EV Charger Installation: Panels & Permits

Considering installing a Level 2 charger in your garage? The process is less daunting — and less dangerous — when you know about panel capacity, permits and inspections. From the idea to the first fast charge at HVH Electric, your electrician Los Angeles From ideal to first fast charge: This is how electric trucks are charged. Throughout the journey, we sprinkle in essential tips to make sure you're up to code and prepared for tomorrow's new energy demands.

Why EV Charger Installation Requires Planning

An EV charger draws much more current than a typical 120-volt outlet. Without proper wiring and circuit protection, you could risk breaker trips, fire hazards or even voided insurance. A thoughtful plan also lets you take advantage of local rebates and keeps your system in line with California’s strict energy codes. With professional electrical services in LA, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy the confidence that your new charger—as well as the balance of your home—will work flawlessly for years to come.

Step 1: Evaluating Your Current Electrical Panel

Panel load calculation is the best place to start. A typical Level 2 charger today requires a 40- to 60-amp dedicated breaker on 240 V. So if your main service panel is already full and includes 100-amp service (which would include sub-panel circuits for an added kitchen, a heating and cooling system, or a solar electric system), adding an additional charger may exceed its safe operating limit. An HVH Electric technician takes National Electrical Code (NEC) calculations and adds real-time load testing to determine if there is room to spare, or if it’s time to upgrade. A failure to include this step can result in nuisance tripping — or, worse, overheating conductors buried in walls.

Step 2: Selecting Which Level Charger

Los Angeles homeowners usually choose from:

• Level 1 (120 V, 12–16 A) – Adds about 4 miles of range per hour; best for plug-in hybrids or extremely light daily driving.
• Level 2 (240 V, 32–48 A) – 25–35 miles of range per hour; ideal for full-battery EVs.
• Future-proof Level 2+ (80 A) units – Ideal for 400-mile-range electric SUVs coming over the next couple of years.

Our electric pros help you size charger amperage to driving habits, utility rates and solar/battery setup. The machine is such an investment that in a lot of case, the only option, if you need to use software features it is not compatible with, is buying test fixtures.

Step 3: When and Why to Replace the Panel

If your home predates the 1990s, the original 100-amp panel could be too small. First, update to 200 amps (or more) if you want to run an electric vehicle charger, an induction cooktop, a heat-pump water heater and a home office without having lights flicker. Ensure that you are not interrupting other subpanels by checking the wire runs and choose a free terminal for the feeder wire you install across the feeder inlet sumbangs. Some subpanels must be disconnected to clear a working space. HVH Electric handles all of the upgrade work: coordinating service disconnects with LADWP, installing a new main breaker, installing a properly sized grounding electrode system, and labeling every circuit for future inspectors. An upgrade also improves a home’s resale value — buyers can see it is set for the breakneck move to all-electric living.

Step 4 - How to Get a Permit in Los Angeles: What You Need

An electrical permit is required for all electrical work in the City of Los Angeles, including EV charger installations, whether it’s a simple NEMA 14-50 outlet or hard-wired wall unit. You can apply for a permit online, and most Level 2 residential jobs are eligible for over-the-counter approval with load calculations. Documents your contractor should file:

• One line diagram of the circuit additions and any panel changes
• Load calculation worksheet
• Charger manufacturer's cut sheet (which indicates UL or ETL listing)
• Site plan if conduit routes outside

Post rough-in, an LADBS inspector confirms conductor size, breaker size, GFCI protection and lugs are torqued before final sign off.

Step 5: D-Day (Inspection) and Sign Off for Good

Look for the inspection 3–5 days after you schedule it. The inspector will:

• Ensure that conduit fill and bend radius is within NEC Chapter 9 tables
• Verify bonding jumper to the ground bar
• Load cycle the charger to ensure that the voltage drop is limited to within 5 %

Since HVH Electric pulls permits under our C-10 license, we are able to meet the inspector on the job and resolve any punch-list items right there—saving you a return visit and a second inspection fee.

Rebates and Incentives for LA Residents

You can get up to $500 for an eligible Level 2 charger, plus $250 for a dedicated EV time-of-use meter through LADWP. You may get more credit if you upgrade to a new panel that is demand-response capable. HVH Electric fills out all the rebate paperwork for you, including a sign-off from the inspector and the serial numbers, so that way your application just flies right through. These incentives speed up payback time, and the city of Los Angeles would certainly need more EVs to hit its goal of having 80 % of all vehicles be EVs by 2035.

Why it is Necessary to Hire a Licensed Electrician in LA

EV charger programs consist of high current, utility interconnect rules, and local code revisions. We carry liability insurance and stay up to date with the annual NEC updates. Choosing HVH Electric means:

• Honest pricing: no surprises on permit costs or panel hardware
• Code-ready craftsmanship: we follow NEC Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charge System
• Full service electrical: from trenching out conduit outside to solar inverters installed and integrated

And, every installation is logged by our team in a secure CRM, so when you add a second EV, we have load data already and can fast-track your next project.

Conclusion

Adding an EV charger is not a weekend project—it’s a precise electrical upgrade that safeguards your home and maximizes the convenience and time-saving potential of clean driving. With a thorough panel review, the necessary permits and HVH Electric’s professional installer work your charge will be secure and you’ll be up to code in Los Angeles. Contact our electric services team to make an appointment for a complimentary load consultation, and keep your move toward all-electric living, on the fast track.