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I am looking to install a car charger in the garage for an electric car. My electrician recommends putting in a breaker in the garage in case we want more chargers in the future (like outside or split btw two cars).
Looks like a job like this requires a permit. Our main electrical box is in the basement on the opposite side of the house but the basement is unfinished except the mechanical room where the electrical supply is.
The permit needs quite a bit of info (drawings, site plans, manufacturer sects, etc).
Are people really getting permits for a car charger?
FWIW, my house is a 2016 build that has a 300 amp service.
Yes. It’s good to file for a permit just to be safe. Also that way when the inspector comes he can find anything else wrong or illegal with your home and make you comply with code.
Yes. It’s good to file for a permit just to be safe. Also that way when the inspector comes he can find anything else wrong or illegal with your home and make you comply with code.
Hey, we've missed your sarcasm
Hope you and yours are well!!
Waste of time and money. Just install a nema 14-50 outlet and call it a day. My panel is in my basement and it was a 41ft run to my garage. If I get a second tesla it’s not a big deal the charging cord is 25ft. It would be rare the need to charge both at the same time. If you wanted a sub panel in the garage, getting a permit is overkill you are adding a new outlet. If you added a new outlet to a bedroom and installed high hats you are running wire etc and would not get a permit. Only difference is with a EV you are using 6/3 or 4/3 wire vs 12/3. The charging cables or units have built in gfci for extra safety.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gx89
Waste of time and money. Just install a nema 14-50 outlet and call it a day. My panel is in my basement and it was a 41ft run to my garage. If I get a second tesla it’s not a big deal the charging cord is 25ft. It would be rare the need to charge both at the same time. If you wanted a sub panel in the garage, getting a permit is overkill you are adding a new outlet. If you added a new outlet to a bedroom and installed high hats you are running wire etc and would not get a permit. Only difference is with a EV you are using 6/3 or 4/3 wire vs 12/3. The charging cables or units have built in gfci for extra safety.
While that may be the easiest way to do it, I don't know of any state, including yours that allows any electrical work without a permit. From your state code: "No installation and modification to any electrical systems can be performed without a permit and a Licensed Master Electrician."
That said, I have done it. The cost of the permit and risk of the inspector requiring additional work, especially on an older house can make a simple job like this very expensive. The only way it would be caught is when you go to sell and an inspector notices it but finds no permit on file.
Waste of time and money. Just install a nema 14-50 outlet and call it a day. My panel is in my basement and it was a 41ft run to my garage. If I get a second tesla it’s not a big deal the charging cord is 25ft. It would be rare the need to charge both at the same time. If you wanted a sub panel in the garage, getting a permit is overkill you are adding a new outlet. If you added a new outlet to a bedroom and installed high hats you are running wire etc and would not get a permit. Only difference is with a EV you are using 6/3 or 4/3 wire vs 12/3. The charging cables or units have built in gfci for extra safety.
This exactly! just make sure if you get a NEMA 14-50 and don’t hardwire it you get a commercial grade outlet like a Hubble as the cheap Home Depot/lowes Lutron’s tend to overheat and even melt. My panel is also in my basement and my garage detached (put it on a 50 amp breaker). Trench had to be dug etc. everything was done to code but no permit.
This exactly! just make sure if you get a NEMA 14-50 and don’t hardwire it you get a commercial grade outlet like a Hubble as the cheap Home Depot/lowes Lutron’s tend to overheat and even melt. My panel is also in my basement and my garage detached (put it on a 50 amp breaker). Trench had to be dug etc. everything was done to code but no permit.
Good advice! I used a Hubbell HBL9450A, went metal box and pigtailed the ground to the box. I also used a 50a breaker.
Good advice! I used a Hubbell HBL9450A, went metal box and pigtailed the ground to the box. I also used a 50a breaker.
Yep hubbell or Bryant (same company) are the way to go if you go plug in. Always s,art to go metal box, I’ve seen people recess them in plastic box inside the wall and put a plastic plate over
Yep hubbell or Bryant (same company) are the way to go if you go plug in. Always s,art to go metal box, I’ve seen people recess them in plastic box inside the wall and put a plastic plate over
As a 42 year construction supervisor, I'll say you guys are giving good advice, but I would be careful with what you say.
The only issue I have is if those wanting this aren't knowledgeable like you are. Then they have to trust electricians who, which we all know, aren't always honest or good. At that point they should get a permit just for the added security of a proper job via inspection to be without issues once complete.
Reminds me of a portable generator I had in NJ. Installed a 30 amp breaker, proper cord and NEMA box/receptacle so I can back feed the panel. Shut the main, flip the breaker, and my most important items in my house are powered up (circulators for heat, basement sump pump, fridge, lights, etc.). Neighbors who aren't experienced asked for me to do the same for them. I declined and advised a licensed electrician for the proper legal install. I knew what I was doing, they didn't and could very well have troubles.
So I guess I'm saying that if you're not in the business, do it the legal way to be sure it's done right. If you know what you're doing and are knowledgeable, then you undoubtedly don't need the advice.
Keep in mind that even if no permit is required, work still needs to be code-compliant. Hire a licensed electrician experienced with installation of these fixtures.
State Code allows individual municipalities to waive PERMIT requirements for the installation of listed and labeled electrical fixtures, but does not waive any requirements that work be performed in accordance with electrical codes and manufacturer specifications. Hire a licensed electrician who has worked within the jurisdiction.
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