Panel upgrade is one half of the EV install picture. For the broader install process, charger selection guidance, and current incentives, our master guide covers each: Detailed Guide to EV Charger Installation in Northern Virginia.
For people who own an electric vehicle (EV) in Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, or Prince William counties, it is wise to consider installing an EV charger in the garage.
But before you do, it’s essential to check if your home’s electrical panel can handle the extra power supply.
At PRO Electric, we help homeowners upgrade their electrical systems and safely charge their EVs at their convenience.
Is your Electrical Panel Ready for an EV Charger?
How to Know if your Panel is Enough
One common issue in many older homes is the Internal electrical panel systems, which used to be built without considering the electrical needs of an EV charger.
Some have low holding capacity due to their age, which can raise concerns about overloading circuits and causing power loss.
What Happens if your Panel is not Strong Enough
If your panel cannot sustain the load brought by the EV charger, it will trip your breakers, reduce the speed of charging, and, ultimately, cause damage to your electrical systems.
This consequently leads to money spent on repairs and risks of fires.
Why Upgrading Your Panel Matters
Improved Charging Efficiency
When you upgrade your electrical panel, your EV charger operates more efficiently, resulting in shorter charging times and reduced downtime.
This is critical, mainly if it is used daily.
Prevent Risks
Using an old panel beyond its limits can cause heat surges that pose fire risks.
When performing a panel upgrade, you eliminate such hazards in your home and ensure your system is configured correctly to handle power needs comfortably.
However, What You Should Look Forward To After the Panel Upgrade
How Much Is Enough?
The cost to upgrade your panel for EV charging varies, but in most cases is between $1,500 and $3,000, or higher, depending on certain setup factors at your home.
At PRO Electric, we will provide you with a reasonable quotation based on your needs.
How Long Approximately?
The whole process of upgrading your panel preparation and takedown only takes a day.
During that period, we may need to turn off your power supply for a few hours; however, this is not an issue, as we take all steps to avoid inconvenience.
Do You Need a Permit?
You have to get the appropriate permit to upgrade your panel.
PRO Electric will ensure that all necessary permits for construction within the local building codes of Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, and Prince William counties are obtained where required.
Why You Should Install a Dedicated Circuit
What is a Dedicated Circuit?
Suppose the interior circuit has too much electricity or too many devices. In that case, we will set up a dedicated circuit for your EV charger because dedicated circuits minimize the power capacity in the interconnecting Ethernet cable slipping.
Can a Dedicated Circuit Work Without a Full Panel Upgrade?
Sometimes, the dedicated circuit can alleviate some power issues.
Still, if the panel is old, a complete upgrade may be required for safety and reliability.
How PRO Electric Can Help
Electrical Inspections
Regarding PRO Electric, we have specialists who can assess and adequately measure whether your current electrical system can handle an EV home charger.
We will verify your electrical panel, wiring, and other equipment to determine safe operating conditions and compliance with existing regulations.
Expert Panel Upgrades
Our focus is improving the electrical panels installed for EVs.
We will check that your house’s electrical capacity supports the charger installation so you can charge your vehicle quickly and safely.
Wrap-up
The EV charger is very productive when installed in the garage, especially if you have an electric car, but first, the home’s electrics need to be upgraded.
PRO Electric can perform an electrical upgrade for residents of Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, or Prince William counties to support their EV charging needs.
Do not hesitate to contact us to arrange an inspection and prepare your home for the future.
