Electric vehicles (or EVs) have come a long way in the past two decades. Electric vehicles were once considered an unusual sight, but now they are so common that you can actually have chargers installed in your home or place of business. If you want to know more about EV charger installation in Seattle Washington, consider the following essential guide.
How Installation Companies Approach Charger Designs
Installation companies who design and install EV chargers approach their designs by assessing the needs of each client and working from there .The design of an EV charger requires a series of assessments Professional EV charger designers will need to assess the area the charge will be installed in and obtain enough information about the client’s needs in order to create a practical, efficient charger.
Designers creating an EV charger intended for a single-familyresidential home will require information regarding the home’s circuit breaker in addition to photos of the site and information about where the EV will be in order to determine the nature of the job.
Likewise, designers creating an EV charger for a commerciallocation will need to obtain significant information about the site of the future charger, the building’s electrical service and current set-up, along with information regarding the overall parking at the building.
The Installation Process
The installation process for an EV will usually include three components: the practical installation work, the electrical work and finally the aftercare.
The practical installation work involves services such as carpentry, cutting and/or patching drywall and concrete, installing safety bollards, replacing insulation, trenching and backfilling if necessary, and for commercial, corporate or other professional installations, the inclusion of painted parking space spots and signs.
Electrical work during the installation may include only the work needed to install the charging station(s); but it may also include replacing circuit breakers, accommodating EV electrical circuits with additional panels, improving grounding, installing dedicated panels for the EV charging station(s); as well as replacing panels or upgrading the electrical service to the building.
The final element of EV installation service is the aftercare. After-care involves being available for clients after the installation is completed in case there are questions or concerns. Most companies will provide a warranty that lasts a few years, which can help clients feel more secure about the installation of an EV charger.
What to Consider When Hiring an EV Charger Installation Company
Before you choose a company to handle your EV installation needs, you will need to consider a few things. Make sure that you consider these three important factors when choosing a company:
- Professional experience
- Certification and licensing
- Customer service
Since EV installation requires some heavy electrical work, it is essential that you choose a company with the experience and licensing that indicates they know what they are doing. Excellent customer service is also a must, especially when it comes to handling warranties and after-care.
Keep the above guide in mind when you are considering EV charger installation services for your home or place of business.