Before install day
After the quote is approved, two things happen before a crew shows up at your house.
First, we pull the permit. EV charger installation requires a permit in every jurisdiction we work in across California and Arizona. The permit names the electrical contractor (us), the project scope (the circuit and the hardware), and the inspection slot. Most permits are issued within 1 to 3 business days.
Second, we confirm the install date and the arrival window. The day before, we call or text with the truck, the lead electrician on the job, and a one-hour arrival window. No phone tag on the morning of.
The arrival window
The crew arrives within the window confirmed the day before. Two electricians for a standard residential install. They walk the site with you: confirm the panel location, the install location, the conduit run path, and any questions about where switches or outlets go. This walk takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Then they set up. Drop cloths on the floor near the panel. Bring in the wire pull, conduit, hardware, and tools. Plug in their drop light if the area is dim.
The install itself
Power is shut off at the main breaker before any work inside the panel. That kills electricity in the house for the panel-side work, typically 30 to 60 minutes depending on the layout.
The new dedicated 240V circuit goes in: breaker added to the panel, wire run through conduit from the panel to the install location, and the EV charger mounted to the wall. Conduit runs are clean and code-compliant. For runs that cross attic space or exit the structure, we use the shortest practical path with conduit straps where required.
Once the wire is pulled and terminated, power goes back on. The charger is energized and tested. We confirm it negotiates with the car correctly and pulls the expected amperage under load.
Cleanup and handoff
Drop cloths come up. The crew vacuums the install area, removes packaging, and bundles trash for the truck. We walk you through how to use the app or pairing process for whatever charger you picked, and answer questions about ongoing operation.
Total time on the day: 2 to 4 hours for a straightforward install. Add another hour or two for installs that involve a long conduit run, second-story work, or a panel that needs sub-circuit rearrangement.
After install day
Permit-clean work means an inspection still has to close the permit. The inspector schedules within 1 to 5 business days of the install completing, depending on the jurisdiction. You do not need to be present for most inspections. If access to the panel and the charger from outside is possible, the inspector handles it directly. If the panel is inside, we coordinate access.
After inspection sign-off, the permit closes. Your charger is permitted, inspected, and warranty-clean for both the hardware and the install.
Common questions on install day
How long is the power off? Usually 30 to 60 minutes during the panel-side work. The fridge holds. WiFi router goes out, so download anything time-sensitive before we shut off.
Can I be on a video call during the install? Yes. The drill noise is the loudest part and only lasts a few minutes for the mounting bracket. Schedule any critical calls for after 12pm if the install is scheduled for the morning window.
Do I need to clear anything before the crew arrives? Make sure the path from the truck to the panel and from the panel to the install location is clear of furniture and personal items. We move what needs moving but it speeds things up if you clear it first.
Wrapping up
EV charger installation is a tight, predictable single-day project for most homes. See our EV charger installation services for the full scope or request a free quote to get a real number for your house.
