Why You Need a New Jersey EV Charger Installer with a License
It's exciting to bring home a new electric car. You're getting the latest technology, instant torque, and the freedom to never have to stop for gas again. But you need to do one important thing before you can enjoy that convenience: set up the home charging station.
It's easy to think of this as just setting up an appliance, but putting in an EV charger is a big electrical job. It is not something you can do yourself or ask a handyman to do.
The most important thing you can do for the safety of your home and your car is to hire the right EV charger installer. This choice is even more important in New Jersey because of certain state rules. You don't have to take the risk of hiring an unlicensed or unqualified installer, which could have terrible effects.
The Big Problems with Installing an EV Charger Wrong
A Level 2 EV charger is not the same as a toaster. It uses a lot of electricity, usually between 30 and 50 amps, all the time for hours at a time. This puts a lot of stress on your home's electrical system for a long time. If a qualified professional doesn't do the installation, the risks are very high.
• Risks of Fire: An electrical fire is the biggest danger. A wire that is too small, a connection that is too loose, or a circuit that is too full can all get too hot, melting insulation and starting fires in nearby materials.
• The homeowner's insurance was voided: If a fire or electrical damage can be traced back to an installation that wasn't allowed and didn't follow the rules, your insurance company can deny the whole claim, which will cost you a lot of money.
• Damage to the battery in your EV: The battery in your car is the most expensive part. If the voltage is wrong, the grounding is bad, or the installation is "dirty," it can damage the sensitive onboard charger or even the battery pack itself. Fixing this can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Why "EV Charger Installer" Should Mean "Licensed Electrician in New Jersey"
The law in New Jersey is clear. A licensed electrical contractor must do any work that involves putting in a new electrical circuit, which is always needed for a Level 2 EV charger.
A licensed handyman can't do what a real professional EV charger installer like Sperry Electric (NJ License #18720) can do:
• Gets the Right Permits: The NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC) says that putting in an EV charger is "Minor Work." This means that you need to get a permit from your local government (in Morris, Bergen, or Passaic County) before you start work. Only a licensed contractor can legally get these permits.
• Passes the Last Check: Your local code official must check the work after it is done. This check is the best way to be sure that the work was done safely and to code. A licensed electrician stands by their work and makes sure it passes.
• Does a load calculation: A real pro won't just "slap in a breaker." They will check the load on your home's electrical panel to make sure it can safely handle the new, heavy load of the charger.
• Shows that an upgrade is needed: If your home has an old 100-amp panel, it may not be able to handle an EV charger. A licensed electrician can find this and do the panel upgrade that is needed to make sure that the electrical system in your whole house is safe and strong.
Things to Look for When Hiring an EV Installer in Northern NJ
Don't be afraid to ask the person who might install your system these questions:
1. "Do you have a license to work as an electrical contractor in New Jersey?" Get their license number. (Our number is 18720.)
2. "Are you going to get a permit for this installation?" " If they say "it's not needed" or "it's cheaper without one," run.
3. "Do you have full insurance and a bond?" This keeps you and your things safe.
4. "Have you ever used my charger before?" We are certified ChargePoint installers and have worked with all the big brands, including Tesla.
You spent a lot of money on your electric vehicle. Hire a licensed, insured, and experienced professional to install it for you to keep it, your home, and your family safe.
Are you ready to safely and correctly install your EV charger? For a free quote from a licensed EV charger installer in Northern New Jersey, call Sperry Electric.