower.

• If you install a Level 2 home EV charger, do not do it yourself. Contact a licensed EV charger installer to do the job for you.

• Make sure your home EV charger has a weatherproof enclosure if it is installed outside.

• Ensure your home EV charger is compatible with your current electrical system and be prepared to upgrade if it is not.

• Purchase your home EV charger from a company that will stand behind its products and provides the customer service support you need.