Can I Install a Level 1 Charger at Home?

Introduction

The thought of installing a level 1 EV charger at home by yourself can be daunting unless you are a DIY wizard or you are an experienced electrician. Where do you start from if you just bought your first level 1 EV charger? How much will it cost to do the installation at home? What does the installation process look like? 

In this post, we will answer your most pressing questions and also walk you through the level 1 EV charger installation process. In no time, you will understand how to install a level 1 EV charger at home.

Can I Install a Level 1 Charger At Home Myself?

No, you cannot install a level 1 EV charger at home by yourself. Installing a level 1 charger needs the experience of an electrician or someone that has been trained. Hiring an experienced electrician may come with a cost in the short-term, but the installer will comply with all the regulations and ensure that your EV charger is safely and properly installed. More so, you may lose your EV charging points warranty if you are not certified to install the charger and you attempt to do so. 

When Might One Consider a Level 1?

Vehicle manufacturers usually give a level 1 EV charger to EV owners for free at the point of purchase. Unlike the level 2 charger, the level 1 EV charger uses a 120V outlet to charge to your vehicle. Sadly, most homes are fitted with 240V outlets, so you may need to hire a certified electrician to make provision for a 120V outlet in your home. The level 1 charger is exclusively for those who care less about fast charging. 

Additionally, make sure you find out how long it will take for your EV to be fully charged with the level 1 charger included in the EV purchase. With the duration, you will know whether to deploy multiple chargers if you have a long distance to travel. 

How Fast is a Level 1 EV Charger?

A level 1 EV charger is not as far as its level 2 counterpart. In fact, a level 1 charger provides around 4 miles of driving range per hour of charge. On the other hand, a level 2 charger can go as far as 32 miles of driving range per hour of charge. With a level 2 charger, you can fully charge your EV within 3-8 hours. Typically, the charging time for a Level 1 EV charger is around 11-20 hours from empty to full. 

A Level 2 charger will deliver around 1.2kW of power versus 6.2-19.2kW that a level 2 charger will deliver. 

Important Factors To Consider When Choosing Installation Services For Your Level 1 EV Charger

There are a couple of factors to keep in mind when choosing an installer for your level level 1 EV charger. These include:

  • Safety: Installing a level 1 EV charger requires a deep knowledge of the charger itself and your home’s electrical system. The installation process could go wrong or safety could be compromised without this expertise.
  • Compliance: Choosing a certified installer ensures that the wiring and all connections comply with the appropriate regulations. 
  • Price: Investing in a reputable installer is worth the money. So determine how much it will cost you to install a level 1 EV charger at home before embarking on the journey. 

Conclusion: Install an EV Charger at Home With Electrly

A level 1 EV charger plugs into a 120 voltage outlet supply between 1.3 kW and 2.4 kW power. If you’re looking to install a level 1 EV charger at home, it’s best you leave the installation for a leading B2B EV charging station solution provider like Electrly. Unlike other EV charging solution providers, the charging solutions offered by Electrly are done in-house. The company offers competitive prices and bulk discounts.

The company offers a wide range of charging solutions that can fit into various residential, commercial, and industrial settings. You can purchase any of the EV charging solutions that are suitable to your budget and never run out of power.  The charging solutions are fitted with top-notch safety mechanisms to avoid overcharging, overheating, overcurrent, and short-circuiting. You can buy as little as one unit of the EV charger.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a Level 1 charging station at home?

Of course, you can use a level 1 charger at home or other convenient locations, provided you have a 120 V outlet available. Most EVs produced by Tesla come with a J1772 adapter, allowing you to plug your EV into any 120 V outlet. 

What are the disadvantages of a Level 1 charger?

A level 1 EV charger may not be as expensive as a level 2 or other high-end chargers, it uses more electricity than other models. This is typically one of the major drawbacks of using a level 1 charger. 

Can I install a level EV charger myself?

You cannot install a level 1 EV charger yourself except you have been trained to do so or you are an experienced electrician. When you are ready to install a level 1 charger, make sure you hire a certified or experienced installer to save costs and for safety reasons. 

Is a Level 1 charger enough?

Level 1 EV chargers are not enough if you want to charge your EV as fast as possible and the reason is because they are somewhat slow and potentially unsafe. If you need a faster charging rate, you may need to go for a high-end EV charger. 

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