Owning an electric vehicle is becoming increasingly common in Tampa. Having an at-home charger is a smart move for saving time and money on charging. But you must keep in mind that where you have the charger installed is very important for charging speed and system safety.
It also impacts how convenient it is to use the charger each day. This guide walks you through the best placement options and top mistakes to avoid.
Quick Takeaways
Put the charger as close as you can to your parking area and electrical panel.- Garage placement usually provides the best convenience and protection against harsh weather elements.
- If you don’t have a garage, we can always install the charger outdoors.
- The more wiring we have to install for the charger, the more expensive the project.
- If you have an older electrical panel, we may need to update it for the charger to operate safely.
- You should never try a DIY charger installation; professional service ensures safe wiring and proper code compliance.
What Makes a Good EV Charger Installation Location?
The best place for an EV charger is right next to your parking area. This way, you can simply pull into your spot and let the car charge overnight. If possible, installing it in the garage is the smartest way to keep the equipment protected against heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Electrical access also plays a big role in where to place the charger since we have to connect it to the electrical panel. In the end, the ideal placement always comes down to the home’s layout and your parking habits.
Garage vs Outdoor EV Charger Installation
Putting the EV charger inside your garage is the best way to protect your investment. But outdoor placement options are available if you don’t have an enclosed space.
Garage EV Charger Installation
When we install the charger in your garage, you don’t have to worry about heat, rain, or wind interfering with charging. It keeps the setup safe from local critters and neighborhood kids, too.
This location often provides easier cable management since the charger sits much closer to the vehicle. Furthermore, the ability to conceal wiring leads to a cleaner installation appearance.
Outdoor EV Charger Installation
Outdoor EV chargers make the most sense when garage placement is not an option. We’ll try to put it as close to the electrical panel as possible to reduce the amount of wiring we have to install, which can help lower the installation cost.
If you have a detached garage or carport, these locations work much better than open exterior walls. No matter the location, outdoor EV charger installations require weatherproof protection for exposed electrical components.
How to Choose the Best Parking Location for EV Charging
Do you usually pull in or back in to your parking spot? Your answer determines where to mount the charger so it can easily reach the charging port. How far does the cable reach?
You may need a system with a longer charging cable if your usual parking spot is over 15 feet from the charger.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing an EV Charger Location
The last thing you want is an EV charger that’s difficult or unsafe to use. Letting a professional do the installation is the best way to ensure easy usability and code compliance.
Installing the Charger Too Far From the Parking Space
When the charger is far from your parking spot, it does much more than increase the risk of tripping hazards and inconvenience. It also puts strain on the cable as you stretch it to reach the vehicle.
Ignoring Future Vehicle Needs
Don’t make the mistake of installing the charger without considering your future vehicle plans. If you buy another EV, you’ll want the charger in a place that can easily reach both parking spaces.
You should also think of battery charging needs; larger batteries need longer charging times and higher power output.
Choosing a Location Without Considering Weather Exposure
Florida heat, rain, and humidity can be detrimental to EV chargers. Finding a spot that doesn’t get direct exposure to these elements will help the charger perform better and last longer.
Forgetting About Electrical Panel Capacity
If your electrical panel is already struggling to keep up, hooking up an EV charger can create a real risk of the system overheating. You might also notice that the power doesn’t distribute quite right, which leads to slow charging and a car that isn’t always ready when you are.
Can You Install an EV Charger Outside in Florida?
Yes, we have installed many weather-rated EV chargers outdoors for homes without garages. Setting the chargers up with GFCI protection provides extra safety against Tampa’s frequent rainstorms and humidity. Waterproof enclosures for outlets and wiring keep moisture from getting inside and causing electrical damage.
Best Height and Position for an EV Charger
You want the cable to run from the charger to your car without stretching. It should be at a height of about 36 to 48 inches to improve accessibility and reduce tension, but you should always check manufacturer guidelines since most provide precise height, clearance, and mounting instructions.
Keeping it away from tight parking spots is a good move for decreasing the risk of accidental bumps and damage. The installation location should also be in a place where it doesn’t require any of the cables to cross driveways or block walkways.
Should You Install the EV Charger Near the Front or Rear of the Vehicle?
There is no universal spot for charging ports on electric vehicles. On some, they’re near the front. For others, they’re toward the back.
For example, with Tesla, the charging ports are usually on the rear driver’s side. This is why you see a lot of Teslas backed into their parking spots.
On Ford EVs, they are commonly located toward the front. Hyundai and Rivian charging ports vary from model to model.
Does Your Electrical Panel Affect Where You Can Install an EV Charger?
The location of your electrical panel doesn’t so much impact where to place the EV charger, other than determining how much wiring we have to add. The closer, the better, since this helps reduce installation costs.
The panel has a bigger impact on compatibility issues, such as whether you need new circuits added or a subpanel installed. If you’re still using 100-amp service, we’ll upgrade it to 200-amp service for safer charging.
Why Professional EV Charger Installation Matters
EV chargers are expensive, but this isn’t the only reason you should let a professional do the installation. In Tampa, there are multiple electrical and building codes that you must stay in compliance with to have an at-home charger.
Before we begin, we’ll perform a load calculation. We check the panel capacity and breaker availability to make sure your electrical setup can handle the increased power demand. If you don’t have the correct size breaker or wiring to support the charger, we’ll use our expertise to get your electrical system compatible.
Some projects require adding a subpanel, but this is typically reserved for homes with full main panels. All installations come with a final inspection to ensure the system is safe to use.
FAQ
Where is the best place to install a home EV charger?
Put the charger in an enclosed or covered space if possible, such as a garage or carport. Make sure it’s in a place where you don’t have to stretch the cable to reach the car’s charging port.
Is it better to install an EV charger inside or outside?
It’s almost always better to have the charger indoors, protected from harsh weather elements. In Tampa, the high humidity is a frequent contributor to corrosion on electrical contacts. With the charger indoors, there’s a much lower chance of equipment failure and annoying technical glitches.
How close should an EV charger be to the electrical panel?
The closer the charger is to the panel, the less wiring we have to run. This can make both labor and material costs cheaper.
Can EV chargers get wet in Florida weather?
You can absolutely let your EV charger get a little wet without worrying. That said, keeping it tucked away in the garage or under a cover makes a huge difference. It shields the tech from heavy humidity and direct sunlight, which helps the whole system last longer and run more reliably.
Does EV charger location affect installation cost?
Yes, it does. When our electricians have to spend more time running wire, it adds to how much it costs you in labor. The cost of the extra wiring also makes the project fees higher.
Can I install an EV charger in a detached garage?
Even if your detached garage doesn’t have electricity, we can still install an EV charger. We’ll just dig a trench to run power to the building.
How high should an EV charger be mounted?
About three to four feet off the ground is the typical sweet spot for most installations. This keeps it low enough for easy charging and high enough to prevent interference from pets and kids.
Do I need a dedicated circuit for a home EV charger?
Yes, EV chargers need a dedicated circuit in the panel to operate safely. We can add one for you if your current panel doesn’t have one available. If the panel is out of space, we’ll install a subpanel.
Schedule EV Charger Installation in Tampa, FL
You probably have a lot of questions about where to place your EV charger. Mister Sparky has the answers you’re looking for. We’ve performed charger installations in newer and older homes all throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas.
We’ll do a thorough inspection of your electrical setup to see whether you need any upgrades. We’ll also talk to you about your parking habits to ensure we put the charger in a place that provides the most convenient charging.
Don’t Put Up With Any Malarky! Call Mister Sparky today to book EV charger installation in Tampa with a team you can trust.