Home EV charging stations are one solution to the problem of potential inconvenience. However, are home EV charging stations safe? The answer is a resounding yes – provided that they’re properly installed. This blog post will look at two popular types of home EV charging stations and delve into some of the safety concerns you might find with each. If you’re as charged up as we are, let’s get started.
The Levels of EV Charging
There are three levels of EV charging available: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chargers. Level 1 chargers are the slowest, while Level 3 chargers are the fastest. All EV manufacturers, besides Tesla, have the same standard plug. Tesla owners can get the same plug, but they also have access to public superchargers, similar to level 3 chargers.
Level 1 chargers are the easiest to install, as you can simply plug them into your garage or outside power outlet, but they typically take 17 to 20 hours before they’ll charge a 100-mile battery. For this reason, most homeowners opt for Level 2 chargers. Level 2 chargers typically power up a 100-mile EV battery in 4 to 5 hours – perfect for fueling your vehicle overnight. Level 3 chargers take 20-40 minutes on average to add around 50-100 miles of travel.
Level 3 chargers aren’t generally available for home use; you’ll only find them at certain commercial charging stations. This is because unlike Level 1 and 2 chargers that use alternating current (AC), they use direct current (DC) and require a very high voltage. That means you’ll have to choose between Level 1 and Level 2.
What You Need to Charge an Electric Vehicle At Home
The first step is to buy the at-home charging system. Level 1 chargers can be plugged into standard 120-volt (V) outlets. These are the outlets that you can generally find around your home, which means you probably won’t have to do any electrical work.
Level 2 chargers, on the other hand, can only be plugged into 240 V outlets, and those can be harder to find in your home. You probably have at least two that are used for your dryer and washer. New homes built typically plan for at least one 240 V in a garage or outdoor port to accommodate a Level 2 charger. This is good news because it will increase the accessibility to automatically have these outlets in a home for a possible EV charger installation.
If you do not have those outlets currently at your desired charging location, you’ll need to either:
Install a new 240 V outlet, or
Purchase a splitter for your outlet
Both of these options present potential safety hazards if done without a licensed contractor or electrician. A poorly-built splitter can lead to fire hazards or overwhelm your home electrical system. And when it comes to installing new outlets it is important to do it safely and correctly. The best way to do this is to get a professional electrician to handle this for you.
While there are safety hazards associated with at-home charging, they can all be eliminated by purchasing the right equipment. How do you know if your charging system, extension cord, or splitter are safe?
