Overview

Commercial EV charger installation involves evaluating a property's electrical capacity, preparing the installation site, installing the necessary electrical infrastructure, and connecting and testing the charging equipment. In this blog, JC2 Lighting and Electric explains each stage of the process, when additional electrical work may be necessary, and how long an installation can take.

Highlights

Introduction

Offering EV charging at your business can make your property more convenient for customers, employees, and tenants who drive electric vehicles. Whether you're adding a single charging station or several, providing this amenity can help your property accommodate changing transportation needs and appeal to a wider range of visitors.

However, installing commercial EV chargers involves several stages of electrical and site work, and the requirements can vary considerably between properties. Understanding how the installation process works can help you anticipate what your project may involve, how long it could take, and what to expect before your charging stations are ready for use.

How Do Electricians Evaluate a Property for EV Charging?

Before commercial EV charger installation, electricians evaluate your property's existing electrical system to determine whether it can support the additional demand. This assessment considers the available electrical capacity, the condition and suitability of distribution equipment, and the power requirements of the proposed charging stations.

The findings establish whether the installation can proceed using the existing infrastructure or whether electrical upgrades will be necessary.

Assessing the Existing Electrical Capacity

Electricians examine the building's electrical service, panel ratings, and existing electrical loads to determine how much additional power the system can safely accommodate. This typically involves reviewing electrical records and performing a load calculation that accounts for the property's current demand.

An unused breaker position doesn't necessarily mean there's enough electrical capacity for a charger. EV charging can place a sustained demand on the system, so electricians must confirm that the available capacity is sufficient without overloading existing equipment.

Matching Charger Requirements to the Electrical System

The type and number of chargers you intend to install directly influence the electrical capacity required. Level 2 chargers use alternating-current (AC) power to charge vehicles over several hours, while DC fast chargers deliver direct-current (DC) power for much faster charging. Level 2 chargers are common at offices, retail properties, and other locations where vehicles remain parked for extended periods, while DC fast chargers generally require more extensive electrical infrastructure.

Electricians compare the proposed equipment's power requirements with the building's available capacity and distribution equipment. For multiple charging stations, they'll also consider the combined electrical demand when several vehicles charge simultaneously.

If the existing system has sufficient capacity and suitable equipment, substantial upgrades may be unnecessary. Otherwise, the installation may require additional distribution equipment, increased electrical service capacity, or a compatible load-management system to control charging demand.

How Is the Property Prepared for EV Charger Installation?

Once the electrical requirements are established, electricians identify suitable charger locations and wiring routes. Existing parking arrangements, nearby electrical equipment, and available mounting surfaces influence the work. The chargers must also be positioned so their cables can reach vehicles without creating unnecessary obstructions.

Examining the Installation Area

Before installing equipment, electricians consider several conditions:

  • Electrical access: The location of existing panels and suitable connection points
  • Wiring routes: Available paths for conduit and conductors between the electrical supply and charging stations
  • Mounting surfaces: Whether walls, pedestals, or other supports can accommodate the equipment
  • Vehicle access: Parking arrangements, charging-cable reach, and required clearances
  • Equipment protection: Exposure to weather, vehicle impacts, and other conditions requiring protective measures

A charger installed beside an electrical room may require relatively little wiring, while equipment across a parking area could require underground conduit. Outdoor installations may also involve protective barriers, excavation, or surface restoration.

Accessibility requirements can influence charging-station placement and the surrounding parking layout. The applicable requirements depend on the property, installation scope, and local regulations.

What Electrical Work Is Involved in Installing EV Chargers?

Once the property's electrical capacity and installation requirements have been established, electricians can begin installing the infrastructure needed to power the charging stations. The scope of work depends on whether the existing electrical system can accommodate the chargers or requires modifications to support their operation.

Installing Dedicated Circuits and Electrical Infrastructure

Commercial EV chargers generally require dedicated circuits designed to handle their electrical demand. Electricians install appropriately sized conductors, circuit breakers, and grounding components to provide a safe, reliable electrical supply.

The work also involves running conduit to protect the wiring between the building's electrical distribution equipment and the charging stations. In parking garages, conduit may be mounted along walls or ceilings, while outdoor installations may require underground runs.

If the existing electrical system has sufficient capacity, installing these circuits and their associated components may be the primary electrical work required.

Completing Necessary Electrical System Upgrades

When the existing electrical infrastructure cannot adequately support the proposed chargers, electricians may need to modify or expand it before connecting the equipment.

Depending on the property's requirements, this work may involve:

  • Installing a subpanel: Adding a secondary electrical panel to distribute power to the charging stations
  • Modifying distribution equipment: Replacing or expanding existing components to accommodate the required circuits
  • Upgrading electrical service: Increasing the building's available electrical supply when existing capacity is insufficient

For properties installing multiple chargers, a compatible load-management system can reduce the need for certain capacity upgrades. These systems regulate the combined charging demand to keep it within the property's available electrical limits.

Not every installation requires these modifications. When the existing electrical system is suitable, electricians can proceed with installing the necessary charging circuits without making substantial changes to the building's infrastructure.

How Are Commercial EV Charging Stations Installed?

After the electrical supply is prepared, electricians mount the charging equipment and connect it to the installed circuits. Wall-mounted chargers require suitable structural support, while freestanding units may need pedestals anchored to prepared foundations. The equipment must be secured according to the manufacturer's instructions, with appropriate access to electrical connections and serviceable components.

Outdoor charging stations may also require bollards or other protective barriers to prevent vehicles from striking the equipment. Once the mounting work is complete, electricians connect the chargers to their electrical supply.

Connecting Charging Equipment and Controls

Electricians connect the charging units to their prepared electrical supply, securing the connections according to the manufacturer's specifications. They also check that the equipment enclosures are properly assembled and that electrical components are safely enclosed.

Some commercial chargers include networking, payment functions, user authentication, or remote monitoring. Depending on the equipment, installation may involve connecting communication hardware and configuring charging settings, including load-management functions for multiple chargers. A public charging station with payment processing generally requires more configuration than a basic charger serving company vehicles.

What Happens After the EV Chargers Are Installed?

Once the equipment is mounted and connected, electricians inspect the completed installation and perform appropriate tests. These checks help identify wiring defects, equipment problems, or configuration errors before the charging stations enter regular service.

Electrical Testing and Operational Checks

Final verification can include:

  • Circuit checks: Confirming the electrical supply and circuit protection are appropriate for the equipment
  • Connection checks: Examining accessible electrical terminations and grounding connections
  • Equipment startup: Verifying that the charging station powers on and completes its startup procedures
  • Charging operation: Confirming that the equipment can communicate with a compatible vehicle and initiate charging
  • System configuration: Checking applicable access controls, network connections, or load-management settings

Electricians may also review fault indicators or diagnostic information provided by the charging equipment. If testing reveals an electrical problem, configuration error, or equipment malfunction, the issue must be investigated and corrected before normal operation.

Once the installation has passed the necessary checks, the property owner or operator can receive instructions for using the equipment, managing charging access, and monitoring its operation.

How Long Does Commercial EV Charger Installation Take?

Installing a single commercial Level 2 EV charger may take approximately 4-8 hours of on-site work when the existing electrical system has sufficient capacity and minimal additional infrastructure is required. This estimate covers installing the necessary circuit, mounting and connecting the charger, and testing its operation.

More complex installations can take several days or longer, particularly when the work involves multiple chargers, underground wiring, or electrical panel and service upgrades. DC fast chargers generally require more extensive infrastructure and longer installation schedules.

The overall project timeline may also include equipment delivery, permits, inspections, and utility coordination, which can extend the time before the chargers are ready for use. An electrician can provide a more accurate estimate after evaluating the property and determining the installation requirements.

Get Commercial EV Chargers Installed at Your Property

Offering EV charging at your commercial property can make your business more convenient for customers, employees, and tenants while accommodating the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. With a properly installed charging system, you can provide a reliable charging option that meets the needs of your property and its users.

JC2 Lighting and Electric installs EV charging stations at commercial properties, completing the electrical connections, circuit installations, and necessary infrastructure upgrades. Our electricians work with your property's existing electrical system to deliver properly connected charging equipment.

If you need answers to more questions, or you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us at (720) 798-1100. We’re ready to take your call.