Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing an EV Charger at Home

1. Skipping a Home Electrical Assessment

The first and most common mistake is getting an EV charger installed without checking your home's electrical system. Every home has different load capacity, and high-power chargers are not compatible everywhere. One of my neighbours got a charger installed without a survey, and as soon as he did it, the MCB started tripping repeatedly. A certified installer always does a site inspection first to find out if the wiring, circuit board, and fuse will support the load charger. If you skip this step, you could face costly upgrades and electrical hazards later. A pre-installation assessment is essential for safety and compatibility.

2. Choosing the Wrong Type of EV Charger

There are multiple EV charger models available in the market today – smart, basic, fast, tethered, untethered but not all suit your needs. Many people just order the charger after looking at the trending or cheapest option, without understanding whether their EV model is compatible with it or not. One of my cousins bought an expensive smart charger which was not compatible with his single-phase connection. Result? Reinstallation cost and whole process again. To choose the right charger, you need to understand your EV's onboard charger capacity, daily mileage, and home energy setup. A certified installer can help you in this decision.

3. Not Using an OZEV Approved Installer

Another major mistake is getting the installation done by a non-certified electrician. OZEV approved EV charger installer has proper training, license and standards required for EV charger installation. If you choose a non-approved installer, you could miss out on government grants and the warranty could also be void. A friend of mine hired an uncertified installer just to save money and later when the charger turned out to be faulty, he got no support. Always verify the installer's OZEV certification and installation experience. This is a one-time setup, so do not compromise on quality and credibility.

4. Ignoring Future-Proofing During Installation

Today you may be using an EV, but tomorrow you can buy a hybrid or dual EV setup. But if you have not thought about future proofing at the time of charger installation, you will have to do a complete upgrade again. Many people buy basic chargers on the basis of short-term thinking, without thinking how their usage will change in the next 5 years. Installation of Smart chargers that allow dual charging support, solar integration or app-based scheduling becomes a long-term investment. If your installer is experienced, he will suggest you a future-ready solution.

5. Overlooking Placement and Accessibility

The location of the charger is also equally important. Many people install the charger anywhere just by looking at the wall, without thinking whether the charging cable will be easily accessible or not, or whether the parking layout will change in future. One of my colleagues got the charger installed in a corner of the garage, and then had to adjust the car to the wire daily which became an unnecessary headache. The placement of the charger should be at a spot which is easily accessible, the cable is not tangled, and is safe from rainy weather. Good installers recommend you the best spot based on practicality.

6. Forgetting Wi-Fi or Smart Charger Connectivity

If you are installing a smart charger, you also have to think about setting up Wi-Fi or internet connection. Many people buy smart chargers but choose a location where there is no signal. Result? The charger does not connect to the app. A friend of mine installed a Hypervolt charger but the signal in his driveway was weak – and he was not able to use the remote features. So always ensure that there is a reliable internet connection near the installation point. Smart features are useful only when they work properly.

7. Ignoring Safety Features and Surge Protection

Many people ignore safety features during EV charger installation. Surge protection, earthing, MCB rating – all these are small things that prevent major safety issues in the long term. A friend of mine had to deal with a power surge issue that damaged his charger just because proper surge protection was not installed. Certified installers do the installation as per safety codes, but with DIY or an inexperienced electrician you may miss these precautions. Always ask your installer about safety components before installation begins.

8. Not Considering Tethered vs Untethered Chargers

Many people choose the charger type without thinking – tethered or untethered. In tethered charger the cable is fixed whereas in untethered a different cable is used. One of my cousins found tethered charger convenient initially but later when he bought a second EV whose port was on the other side, fixed cable became an issue. A different choice is better according to every home and car setup. So think practically: from which side do you charge the car, do you plan to shift the charger in future or not, consider everything.

9. Relying Only on Manufacturer Recommendations

Many times people depend solely on the EV manufacturer's suggestion for the charger model. But every home's setup is unique - and just recommending a brand is not enough. The manufacturer gives general guidance, but the model should be selected based on your home's load, circuit type and usage needs. One of my neighbours installed a suggested charger, which was not compatible with his home power supply. Always balance brand advice with a qualified installer's inspection.

10. Neglecting Post-Installation Support and Maintenance

What after installation? Many people don't even think about this. Charger got plugged in means the work is over but in reality you need regular updates, firmware installations and sometimes troubleshooting as well. If you clarify with the installer whether their post-installation support is included, then you can get ready help in case of any problem in the future. I had one experience when the charger suddenly stopped responding and thankfully the installer solved the issue within minutes through remote support. So always ask: “What happens after installation?”