Can Any Electrician Install an EV Charger? What to Know Before You Hire
Home EV charging looks simple from the outside: mount the unit, run a circuit, plug in the car. In practice, the work touches load calculations, utility rules, permitting, and fire code. The right electrician makes charging faster, safer, and inspection-ready on the first try. The wrong hire can leave a homeowner with tripped breakers, overheated wiring, or a red tag from the inspector. Here’s how to hire wisely in Charlotte, and what Ewing Electric Co. checks before installing a Level 2 charger.
Why EV charger work is different
A Level 2 charger is a continuous load at 240 volts. It often runs for hours at 30 to 48 amps. That duty cycle exposes undersized conductors, loose terminations, and borderline panels. General residential work may not prepare an electrician for continuous-load sizing, GFCI requirements, or manufacturer-specific settings. EV equipment evolves quickly, and utility interconnection expectations in Mecklenburg County shift with code cycles. An installer who does this weekly knows where jobs stall and how to keep them moving.
Ewing Electric Co. installs EV charging every day across Charlotte neighborhoods from SouthPark and Myers Park to Ballantyne, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Steele Creek, and Huntersville. That volume matters. It means the crew recognizes older Square D or Zinsco panels at a glance, knows which crawlspaces stay damp, and plans routing that avoids future headaches.
Licenses, codes, and the two permits that matter
In North Carolina, an electrical contractor must hold an NC Electrical License. For residential charging, that license should be active and in good standing. The work also follows the National Electrical Code as adopted by North Carolina, with local interpretations by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement.
Two permits surface on almost every EV charger installation in Charlotte NC:
- Electrical permit: Required for new circuits, panel upgrades, subpanels, or hardwired EVSE. It triggers inspection, which protects the homeowner and insurance coverage.
- Right-of-way or HOA approvals where applicable: Some townhome and condo communities require documented approval for conduit runs, exterior outlets, or meter-center work.
A company that pulls permits under its own license signals accountability. If a contractor asks the homeowner to pull a “homeowner permit” to sidestep licensing, that is a red flag.
Load calculations decide everything
The charger size must match the home’s capacity. A 60-amp breaker for a 48-amp charger sounds ideal until the main service is already near its limit with HVAC, range, and dryer. A proper load calc looks at square footage lighting load, nameplate ratings for fixed appliances, and demand factors. It takes 15 to 30 minutes for an experienced electrician on site.
Here is how that plays out. In a 200-amp service in Ballantyne with a heat pump and electric range, a 60-amp EV circuit often works without a panel upgrade. In a 100-amp bungalow in Plaza Midwood with an older air handler and electric water heater, a 40-amp circuit may be the safe limit unless the service is upgraded. Some clients choose a charger that can be set down to 32 or 40 amps to avoid a costly panel change. Others prefer a service https://ewingelectricco.com/residential-electrical-services/electric-car-charging-station/ upgrade for faster charging and future projects. The right answer depends on driving habits, budget, and home plans.
Breakers, wire, and distance matter more than brand
Homeowners ask about “the best charger.” The wiring path often matters more. Long runs from a basement panel to a detached garage increase voltage drop. The fix is thicker wire or a closer subpanel. Tight attics in South Charlotte can push installers to run surface EMT in the garage instead of fishing walls. Outdoor locations need in-use covers, weather-rated boxes, and conduit types matched to UV exposure.
An example from Dilworth: a 55-foot run to a detached garage with a 48-amp charger triggered a conductor size bump to limit voltage drop to within 3 percent. That small material change keeps charging speed stable and terminals cooler in summer.
GFCI and disconnects: what inspectors flag
EV charging circuits fall under specific GFCI and disconnect rules. Many wallbox units include internal protection, which allows for a standard breaker. Others require a GFCI breaker in the panel. Mixing the two can trip constantly. A field-experienced installer checks the EVSE manual first, then selects the breaker to match.
For hardwired outdoor units, inspectors may ask for a lockable, line-of-sight disconnect. Mounting height, clear working space at the panel, and labeling also come up during inspection. Small details, like listing the circuit as “EVSE 240V 60A” and using engraved labels, keep the visit short and friendly.
Utility coordination and smart panels
Duke Energy Carolinas offers managed charging and sometimes incentives that influence the install. Some homeowners add a load management device or a smart panel to avoid a full service upgrade. These devices throttle the EVSE during peak usage or when the range kicks on. They work well in 100-amp homes that cannot support a 60-amp charger without trade-offs.
Ewing Electric Co. installs load-sharing units and smart panels across Charlotte. In townhomes along Prosperity Church Road, sharing one 60-amp feeder between two vehicles keeps costs contained while still delivering overnight fills.
Charger selection: hardwired vs plug-in
A NEMA 14-50 receptacle feels flexible, but it is not always the right choice. A plug connection in a high-use, high-amp scenario can loosen over time. Hardwired units cut one failure point and often look cleaner. Many brands offer both versions with identical electronics.
Homeowners who plan to move within a few years often choose a receptacle so they can take the charger with them. Those who prefer a permanent, low-profile setup pick hardwire. Ewing Electric Co. installs both daily and sets dip switches or app settings so the car sees the correct amperage.
Timelines and what affects price
Most single-bay installs in Charlotte take three to five hours once permitted. The permit can be same-day or next-day in many cases. Townhomes and condos take longer due to HOA coordination. Service upgrades run a separate schedule with the utility.
Pricing varies with four factors: panel capacity, distance, finish level, and wall type. A simple 40-amp, 10-foot run in a finished SouthPark garage lands at the lower end. A 60-amp circuit to a detached garage with trenching, GFCI breaker, and outdoor-rated EVSE sits higher. Transparent bids should list breaker size, wire gauge, conduit type, and whether patch and paint are included.
Safety, warranties, and who stands behind the work
EVSE warranties often require installation by a licensed electrician and adherence to the manual. If the unit overheats due to a loose lug or undersized conductors, the manufacturer may deny claims. Ewing Electric Co. documents torque values, breaker models, and test readings for each job. That record helps with warranty support and resale disclosures.
Insurance carriers look for permitted work if there is a fire claim. A signed-off inspection report is simple proof the installation met code that day. That small step protects the homeowner long term.
Signs an electrician is a good fit for EV charger installation Charlotte NC
- Provides a written load calculation or explains why the existing capacity supports the chosen charger.
- Pulls the permit under the company license and schedules the inspection.
- Names the breaker type, wire gauge, and route before work starts.
- Asks about driving habits, parking patterns, and future vehicles.
- Offers options: lower amp settings, hardwire vs receptacle, or load management.
A quick story from the field
A Myers Park client bought a 48-amp charger and worried a 100-amp panel could not support it. After a site visit and a load calc, the team found enough headroom for a 40-amp setting without an upgrade. The homeowner drove 30 miles a day. At 9.6 kW, the car would refill in about three hours. At 7.7 kW, it needed around four. The client chose the lower setting, saved the panel upgrade budget, and has charged trouble-free for two years.
Permitting and inspection flow in Charlotte
Ewing Electric Co. submits the electrical permit, coordinates with Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, and meets the inspector on site when needed. Common pass points include breaker size vs. EVSE rating, conductor sizing, GFCI compliance, bonding, and labeling. The final step is a functional test with the vehicle or a test unit, plus a walk-through explaining charger settings, cord management, and what to watch for in the first week.
Preparing the garage before the crew arrives
Clearing a path to the panel and charger location speeds up the work. If drywall patching is part of the scope, moving storage racks or bikes helps. For outdoor placements, a quick check for sprinkler heads or gas lines near the intended conduit path prevents surprises. The crew will still scan and locate, but homeowner context is valuable, especially in older homes with undocumented changes.
What it costs to do it right vs. do it twice
Cutting corners on conductor size, using the wrong breaker type, or skipping permits tends to show up within months: nuisance trips, warm receptacles, failed inspections during a sale, or EVSE faults. Correcting concealed wiring later costs more than installing it right the first time. A careful install also adds value for the next buyer. Many listings now highlight “EV-ready garage” as a feature in Charlotte’s competitive market.
Ready to install? Here is how Ewing Electric Co. works
It starts with a quick phone consult and a few photos of the panel, the parking spot, and the path between them. The team runs a preliminary load check, provides a clear written estimate, and offers charger recommendations if you have not purchased one. On approval, permits are filed, parts are staged, and an install date is set. Most homeowners in Charlotte, Matthews, Cornelius, and Fort Mill are charging the same day the crew arrives.
For EV charger installation Charlotte NC done safely and cleanly, contact Ewing Electric Co. The team will size the circuit correctly, pull the permit, and leave you with a charger that works every night without drama. Book a visit today and get a firm plan for your home, your car, and the way you drive.
Ewing Electric Co provides electrical services in Charlotte, NC, and nearby communities. As a family-owned company with more than 35 years of experience, we are trusted for dependable residential and commercial work. Our team handles electrical panel upgrades, EV charger installation, generator setup, whole-home rewiring, and emergency electrical service available 24/7. Licensed electricians complete every project with code compliance, safe practices, and clear pricing. Whether you need a small repair at home or a full installation for a business, we deliver reliable results on time. Serving Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill, and surrounding areas, Ewing Electric Co is the local choice for professional electrical service. Ewing Electric Co
7316 Wallace Rd STE D Phone: (704) 804-3320 Website:
ewingelectricco.com |
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Charlotte,
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28212,
USA