EV Charger Installer & Installation in San Diego | Landers Electric

Landers Electric is EVITP certified and specializes in EV charger installation in San Diego County, serving homeowners and businesses with safe, NEC and CEC code-compliant charging solutions. From residential Level 2 chargers to commercial EV charging station contractor projects, our licensed electricians handle every step — permits, load calculations, and installation — so your EV charger is installed right the first time.
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Comprehensive Guide to EVITP-Certified EV Charger Installation in San Diego

As an EVITP-Certified electrician, Landers Electric specializes in safe, code-compliant EV charger installations across San Diego County.

This guide answers the most common questions homeowners and businesses have about EV charging — from NEC and CEC requirements to permits, load calculations, and panel upgrades.

Further down, you’ll find a step-by-step installation process so you know exactly what to expect when hiring a licensed EV charger contractor.

DO I NEED AN EV CHARGER INSTALLER?

It is critical to use an electric vehicle charger installer for any new EV charger installation.

As we’ll discuss later in this article, there are many steps to appropriately install an electric vehicle charger.

Trying to install an EV charger yourself or choosing the wrong electric vehicle charger installer can have distastrous consequences.

Below are some examples of things that can go wrong:

• Damaged Electric Vehicle

• Melted Electrical Wires

• Damaged Buss Bars

• Need For Electrical Panel Replacement

• Electrical Fires

• $1000’s in repair costs

As you can see in the pictures below, it is critical to choose the right electric vehicle charger installer to ensure a safe EV charger installation.

HOW TO HIRE THE RIGHT EV Charger Installer?

Below are a few things to check before hiring an electric vehicle charger installer:

• Are they licensed?

• Are they insured?

• Do they have good reviews?

• Are they in good standing with the CSLB?

• Do they have any references or pictures of prior work?

• Have they completed at least 1 training program for installing EV chargers?

The above checklist details some of the most important questions you need to ask before hiring an electric vehicle charger installer.

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE AN EV Charger Installer?

Prices can vary from one electric vehicle charger installer to another.

As I’m sure you’re aware, there are many variables that stipulate the cost of an EV charger installation.

Below is a breakdown of the typical cost an electric vehicle charger installer might charge. Landers Electric uses these rates.

• Level 2 charger within 10’ of electrical panel - $1000-$1500

• Level 2 charger further than 10’ from electrical panel - $1000-$1500 + $25 per linear foot

Keep in mind that there are many electric vehicle charger installer’s who charge less than $1000 for EV charger installations.

Make sure you ask the following questions before hiring one of these EV charger installers:

• Will you be pulling a permit?

• Will you be using an industrial rated EV charging receptacle or a cheap $10 receptacle?

• Will you be using appropriately sized wires to handle the requirements of the EV charger?

• Will you be following the manufacturers requirements?

• Can my electrical panel handle the load of an EV charger installation?

should my Electrician know what size ev charger i need?

Every professional electric vehicle charger installer should be able to help you identify the EV charger that fits your needs.

The size of your electric vehicle charger depends primarily on your daily driving range/habits and your electric vehicle charger installer should discuss this with you prior to your EV charger installation.

Those with longer commutes will need an EV charger that charges the car at a faster rate.

The faster the rate of charge, the higher the ampacity of EV charger needed.

Most customers I’ve encountered need nothing more than a standard level 2 charger that charges at a rate of 32 amps.

This charger is usually included in the purchase of your electric vehicle.

The standard EV charger is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to charge your car because you don’t need to purchase an extra hardwired/plug in EV charger ($500-$1500).

Are There Any Rebates Or Tax Credits For Installing An EV Charger In San Diego COunty?

Your electric vehicle charger installer should be able to help you understand the special benefits that are available to electric vehicle drivers.

Many utility companies and even the federal government provide special pricing plans and tax incentives for those who drive electric vehicles and complete the EV charger installation process.

If you live in the San Diego County area, SDG&E provides EV pricing plan options.

Click here to view SDG&E’s pricing plan options.

Keep in mind, in some cases there are special tax advantages to purchasing an electric vehicle and installing an EV charger.

Click here to view The Unites States Department Of Energy tax credits for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

These credits include the following:

• Tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle

• Tax credits for an electric vehicle charger installers installation

• Tax credits to help offset the cost of electrical panel upgrades

The BEST Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger

If you use links in this article, Landers Electric might make a small commission (money).

With so many Electric Vehicle (EV) charger choices, it’s hard to decide which one to use.

Landers Electric has installed many EV chargers and the one we recommend is the Chargepoint Level 2 EV Charger J1772, Home Flex Hardwire Electric Car Charging.

This electric vehicle charger checks all the home ev charging boxes and gets our professional MASTER ELECTRICIAN APPROVAL!

1. Fast Charging delivers up to 37 miles of range per hour

2. Charges all vehicles (click here for Tesla adapter)

3. Charges non-tesla vehicles without an adapter

4. Compatible with smart home devices

5. Easy installation process

6. Rated for both indoor and outdoor use

7. It is UL listed and Energy Star rated, making it safe and efficient

THE EV Charger iNstallation PROCESS

Below we are going to take a deep dive into the electric vehicle charger installer’s installation process.

I need to remind you that this information is exactly that, information. It is NOT meant to be a DIY “how to” guide.

I am providing this overview so you can be aware of the process and know what questions to ask before you hire an electric vehicle charger installer.

Electric vehicle chargers should only be installed by licensed professionals who have been trained and know how to work on electrical circuits safely.

Electriciy is extremely dangerous and can cause serious bodily harm and/or death.

With that said, let’s begin.

San Diego EV Charger Installation Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Identify which EV charger is necessary to meet your EV charging needs
Determine whether a Level 1 or Level 2 EV charger best fits your driving habits, vehicle requirements, and charging speed expectations.

Step 2: Research the manufacturer’s requirements for installing their specific EV charger
Each EV charger brand has specific installation instructions. Reviewing these ensures the installation meets safety and warranty standards.

Step 3: Calculate the amperage required for the EV charger that will be installed
Properly sizing the amperage is critical to safe operation and avoiding breaker trips.

Step 4: Perform a load calculation to ensure the electrical panel can handle the added load
A licensed electrician must evaluate whether your existing electrical service can safely support the additional EV charger load.

Step 5: Upgrade the electrical panel if it cant handle the added EV charger load
If your panel cannot handle the demand, a service or electrical panel upgrade may be required by a licensed electrical contractor before the EV charger can be installed.

Step 6: Determine whether a permit is required for the level 2 EV charger installation
Many San Diego jurisdictions require a permit for Level 2 EV charger installations. This ensures compliance with NEC and CEC codes.

Step 7: Plan the location and conduit path for your EV charger installation
Decide the best mounting location for convenience, safety, and code compliance, while minimizing conduit runs.

Step 8: Draft design drawings for the City/AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) if necessary
Some local municipalities require submittals of design drawings for EV charger installations, particularly for commercial projects.

Step 9: Complete the installation according to the manufacturers specification/requirements
The installation must follow both manufacturer specifications and NEC/CEC safety standards for wiring, grounding, and overcurrent protection.

Step 10: Test the circuit to ensure proper operation
Final testing ensures the EV charger operates correctly, safely delivers power, and communicates properly with the vehicle.

Step 1: Identify which EV charger is necessary to meet your EV charging needs

Most people will only need 20-32 amps of charging.

As stated above, your charging need depends on your daily driving distance and habits.

Calculating your charging need is a somewhat complex calculation. For a complete overview, click the link below.

Calculating EV Charging Times

The electric vehicle you choose should come with a standard charger.

This charger can plug into a dedicated 20 amp outlet.

Keep in mind dedicated means not sharing any other equipment (garage door motor, freezer, refrigerator, etc).

The receptacles in your garage are usually not dedicated.

If 20 amps is sufficient, you will usually still need to install a dedicated 20 amp receptacle to plug in your EV charger.

If 20 amps is not sufficient, you can buy a NEMA 14-50 adapter (some manufacturers provide this with your EV purchase) and use the standard charger as a level 2 charger. The adapter allows you to charge at 32 amps typically.

If you have a Tesla, below is a link to purchase NEMA 14-50 adapter as well as many other adapters they have available. (select 14-50 adapter from drop down menu)

Tesla Gen 2 NEMA 14-50 Adapter

The adapter plugs into a NEMA 14-50 receptacle. This will need to be installed in the location you choose.

When installing a NEMA 14-50 receptacle, ensure that the electric vehicle charger installer uses an “industrial rated EV charging receptacle”.

There are cheap receptacles that will work but I have seen them burn up within a year because they are not rated for the continuous use an EV charger requires.

Below are pictures of the industrial rated vs. cheap NEMA 14-50 receptacle.

Step 2: Research the manufacturer’s requirements for installing their specific EV charger

Every Electric Vehicle manufacturer usually provides an EV charger that comes standard with the vehicle purchase.

Some EV manufacturers sell additional wall mounted chargers that can charge the vehicle at a faster rate.

The rate of charge for a “fast charger” differs depending on the EV manufacturer.

Tesla, for instance, sells the Universal Wall Connector that charges at a rate of 48 amps.

Rivian sells the Rivian Wall charger that also charges at a rate of 48 amps.

Ford sells the Ford Charge Station Pro that charges at up to 80 amps or charge rate.

In addition to purchasing a fast charger from the manufacturer of your Electric Vehicle, you also have the option to purchase a universal charger from a number of manufacturers.

These chargers are said to be “universal”.

This means that they should be able to be used to charge multiple different types of electric vehicles.

Just because it says universal though, doesn’t mean it will work with your specific electric vehicle.

Make sure to check the list of compatible electric vehicles before purchasing any EV charger.

Below is a list of the Landers Electric recommended universal EV charger:

• Chargepoint Level 2 Home Flex Hardwire Electric Car Charger

Once you have decided on an EV charger, you now need to research what the manufacturer requires for their EV charger installation.

Most manufacturers require the use of a 50 amp or 60 amp breaker and the use of #6 THHN wire. # 6 THHN is rated at 60 amps. If you need to use romex, #6 romex can be used for a 50 amp installation.

For a 60 amp EV charger installation, however, you typically need to upsize the wire to #4 romex because #6 romex is only rated at 55 amps.

The EV charger installation manual should explain all of these details as well as other requirements for the EV charger installation.

Make sure your electric vehicle charger installer installs the EV charger according to the manufacturer’s requirements.

Step 3: Identify the amperage required for the EV charger that will be installed

Identifying the required amperage for your EV charger installation is a simple but crucial step before you can move on to the next step.

To identify the amperage required for your EV charger, follow the steps below:

• Download or Open the EV charger installation manual

• Find the electrical installation section

• Multiply the charge rate by 1.25%

Some manufacturers specifically state the size breaker you need. If they do, you can use the breaker size to size your ampacity needed.

Below are some pictures of the circuit breaker ratings from a Tesla installation manual

Once you have this information, you can now move on to step 4

Step 4: Perform a load calculation to ensure the electrical panel can handle the added load

Performing a proper load calculation is one of the most essential steps in the electrical vehicle charger installer installation process.

A load calculation will tell you whether or not your current electrical system can handle the added load of an EV charger installation.

There are 2 methods to perform a load calculation that complies with the National Electrical Code requirements.

Below are the 2 methods to perform a load calculation for an EV charger installation.

• Whole Building Residential/Commercial Load Calculation

• Load calculation using utility bills

Load Calculation for EV Charger Installation Using Whole Building Residential/Commercial Method

This type of load calculation takes years of knowledge and understanding to complete.

Make sure your electric vehicle charger installer know what they are doing if this is the method they will use.

Load Calculation for EV Charger Installation Using Utility Bills Method

This is the simpler of the 2 methods.

Below are the details as well as pictures from a bill from SDG&E, the local utility company in my area:

1. Download/Open 12 months of utility bills

2. Locate the highest kW (not kWh) usage during each billing cycle.

3. Choose the highest kW usage of the entire 12 month period

4. Find the highest kW of all 12 billing cycles.

5. Multiply the highest usage perior by 1.25%

6. Subtract this number from your electrical panels main breaker amperage

7. Write down this number. This is your available ampacity

8. Find the size of your new EV charger breaker size

9. If your EV charger breaker size is smaller than your available ampacity, you are good to go

10. If it’s not, you will need to upgrade your electrical panel or purchase a smaller EV charger

If you need help, feel free to reach out and we can help.
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Step 5: Upgrade the electrical panel if it cant handle the added EV charger load

If you electric vehicle charger installer runs a load calculation and determines your electrical panel cannot handle the added load of your new EV charger, you will need to upgrade your electrical panel.

This is a great option not only so you have more available ampacity for your new EV charger installation, but because it opens up options for adding more loads in the future.

It also provides your electrical system with a brand new electrical panel that will run more efficiently and safely.

Typical electrical panel upgrades consist of only a few sizes. Which size electrical panel you choose will depend on your curent and future electrical needs.

Below is a list of the most common electrical panel upgrade sizes:

• 125 amp

• 200 amp

• 225 amp

• 400 amp

Prices for an electrical panel upgrade range from $3500 - $20,000 depending on the complexity of your upgrade and whether or not digging needs to be done.

Click here for a detailed breakdown of the electrical panel upgrade process.

Step 6: Determine whether a permit is required for the level 2 EV charger installation

Most cities and counties require a permit in order for an electric vehicle charger installer to complete an EV charger installation.

Your electric vehicle charger installer can call the building department to find out information regarding permits for EV charger installations.

Below is a list of a few cities in the San Diego County area and their websites:

• City of San Diego Building Department

• County of San Diego Building Department

• City of Oceanside Building Department

• City of Vista Building Department

• City of Santee Building Department

• City of San Marcos Building Department

• City of Escondido Building Department

Step 7: Plan the location and conduit path for your EV charger installation

Make sure you discuss with your electric vehicle charger installer the below information:

• What EV you are purchasing

• The location of the charge port on your EV

• Whether you back in or drive straight into your parking space

• The location where you’d like the charger

Keep in mind, the further your EV charger installation is from your electrical panel, the more expensive the install.

EV circuits can be surface mounted to the walls and ceiling of your parking space, or they can be ran in the walls and attic/crawl space.

Once you know the path, you can then move onto step 8.

Step 8: Draft design drawings for the City/AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) if necessary

Once you know the location of the charger and the path it will take from your electrical panel, if a permit is required, your electric vehicle charger installer will need to draft up drawings to submit to your city/county for approval.

These drawings typically include the following:

• Overall Site/Title Plan

• Floor Plan

• Electrical Single Line Plan

• Panel Schedules

• Load Calculations

• Manufacturers Data Sheet

Click Here for the City of San Diego’s Requirements

Step 9: Complete the installation according to the manufacturers specification/requirements

Make sure that your electric vehicle charger installer performs the work you discussed exactly how the manufacturer specified.

Once the installation is complete and if you were required to pull a permit, call for final inspection.

The inspector should spend the time to look for the following:

• Proper Wire Size

• Torqued Terminations

• Compliant Means and Methods

• Proper Voltage Reading

• Correct Breaker That Matched The Electrical Panel Manufacturer

• Final Operation With The Car Charging

Every inspector is different and might not check all these things.

This is why it’s so important to use an electric vehicle charger installer you trust.

Step 10: Test the circuit to ensure proper operation

Congratulations!

You’ve made it to the final step.

Once everything is complete, all that’s left is to plug the car in and make sure it works.

My recommendation, even if you have an EV charger that charger faster than 32 amps, is that you first try charging your EV at the 32 amp rate.

If that meets the needs you have with your daily driving habits, there’s no need to add extra stress on your electrical system charging at a higher rate.

EV Charger Installation in San Diego County – Final Thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the EV charger installation process. Our goal is to make charging your electric vehicle safe, convenient, and fully code-compliant.

If you’re looking for a trusted EV charger installer in San Diego County, Landers Electric is here to help. From permits and load calculations to professional installation and final testing, we handle every step so your system is done right the first time.

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📱 Or Text Us Anytime

Charge with confidence — choose Landers Electric.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charger Installations In San DIego

❓ What are the benefits of a Level 2 EV charger? A Level 2 EV charger, which uses a 240-volt circuit, is a significant upgrade from a standard 120-volt outlet. It can charge your electric vehicle up to 10 times faster, allowing you to fully charge your car overnight and giving you more driving range for your daily commute.

❓ What is the cost of installing an EV charger? The cost of installing an EV charger varies based on your home's existing electrical panel, the distance from the panel to the installation location, and the specific charger you choose. You should always get a professional quote from a licensed electrician for an accurate estimate.

❓ Can I install an EV charger myself? No. Installing a Level 2 EV charger is a complex and potentially dangerous job that involves high-voltage electrical work. It should only be performed by a licensed electrician to ensure the safety of your home and to comply with local and national electrical codes.

❓ How long does an EV charger installation take? Most standard EV charger installations can be completed in a few hours. The entire process, from getting a permit to the final inspection, can be completed in as little as one day, depending on the complexity of the job.

❓ Do I need a permit for an EV charger installation? Yes, a permit is required for an EV charger installation to ensure the work is done safely and according to local electrical codes. A licensed electrician will handle the entire permitting process for you, from start to finish.

❓ What are the differences between a Level 1 and a Level 2 EV charger? A Level 1 charger uses a standard 120-volt outlet and can take over 24 hours for a full charge. A Level 2 charger uses a 240-volt circuit and can charge most electric vehicles in about 4-6 hours. This is the recommended option for homeowners who want to fully charge their car overnight.

❓ What is the difference between a hardwired and a plug-in EV charger? A hardwired EV charger is a safer and more permanent option that is wired directly into your electrical panel. A plug-in charger uses a 240-volt outlet, which is a good choice if you are renting or plan to take the charger with you when you move. Hardwired chargers are generally the preferred option for a permanent installation.

❓ Who do I contact for an EV charger installation? If you need an EV charger installed, you should contact a licensed and insured electrical contractor. For reliable, professional service in San Diego County, you can contact Landers Electric at (760) 690-7517 or visit our website at landerselectric.net to get a quote.

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