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Bringing home a new electric vehicle is an exciting milestone. You're getting cutting-edge technology, instant torque, and the freedom of never visiting a gas station again. But before you can enjoy that convenience, there’s one critical step: installing the home charging station.

It’s tempting to think of this as a simple appliance setup, but installing an EV charger is a major electrical project. It is not a DIY job or a task for a general handyman.

Hiring the right EV charger installer is the single most important decision you'll make for your vehicle and your home's safety. In New Jersey, this decision is even more critical due to specific state regulations. Using an unlicensed or unqualified installer can lead to devastating consequences—and it’s a risk you don't need to take.

The Serious Risks of an Improper EV Charger Installation

A Level 2 EV charger isn't like a toaster. It pulls a massive amount of electricity, typically 30 to 50 amps, on a continuous basis for hours at a time. This puts a significant, sustained strain on your home's electrical system. If the installation isn't performed by a qualified professional, the risks are severe.

Fire Hazards: The most significant risk is an electrical fire. An improperly sized wire, a loose connection, or an overloaded circuit can overheat, melting insulation and igniting surrounding materials.
Voided Homeowner's Insurance: If a fire or electrical damage is traced back to an unpermitted, non-code-compliant installation, your insurance provider has grounds to deny the entire claim, leaving you with catastrophic financial losses.
Damage to Your EV's Battery: Your car’s battery is its most expensive component. Improper voltage, poor grounding, or "dirty" power from a faulty installation can damage the sensitive onboard charger or even the battery pack itself—a repair that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Why "EV Charger Installer" Must Mean "Licensed NJ Electrician"

In the state of New Jersey, the law is clear. Any work that involves installing a new electrical circuit—which a Level 2 EV charger always requires—must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Here is what a true professional EV charger installer like Sperry Electric (NJ License #18720) does that an unlicensed handyman cannot:

Pulls the Correct Permits: An EV charger installation is classified as "Minor Work" under the NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC). This means a permit must be filed with your local municipality (whether in Morris, Bergen, or Passaic County) before work begins. A licensed contractor is the only one who can legally pull these permits.
Passes the Final Inspection: After the installation, the work must be inspected by your local code official. This inspection is your ultimate guarantee that the job was done safely and to code. A licensed electrician stands by their work and ensures it passes.
Performs a Load Calculation: A true professional won't just "slap in a breaker." They will perform a load calculation on your home's electrical panel to ensure it can safely handle the new, heavy load of the charger.
Identifies the Need for an Upgrade: If your home has an older 100-amp panel, it may not have the capacity for an EV charger. A licensed electrician is qualified to identify this and perform the necessary panel upgrade, ensuring your entire home's electrical system is safe and robust.
Your Checklist for Hiring an EV Installer in Northern NJ

Don't be afraid to ask your potential installer these questions:

"Are you a licensed electrical contractor in New Jersey?" Ask for their license number. (Ours is #18720).
"Will you be pulling a permit for this installation?" If they say "it's not needed" or "it's cheaper without one," run.
"Are you fully insured and bonded?" This protects you and your property.
"Do you have experience with my specific charger?" We are certified ChargePoint installers and have extensive experience with all major brands, including Tesla.
Your EV was a major investment. Protect it, your home, and your family by entrusting the installation to a licensed, insured, and experienced professional.

Ready to get your EV charger installed safely and correctly? Contact Sperry Electric for a free quote from a licensed Northern New Jersey EV charger installer.