Many Calgary and area residents are switching to electric vehicles, and for good reason! EV’s have lower operating costs, are more energy efficient and help improve air quality.
If you’re going to make the switch to an EV or Tesla, we not only recommend having a reliable EV charger for your home, but also adding an EV charger enclosure. An enclosure will help protect your EV charger from the elements, plus it helps hide some of the less aethetic charger components from view.
In today’s blog, the EV charger experts at 4-Star Electric will go over everything you need to know about EV chargers and protecting them with a high-quality enclosure. Plus we’ll briefly discuss the value of regular electrical inspections to ensure your EV charger stands the test of time.
Check out our easy breakdown below of why and how to create an outdoor EV charger enclosure for your home.
The Value of Having an EV Charger at Home
Before we dive into how to protect your EV charger with an enclosure, here are a few reasons why having an outdoor EV charger at home is a must in the first place:
Convenience
Having an at-home EV charger allows you to charge your vehicle whenever you’re home, eliminating the need to visit public charging stations regularly. It’s a guaranteed spot that will always be open when you need it and can be charged overnight, ready for wherever your EV takes you each morning.
Cost Savings
Home charging is more cost-effective than public charging, especially if you’re charging during off-peak electricity rates. Over time, this can save you a significant amount of money compared to relying solely on public charging areas.
Time Savings
Charging at home saves you time from traveling to a charging station. Plus, once you’re at the station you can’t leave again for a while, so plugging in your EV at home when you’re not using it allows you to do other things before you’re ready to leave again.
Enclosing your EV charger protects your investment by offering it shelter from the elements, making it secure, private, and out of public sightlines, keeping equipment tidy and inaccessible to little family members, and adding an aesthetic element.
Types of EV Chargers
Level 1 – Standard 120V Outlet
A level 1 EV charger is basically plugging in your vehicle to a standard outlet. It can charge it, but it won’t be very efficient. It’s usually best to use it as an overnight charger for smaller vehicles. But the plus side is, you won’t need any additional, special equipment when you buy your vehicle. You can just bring it home and plug it in.
Level 2 – 240V Charging Station
Level 2 EV chargers are the most common choice for Canadian households. This type of charger is a more powerful home charging solution, which is beneficial if you use your EV as your primary vehicle. It has significantly faster charging, getting your vehicle ready in as little as a few hours.
Choosing the Right Location For Your EV Charger Enclosure
One of the biggest decisions to make when installing your outdoor EV charger enclosure is the right location. Consider these factors when choosing your location:
Accessibility
Both the EV charger and enclosure should be installed in a location that’s easily accessible for your vehicle. While the garage sounds like a no-brainer, you may want to consider somewhere further away from the house so that you have less interference with kids, pets, and other household items that may be stored in the garage.
Safety
Similar to accessibility, your outdoor EV charger should pose minimal safety risks, meaning it’s far away from water (including areas prone to flooding or extreme weather conditions), people, and pets. This will prevent any tripping hazards as well. You should also make sure both the electrical and enclosure installation complies with local codes and regulations, our expert team can help with this part!
Convenience
Finally, consider a location that aligns with your daily routine and is the most convenient place to charge your EV with the least amount of service disruptions. Again our team can help with this part!
Level 2 chargers can cost anywhere between $1000-$4500 depending on the brand, accessories and features, and charging capacity.
DC Fast Charging
The least common charger for at home use, a DC fast charger is the type most typically found at most charging stations while you’re out on the road.
It technically can be installed at home, but due to its power draw would require a number of permits, immense structural changes and cost upwards of $10,000 – 20,000 to install.
Material Selection
Another thing to consider for your outdoor EV charger enclosure is the material you want to use. The enclosure should be constructed from materials that can withstand outdoor elements such as rain, snow, and sunlight. Stainless steel or weather-resistant plastics are common choices.
You also want to make sure your enclosure is durable and secure. It should be robust enough to protect the charging equipment inside from tampering or theft. You can also add a durable lock to contribute to the overall security.
Designing the Enclosure
The next step is to consider the design of the enclosure for your outdoor EV charger. You’ll want something user-friendly with easy access to the charging port and cable. Consider features like cable management systems and illuminated indicators for easy operation.
The design should also complement the surroundings and architecture of your home. You want something aesthetically pleasing that won’t stick out like a sore thumb outside your home.
Installation Process
Once you’re ready to install your EV charger enclosure, you should read up on any electrical requirements, mounting instructions, and safety precautions first. You want to ensure the proper grounding and electrical connections are in place before building the enclosure around the EV charger. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation or hire a professional.
Hiring a certified electrician, like one of our experts, is the best way to ensure you’re in compliance with local electrical codes. We can provide advice on the optimal placement outside your home and set up your enclosure to fit your needs. We’ll safely install the enclosure so that you and your home are protected.
Why Choose 4-Star Electric
- Family owned and operated
- Experienced, trusted electricians
- Upfront pricing
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Here is a little bit of what you can expect when you call us in for your EV charger installation.
What To Expect
Evaluation
Every EV charger installation service begins with an evaluation. Your personal, licensed electrician will conduct a thorough onsite assessment and inspect your home’s electrical system, as well as potential locations for your charger install.
Your electrician will perform a load analysis to determine if your current electrical panel can support the additional load of an EV charger. This includes evaluating the total household electrical demand and the specifications of your potential equipment.
Finally, your electrician will review local electrical codes and permit requirements to ensure installation will meet all necessary safety and regulatory standards.
Recommendation
Your electrician will then present suitable charger recommendations, such as a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, based on your unique needs.
If your existing electrical panel cannot support the new charger, your electrician may recommend an upgrade, the installation of a sub-panel or a load management device to accommodate the additional load.
Finally a detailed cost and timeline estimate will be provided so you can prepare accordingly for installation.
EV Charger Installation
The installation area is prepared by identifying the specific locations for your charger, ensuring access for electrical connections, and setting up tools and materials. Your electrician will efficiently install the charger in the recommended location, following manufacturer guidelines.
After installation, your electrician will thoroughly test your EV charger to ensure it’s functioning properly. Your electrician will also suggest scheduling regular electrical inspections to ensure performance and safety, long term.
Finally, the work area will be cleaned and any old equipment or packaging will be removed. You can have total confidence in our team, we only install the most trusted equipment, and we’re proud to offer industry-leading repair and replacement guarantees, as well as 100% satisfaction guarantees.
All our on-site team members are licensed electricians. Above and beyond the technical knowledge, we train our staff in customer service. Our people will communicate effectively with you, listen to your concerns, and always answer your questions.
Regular electrical inspections, post-installation are also a great idea to ensure your EV charger not only works properly, but charges efficiently. Contact our friendly team today to learn more!
We work within your schedule and offer services for both residential homes and commercial businesses. When you choose us, you’re treated like family.
While installing an EV charger at home involves considering upfront equipment, potential electrical upgrades, and permitting costs, the long-term savings and convenience make it a highly worthwhile investment.
Partnering with the experienced team at 4-Star Electric ensures your installation is done safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with local standards, giving you reliable performance and complete peace of mind for years to come. Contact us today!
Don’t Forget About Regular Inspections
Regular, professional electrical inspections should be a part of any homeowners checklist. But they become increasingly important the more load is placed on your electrical system.
Our electricians are trained better. They closely inspect and test every component of your home’s electrical system during your inspection appointment. Our comprehensive checklist includes the following:
- Surge protection
- Circuit demand & capacity
- GFCI & AFCI protection
- Electrical boxes
- Main electrical panel
- Electrical wiring
- Circuit labelling
4-Star Makes Your Charging Experience Effortless
If you’re going to install an outdoor EV charger and enclosure, be sure to do it safely and efficiently. By enclosing your EV charger, you’re adding an extra layer of protection and convenience to your home—and the best way to get the job done is to hire one of our experts at 4-Star Electric.
We can perform electrical inspections to assess your EV charging station and help install an enclosure. Contact us today to learn more and book an appointment. For more details, browse our most frequently asked questions about outdoor EV chargers and enclosures below.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charger Installation
Do I need a home charger for my EV?
If you plan to use your EV as your primary driver, then a dedicated, reliable power source is a necessity. While there are many public charging stations available throughout the city, they are still less practical than charging at home.
Plus when you install a Level 2 EV charger you’ll enjoy faster charging keeping your car ready to hit the road as soon as you are!
Is my EV compatible with any charger?
Most EVs have adapters and connections that allow them to be used with a variety of chargers. However, there are some models that must be used with that specific brands charger. The EV charger specialists at 4-Star Electric will always consider the brand of EV you drive when recommending and installing your new EV charger.
Can I install an EV charger myself?
Installing a level 2 charger should only be done by an experienced electrician. This is not only for your safety, but to ensure that your home’s electrical panel and even your EV are protected. Professional installation is also required to keep most warranty’s valid.
In some cases, it may be necessary to upgrade your main electrical panel and other system components prior to installation. Hiring our professional team ensures each step is completed with precision and care.
Can my home’s electrical system handle EV charging?
Most modern homes can support Level 1 charging without any issues. However, Level 2 charging (our recommendation) might require some inspection and possible upgrades. 4-Star Electric can provide an assessment to ensure your system is ready or guide you through necessary upgrades.