Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel Before Installing an EV Charger

With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), many homeowners are considering installing EV chargers at home for convenience and cost savings. However, before installing an EV charger, it’s crucial to assess whether your electrical system is up to the task. In older homes especially, the existing electrical panel may not have the capacity to support the additional load of an EV charger, making an upgrade necessary.

Here are the top five reasons why upgrading your electrical panel before installing an EV charger is a smart, and often essential, decision.

1. Ensure Your Home Can Safely Handle Increased Electrical Demand

One of the most important reasons to upgrade your electrical panel is safety. Older electrical panels were not designed with modern electrical loads in mind. Many homes built before the rise of energy-intensive appliances, like EV chargers, were equipped with 100-amp panels, which may not be sufficient to handle the power demands of a Level 2 charger.

Without an upgrade, you risk overloading your electrical system, which can lead to:

Tripped breakers: Frequent tripping of circuit breakers can be frustrating and may indicate that your system is being overburdened.
Electrical fires: An overloaded system can overheat, potentially leading to dangerous electrical fires.

Upgrading to a 200-amp panel or higher ensures your home’s electrical system can safely accommodate the increased load of an EV charger, along with other modern devices.

2. Enhance the Performance of Your EV Charger

The performance of your EV charger is directly linked to your home’s electrical system. If your electrical panel is outdated or undersized, your EV charger may not function optimally. Slow charging times, interruptions, or inconsistent charging performance are often the result of an electrical panel that can’t supply enough power.

By upgrading your panel, you ensure that your EV charger receives a steady flow of electricity, allowing it to charge your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is especially important if you’re installing a Level 2 charger, which requires significantly more power than a Level 1 unit.

3. Future-Proof Your Home for New Technologies

An upgraded electrical panel not only supports your current EV charger but also prepares your home for future electrical demands. As more people adopt EVs, solar panels, home automation systems, and energy storage solutions, the demand on household electrical systems will continue to increase.

Upgrading your panel now can save you the hassle and expense of additional electrical work in the future when you want to add new technologies. A modern panel with a higher amperage capacity provides the flexibility to integrate these advancements without having to overhaul your electrical system again.

4. Comply with Local Building Codes and EV Charger Installation Requirements

In many areas, local building codes require homes to have a certain amperage level or meet specific safety standards to install an EV charger. For instance, some jurisdictions may require a 200-amp panel to safely support a Level 2 charger installation.

Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to problems such as:

Permit rejections: When applying for a permit to install an EV charger, local authorities may reject your application if your electrical panel doesn’t meet the necessary requirements.
Insurance complications: If an issue arises, like an electrical fire, insurance companies may deny claims if the proper upgrades weren’t made before installing the charger.

Upgrading your electrical panel ensures that your home complies with these standards, making the installation process smoother and safeguarding your home against potential hazards.

5. Increase the Value of Your Property

Investing in an electrical panel upgrade before installing an EV charger can add significant value to your home. With the growing popularity of EVs, many potential homebuyers look for properties that are EV-ready. By upgrading your electrical system, you not only make it easier for future owners to install or use an EV charger but also show that the home is equipped for modern electrical demands.

An updated electrical panel is also a selling point for buyers who value safety and reliability. Homes with upgraded electrical infrastructure are more attractive in competitive real estate markets like the Bay Area, where eco-conscious buyers are particularly drawn to EV-friendly properties.

Conclusion

Upgrading your electrical panel before installing an EV charger is not just a good idea—it’s often necessary for safety, performance, and future-proofing your home. Whether you're ensuring your home can handle the added load, enhancing the performance of your EV charger, or complying with local regulations, an upgraded panel makes all the difference.

At Arsen Electric, we specialize in electrical panel upgrades and EV charger installations, providing you with a seamless and safe experience from start to finish. Our licensed electricians will assess your home’s electrical capacity, recommend the right panel upgrade, and install your EV charger so you can charge your vehicle with confidence.

CTA: Schedule a panel upgrade and EV charger installation with Arsen Electric today and future-proof your home for modern electrical demands!