DIY vs. Professional Electric Car Charger Installation: Which is Right for You?

The popularity of electric cars is the biggest reason for home charging requirements that is more necessary because electric cars are increasing day by day. As far as average householders are concerned, there are only a couple of options when it comes to EV charging station installation: DIY vs. professional EV charger installation services. Each of them has its benefits and disadvantages, and thus the choice depends on abilities, preferences, and the amount of money available, as well as safety concerns.

Below are pros and cons of DIY EV charger installation!

The Benefits of DIY Electric Car Charger Installation Services

Cost Savings

The possible economic benefit is perhaps one of the most attractive benefits of DIY EV charger installation. When you decide to do the installation yourself, then you save on the cost of hiring an electrician or an installation service provider. In general, these fees may vary from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending upon the area of your location and the level of complications in the projects. If going with the do-it-yourself policy, then the cost you will be coming across will be the cost of the charger plus other tools and materials needed.

Flexibility and Convenience

One advantage of a DIY installation is that you can do it in your own time. You wouldn’t need to get an appointment with a professional to have the charger fixed. Such flexibility is particularly valuable when you do not have much time for the purchase or if professional installation services in your locality are fully scheduled for weeks or even months in advance.

When to Hire a Professional for Electric Car Charger Installation

Complex Electrical Work

If your home has old wiring or if you find that you need a new circuit breaker to accommodate the charger to the EV, then a professional needs to be hired. An electrician will make sure that your system is able to accept the charger and will put it into place without overloading your home's wiring.

Local codes and approvals

As a professional installer of EV chargers, one is aware of the various code provisions as well as permits needed in the area. Most times, Level 2 chargers need a permit, and in case you do not get one, there may be fines or it can cause problems when selling your house. A licensed electrician will know how to go about it and will get the permits on your behalf and double-check whether everything is legal.

Warranty and Liability Protection

Hiring a professional also offers a warranty on your project, as you will get assurance from him. Some EV chargers must be professionally installed to qualify for a warranty.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional EV Charger Installation

There are many factors to consider when it comes to explaining the differences in costs between do-it-yourself and hire EV charger installation. Here's a breakdown:

DIY Costs

Charger unit: A Level 2 charger mainly costs between $400 and $800 based on the type and the brand.

Materials and tools: Depending on what the electrician has to do, you may need extra wiring, circuit breakers, or other materials, and this could set you back anything between $50 and $200, inclusive of the electrician’s cost.

Permit fees: Some states allow homeowners to self-install the EV chargers but demand a permit, which ranges between $50 and $300.

In total DIY installation, a homeowner could expect to pay between $500 and $1,300.

Professional Costs

Labor fees: According to Simple, electricians may cost as little as $300 or up to $1,200 to install an EV charger, though this may vary depending on the project’s difficulty.

Permit fees: This is usually added to the general price that the professional charges and it may take anything between fifty and three hundred U.S. dollars.

Charger unit: Otherwise the purchaser will have to make an extra purchase of the charger, which ranges from $400 to $800.

Professional installation costs are nearly on average between $700 and $2,300.

Safety Considerations for DIY EV Charger Installation

With such electrical devices, safety must always come first, especially when operating any electrical appliance. DIY EV charger installation presents certain risks:

Electrical Hazards

Managing an electrical system in one’s home can at times be risky, especially if one lacks adequate knowledge concerning electrical wiring and practices to observe. It is very dangerous if it is done in the wrong way since you are prone to electric shock, fire, or even damaging your home's electrical system.

Potential Overloading

If you have decided to have an EV charger installed, do not invest in one without updating your electrical panel since you may overload your system. This may result in constant power shortages, or sometimes even electrical fires.

Liability and Insurance

It also has an influence on the homeowner’s insurance, especially when the installation has been done in the wrong way. In case of a fire breakout caused by bad wiring or excessive current errands, your insurance firm can deny the compensation because of unsuitable wiring.

What to Expect from a Professional EV Charger Installation Service

Site Assessment

It is important that before proceeding with the installation, the expert will evaluate the wiring system of your home to identify if it requires upgrading. This guarantees that the house can handle the load of the EV charger, and this is important to note since the charger takes a relatively long time to charge the vehicles.

Installation

The electrician who will carry out the charger installation will also be responsible for undertaking any modifications as well as ensuring that the installation meets all the necessary legal requirements. The process normally ranges from several hours to 24 hours, depending on the task at hand.

Testing and Certification

If installed, the charger will be checked by a professional to confirm that it is functioning as expected. You will also get the certification that the installations are standard with the local codes, which may occasionally be useful when seeking a warranty.