Electric cars are growing more popular in use today, and thereby the necessity of safe home EV charging becomes more required. The process of fitting an EV charger involves getting one to engage professional EV charger installers in order that the installation will be safe and effective with regards to completing all of the requirements to be achieved. Before actually settling for the right kind of installer whom you prefer, there are particular crucial questions one needs to ask himself ahead of finally deciding on getting the right kind. This article will guide you through the top questions you should ask your EV charger installers before hiring them to ensure a smooth and successful installation process.
1) Are you licensed and insured?
Ask them if they are licensed and insured. Most states require a licensed electrician to perform electrical work. A licensed installer will give you the guarantee that the job is done to the standard of all the codes and local regulations in the area where you’re seeking installation.
Besides licensing, the installer must be insured. You want the installer to have insurance protection so that the company is liable in case of accidents or destruction of property while installing. Ensure to get a checklist of the qualifications of your chosen installer and request them to show proof of licensure as well as insurance. Ask them this question too:
2) How many years do you have experience installing EV chargers?
The installation of an EV charger demands a level of knowledge not only about electrical systems but also the unique requirements for charging an EV. Many electricians are qualified to carry out general electrical work; however, there is a unique set of requirements for EV chargers that demand expert skills.
How many installations do they have experience with? Are they aware of the model of charger you want installed? A good installer will be sure and can give you references or testimonials of previous customers who had an EV charger installed for them.
3) Can you help me choose the right EV charger for my vehicle and home?
Choosing the right EV charger is essential, for both efficiency in your home charging setup and compatibility with your specific EV model. There are different types of EV chargers like Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers.
A knowledgeable installer can help you select the charger that best fits your vehicle’s charging needs, your electrical system’s capacity, and driving habits. Some chargers are better suited for every day use, while others are designed for faster charging or multiple vehicles. The installer should be able to make recommendations as well as explain the positives and negatives of different choices.
4) What’s the Estimated Cost of Installation?
The cost of an EV charger can vary depending on several factors: the difficulty of the installation, the model of the charger that is being installed, and the necessity to upgrade your home’s system. Get a clear, upfront estimate of the total installation cost before hiring an installer.
Ensure that you ask for a breakdown of the costs. These should include labor, materials, and any other charges like permitting or electrical panel upgrades. A reputable installer will give you a detailed quote and be transparent about any additional costs that may come up during the installation process.
5) Do you offer a warranty on your work?
A good installer must provide some form of guarantee or warranty regarding his work. This would mean an assurance that the installation will be done with proper excellence, and problems related to the installation will be attended to immediately. Request that the installer inform you about their warranty for the work they will have installed, and ask him to give it in written form.
It also checks if the manufacturer that designs the EV charger gives some form of warranty for its product. This is one of the benefits where several manufacturers will extend warranties as it may serve as additional insurance in case something goes wrong with the charging unit and it becomes defective or broken.
6) What’s the Installation Timeline?
The time of installation may also vary depending on the complexity of a project. A simple installation may take just a few hours, whereas an electrical-upgrade kind of project or custom-installation type may take more than a day.
It also makes sense to ask the installer how long the installation will take and whether there could be any delays because of permit approval, additional equipment needed, or supply chain issues. A professional installer should be able to give you a clear timeline and keep you up-to-date about the progress of the project.
7) Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?
Many places have specific requirements for putting up an EV charger; for example, a permit issuance and inspection to ensure that the installation is in compliance with the local building and electrical codes. Sometimes, the installation service company will handle this, and sometimes it is left in the hands of the home owner.
Ask whether the installer will secure any permits required to install it and schedule required inspections. A qualified installer should know about the permitting requirements in your region and guide you to the procedures required for installation and maintenance of such a furnace.
8) What kinds of after-installation servicing do you provide?
Once you install your EV charger, you must maintain it well to have it run over its life span without collapsing. Most of the chargers installed offer servicing at some points in life or yearly checks to have one’s charger checked, updated, or corrected in cases it breaks down.
Do they include post-installation support or maintenance? If so, what does it cover and how much will it cost in addition? That would matter if you were installing one of these complex charging systems that would probably require software upgrades and perhaps an occasional visit from them.
9) Can they handle electrical upgrades as necessary?
You might need a home electrical panel upgrade in order to support the additional loads if you decide on an EV charger. If you’re going to install a Level 2 charger, you will definitely need it. The majority of EV charger installation companies offer their own electrical upgrade services while some direct their clients to a separately hired electrician.
Ask the installer if your electrical system is also good enough to use with the charger that you will install. Should an upgrade be necessary ask them if you will need to pay for an electrician hired separately or if handled as part of the package for installation. Make sure to include this in your installation budget and timeline.
10) What is after-sales support?
Once you’ve installed your EV charging point, it’s also important to know who you would contact if you face an issue or have problems. Ask the installer about their customer support services and how you can be able to contact them in case of an issue. The professional installer must make available helpful and responsive customer service so that the technical problem with the charger is quickly solved.
The Final Words:
This is a critical decision and, therefore has to be well thought; hence, choosing the right installer for an EV charger can be serious consideration. Through all these questions before hiring the installer, you can ensure to work with a qualified professional who will give you first-class installation and support. This will be anything from knowing what it costs to install to knowing when it is to happen and making sure an installation occurs according to all the applicable standards. In this regard, it will make for an informed decision towards a reliable EV charging system in your home for as long as you may want to stay.
