Frequently asked questions

How much does a standard installation of an EV charger cost?

There are often too many factors to consider when pricing the installation of an EV charger to just give a standard price. I will always attend site to meet my client and scope out the job so I can provide the most accurate pricing possible from the outset. Factors that contribute are:

  • Length from switchboard to EV install point which determines complexity of run but also cable sizing requirements.

  • Age of switchboard and ability to handle the increased load (which can be managed through smart load management or may require a board upgrade entirely).

  • The brand you use and power output of the unit.

  • If there is any requirement to install a physical barrier to prevent a vehicle driving into the charger and damaging it.

  • Where your cars charging port is relative to where a charger can realistically be installed.

What are indicators telling me that I should upgrade my switchboard?

If you as a non electrician look at your switchboard and think its old then thats a pretty good indicator. The following are big signs that your switchboard and potentially the wiring itself may be due for an upgrade.

  • Ceramic Fuses, these look like they are made out of the same material as your toilet bowl or plates. This is dated protection that is designed to protect the cable over heating but often I have seen these fuses "repaired" by home owners after they have blown with the wrong size fuse wire leading to an extremely hazardous situation where the cabling can then overheat without the fuse blowing in time - an all too real possibility with the increased electrical load in our homes.

  • Your "Main Switch" is not thermo rated and instead only operates on manual operation like someone turning a light switch on or off. Often seen in setups with ceramic fuses, a simple switch without thermo sensitivity will not trip when the entire installation draws too much current.

  • Your backing panel board (the black board all your electrical gear is mounted to) is asbestos, is not enclosed and is right near your front door. Asbestos was used in electrical installations due to its heat resistant properties. However these dating backing panels degrade with time and release asbestos dust that can blow itself over shoes, entry mats and inside the house if the front door is open.

  • Cabling. This is a big one, its something that you may not be able to see unless you pull the panel of the switchboard off, and of course in order to do that you must be licensed to do so. Dated cabling is a severe fire risk and some cabling still in service today is so brittle that when removing it as part of a house rewire I can stand in front of the customer and "snap" the cable like a twig. Something a rodent could easily do by chewing or disturbing it - thereby creating the fire risk.

How long does it take to install an EV charger?

Anywhere from 2-4 hours is generally the time frame.

Do you do normal electrical work like power points and lighting as well?

Yes I can, whilst I primarily seek out the installation of EV chargers and upgrades of switchboards I can complete other electrical work within your home.

I found someone that will do it cheaper, can you match their price?

Different business, different overheads, different levels of service. I can guarantee you I am not the cheapest electrician and there is a good reason for that. My training was primarily in architecturally designed homes in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Im sure you can imagine the expectations of the clients, builders, architects and my boss. As a result of this I came to carry that same standard into my own business once I started, and the feedback from clients on my start to finish service was nothing but positive. 90% of electrical work you don't see, think about that for a moment. You better trust the person that is installing the cables, appliances and fixtures in your home because your never going to see the majority of what they are doing. I will always provide a copy of a compliance certificates at the end of my job to show you that what I have done is by the book and I stand behind my work.

How long does it take to upgrade a switchboard?

An external main switchboard can take anywhere from 3-5 hours to complete. However something to keep in mind is that the new switch gear devices may pick up hazardous faults that previous ceramic fuses failed to do which may require some fault finding to resolve the issue. This is a good things because it means the new protection devices have picked something up that could have been catastrophic to your home or the people in it. I always have an allowance for some time to rectify these issues but anything requiring significant repair will come at an extra cost, this will always be discussed with you before commencing.