Installing my Electric Car Charger - What Could Go Wrong??
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This video documents Linus and crew installing a Level 2 electric car charger in a home garage, transitioning from the standard 120 volt charger to a higher-powered 240 volt unit. The host explains basic charging concepts for an electric vehicle, noting that Level 1 charging on 120 volts is slow, and that the Level 2 Siemens charger chosen for the project can deliver substantially more power when wired to a 30 amp 240 volt circuit. A professional electrician named Brian is on site to handle the wiring, while Linus provides logistical and safety context, including foreseeing potential issues and planning a clean and accessible installation location. Early on, the team discusses the charger’s placement in the garage, ensuring the chosen spot is reachable and practical for everyday use, and they address how the existing 120 volt unit compares in performance to the new Level 2 option. The episode moves through a hands-on build, including routing the conductors, mounting a drop, and upgrading the electrical panel with an old-style breaker, while also confronting real-world challenges like ceiling access, cable protection, and the occasional improvisation with tools and materials. The process is documented with light-hearted banter and a focus on safety and craftsmanship, culminating in a working charging setup that the host claims will significantly reduce charging times for a full EV in future tests, with caveats about the current car’s power draw and the existing electrical load in the house.
Topics · electric-vehicles · home-improvement · technology · garages-and-workshops · consumer-electronics
Questions answered
- What is the difference between a level one and a level two EV charger?
- Level one charges at 120 volts and about 1400 watts, suitable for overnight charging but very slow for EVs. Level two charges run at 240 volts and higher amperage, allowing substantially faster charging, roughly four times faster on the setup shown.
- Why was a 240 volt Level 2 charger chosen for this install?
- Because it provides faster charging on a dedicated 240 volt circuit, which is important for real-world EV usage and future-proofing for more capable electric cars.
- What safety steps are highlighted during the install?
- Work is done with a licensed electrician, power was discussed as being shut off for safety, and the team emphasizes proper cable routing, insulation, and securing connections to protect against hazards.
- What challenges or mistakes are shown during the build?
- The video demonstrates some improvisation, cable routing decisions, and occasional missteps with tool placement, which are then corrected, illustrating a real-world, learn-as-you-go approach.
- What is the expected outcome of the install?
- A functional Level 2 EV charging setup in the garage that can charge a plug-in hybrid faster than the stock 120 volt unit, with the potential for faster charging times for future, more powerful EVs.