How Long Does It Take to Install an EV Charger?

How Long Does It Take to Install an EV Charger in Colorado

If you recently purchased an electric vehicle, you probably felt a mix of excitement and a little anxiety. The excitement comes from quiet acceleration and lower fuel costs. The anxiety shows up the first time you realize your portable Level 1 charging cord adds only four or five miles of range per hour.

That is normally the moment when homeowners in Colorado start searching for EV charger installation services and wonder how long the entire process takes.

The good news is that installing a home EV charger is often faster and easier than many people expect. The exception is when a home electrical system needs a little extra attention before the installation can begin.

Since The Electricians are certified Tesla installers and among the top EV charger experts in Colorado, we can walk you through exactly what to expect.

This guide explains the full installation timeline, common electrical upgrades that influence the schedule, and why choosing the right licensed electrician matters for both speed and safety.

What Affects EV Charger Installation Time

Even though most EV installations take just a few hours, the exact timeline depends on several important factors. Some are predictable. Others involve surprises hidden behind an electrical panel cover.

Condition of the Electrical Panel

The first and most important variable is your electrical panel. A Level 2 EV charger requires a dedicated circuit, sufficient amperage, and available breaker space. If your home has a modern 200 amp panel with several open slots, installation usually moves quickly.

If your panel is older, full, or overloaded, the electrician may recommend an electrical panel upgrade before the charger is installed.

Panel upgrades add time to the project because they require a permit, inspection, and a full replacement of the existing panel. This step dramatically improves safety and capacity, especially for homeowners planning future additions like hot tubs, pool equipment, or kitchen appliances.

Location of the Charger

The distance between your electrical panel and the desired charger location affects how much wiring is needed. Mounting a charger a few feet from the panel takes very little time.

Mounting it across a finished garage, up a wall, through an attic, or outside on a detached structure increases the installation time.

Type of Charger

Level 2 chargers vary in amperage and wiring requirements. A 48 amp Tesla Wall Connector requires thicker wires than a small 30 amp charger.

Higher amperage means more attention to your home’s electrical load and more time spent verifying safety.

Permits and Inspections

Colorado requires permits for most EV charger installations. A simple permit is often approved quickly, but timelines vary by municipality.

After the installation, a local inspector must confirm that the work meets NEC safety standards.

Condition of Existing Wiring

Old wiring, damaged wires and cables, or loose connections inside a junction box can slow an installation.

Your electrician will address wear and tear before completing the job. This helps prevent short circuits, electric shock hazards, and long term electrical system issues.

Typical EV Charger Installation Timeline in Colorado

Most homeowners want to know the punchline. How long does it take to install an EV charger

In the average home with no electrical upgrades required, the installation itself takes two to four hours. This includes mounting the charger, running a dedicated circuit, connecting the wiring, testing the unit with a voltage tester, and verifying safe operation.

Here is what a typical project timeline looks like.

Step 1. On Site Assessment

Some homeowners benefit from an in person assessment, although many installations can be quoted virtually. The electrician checks your electrical panel, confirms breaker capacity, reviews the mounting location, and identifies potential obstacles. Assessment time is normally thirty minutes.

Step 2. Permit Approval

Permits in Colorado can take anywhere from one day to one week depending on the city. Many Denver area municipalities process EV permits quickly because the state encourages home EV charging. Once the permit is approved, installation can be scheduled.

Step 3. Installation Day

Actual installation time is normally two to four hours. Tesla chargers and other popular Level 2 units follow a similar process. The Electricians prepare the work area, run conduit if needed, make all electrical connections, secure the charger, and test the system using industry standard tools.

Step 4. Inspection

After the installation, the city inspector verifies that the work meets NEC code requirements. Inspections often occur within a few days of installation. Once approved, the homeowner can use the charger freely.

How Long Does It Take an Electrician to Install an EV Charger

A licensed electrician can typically complete a standard installation in the same two to four hour window.

Complex projects can take longer if drywall needs to be opened, long wire runs are required, or multiple chargers are being installed for a two EV household.

Homes that need electrical panel upgrades or dedicated kitchen circuits added for load balancing will require more time.

A panel replacement usually takes six to eight hours and may be scheduled for a different day than the charger installation.

The 80 Percent Rule for EV Charging

The 80 percent rule is part of the National Electric Code. It states that continuous electrical loads must not exceed 80 percent of a circuit’s capacity. Since EV chargers operate for long periods, they are considered continuous loads.

For example, a 50 amp circuit can power a charger that draws up to 40 amps. This rule ensures the wires, connections, and breakers remain within safe operating temperatures and helps prevent electrical fires.

The Electricians follow all NEC requirements on every installation. Safety comes first, especially for high load appliances like EV chargers.

Can a Normal Electrician Install an EV Charger

Any licensed electrician can physically install a charger, but not every electrician is experienced with EV charging equipment. Since EV chargers involve significant load calculations, precise wiring, and sometimes panel upgrades, it is wise to hire electricians who install chargers regularly.

The Electricians are certified Tesla installers and handle a wide range of EV charger brands. Homeowners in Colorado benefit from specialized experience, faster installation, and safer long term operation.

Tesla Charger Installation vs Other Brands

Tesla Wall Connectors remain popular due to their reliability and sleek design. They also pair well with Tesla vehicles and provide fast Level 2 home charging.

Other brands, including ChargePoint and Emporia, work with nearly all electric vehicles. Installation time for Tesla chargers is similar to other Level 2 chargers, although Tesla units often allow cleaner mounting due to their compact form.

The main difference is compatibility. Tesla owners usually prefer Tesla chargers for convenience, but The Electricians install all major Level 2 brands and can recommend the best match for your driving habits.

Permit Requirements in Colorado

Colorado requires a permit for most Level 2 charger installations because the work involves adding a dedicated circuit and increasing the home’s electrical load. The permit ensures that the installation follows safety standards and that the home can support the new charger.

In many Colorado cities, permit approval happens within a day or two. Inspections occur shortly after installation. Homeowners receive full documentation once the final inspection is completed.

Why The Electricians Are the Best Choice in Colorado

The Electricians are known for expertise, transparent communication, and exceptional workmanship. EV charger installation is one of our specialties. With hundreds of completed installs across the Denver metro area, our team understands both the technical and practical sides of home charging.

We also help homeowners determine if their electrical panel needs an upgrade, how to position the charger for convenience, and how to get the most out of their EV charging setup.

Homeowners choose us because we arrive prepared, work cleanly, and finish installations quickly without cutting corners. Our team provides a wide range of electrical services including dedicated circuits, outlet repair, electrical panel upgrades, and home electrical inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an EV charger install take

Most installations take two to four hours once the electrician arrives onsite. This timeline applies to homes that already have an electrical panel with enough capacity and available breaker space.

How long does it take an electrician to install an EV charger

A licensed electrician typically completes the installation within a few hours. Jobs that require panel upgrades or long wire runs take longer.

What is the 80 percent rule for EV charging

The 80 percent rule limits continuous electrical loads to 80 percent of a circuit’s capacity. EV chargers fall into the continuous load category, so they must follow this safety standard.

Can a normal electrician install an EV charger

A licensed electrician can install a charger, but homeowners benefit from choosing an electrician who specializes in EV charging. This ensures proper load calculations and safe long term operation.

Do you need a permit for EV charger installation in Colorado

Yes. Nearly all Level 2 installations require a permit. The Electricians handle the entire process.

How long does it take to get a permit in Colorado

Most Colorado cities issue EV charger permits within one to seven days. The exact timeline depends on the municipality.

Conclusion

Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is one of the best upgrades for convenience and daily comfort. Fortunately, the installation is usually fast and straightforward when performed by experienced professionals.

Whether you need a simple install or a full electrical panel upgrade, The Electricians deliver safe, professional results you can rely on.

If you want fast, clean, code compliant work from the top EV charger installers in Colorado, we are ready to help.

Schedule a Free Estimate today.