Key takeaways:
- Many homes in Brentwood, TN, still have older electrical panels that cannot handle the demand for a Level 2 EV charger.
- If your home isn’t ready for EV charging, you may see breaker trips, limited amps, or a lack of dedicated space on your panel.
- A panel upgrade isn’t the only option. In some cases, subpanels and load management solutions can also prepare your home for an EV.
- Airstream helps homeowners in Brentwood get EV-ready with electrical assessments, upgrades, and trusted installations.
Electric vehicles are becoming a common sight in Brentwood, TN, as local residents embrace the long-term savings and environmental benefits. But before you bring home a brand-new EV, you’ll have to make plans for charging it.
Unless your home is EV-ready, you’ll likely need a few electrical upgrades. Here’s what you need to know about EV charger installation in Brentwood, TN.
The Hidden Barrier to Home EV Charging: Your Electrical Panel
Installing a Level 2 charger is by far the most convenient way to charge your EV at home. Level 1 charging, which uses a standard 120V outlet, is too slow.
With Level 2 charging, you’re using a 240V circuit to charge your EV in a matter of a few hours. However, powering this 240V circuit safely often requires a few electrical upgrades.
Many homes in Brentwood, especially those built before the 1990s, still have panels designed for a time when homes didn’t run nearly as many high-demand appliances. Adding a large continuous load like an EV charger can strain an older system, and your panel might not be able to handle it.
Signs You Need an Electrical Upgrade
Can your home handle EV charging? If you notice any of these signs, you’ll definitely need an upgrade:
- Your breakers trip often, especially when running large appliances.
- Lights flicker when you turn on too many appliances at once.
- The panel itself is full and doesn’t have enough room to add breakers for a new circuit.
Any of these issues suggests your system is already stretched thin. Plugging in an EV charger will only make matters worse.
Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade the Only Option?
Upgrading your home with a 200-amp panel has several benefits:
- The higher capacity can easily handle EV charging and other applications (like running your AC, or cooking while you charge).
- A 200-amp panel also prepares your home for future projects, like installing a heat pump or a second EV charger.
- Your home will be safer with a new panel, especially if you have an aging electrical infrastructure.
For some homes, though, adding a subpanel may be enough. A licensed electrician can install a subpanel dedicated to the EV charger without replacing your main service altogether. Another option is load management technology, which balances your household energy use and prevents overloads by controlling when and how power flows to the EV charger. Depending on your home’s condition, these alternatives may be more cost-effective.
Expert EV Charger Installation in Brentwood by Airstream Services
If you’re unsure whether your home is ready for EV charging, Airstream can help. We specialize in preparing Brentwood homes for new EVs with a safe and reliable process:
- We start by assessing your current panel and whether it can handle EV charging.
- Next, we’ll discuss your different options so you can choose the electrical upgrade that makes the most sense for you.
- We’ll then plan the entire process, from getting the right permits to installing your electrical upgrades and scheduling the final inspection.
Because we’re Middle TN electricians, we know all about balancing EV charging with running your AC unit during hot summers. We’re also used to working on older homes and understand the unique challenges that come with these aging electrical systems.
Schedule Your Panel Assessment for EV Charging
Electric cars are exciting, but you need to make sure your home is ready for one. An old or undersized panel will make charging difficult and even be dangerous.
At Airstream, our goal is to help you prepare for the future of electric transportation with safe EV charging. We will inspect your electrical panel, recommend the best plan of action, and carry out the upgrade and installation in accordance with local codes.
Contact us here to schedule your panel assessment today.
FAQ
Why can’t I use my regular outlet for an EV charger?
A standard 120-volt outlet works for Level 1 charging only, which can take days to fully charge an EV. Most EV owners use Level 2 charging, which uses a 240V circuit to charge their cars much faster.
What size panel do I need for an EV charger?
Most homes with EV chargers run on a 200-amp panel. Some homes can use alternatives like subpanels or load management, but many older homes with 100-amp panels struggle to support Level 2 charging directly.
Do I always need a panel upgrade to add an EV charger?
Not always. If your home has room for an additional circuit and your electrical load allows it, a subpanel or load management solution might be enough. That’s why a home EV readiness assessment is important.
