With all the upheaval regarding electric vehicle tax credits and what is happening with the entire industry, you may be considering installing an at-home EV charger, especially a high-powered Level 2 charger like a Tesla Wall Connector, before it is too late to take advantage of the tax breaks. It is a smart move for convenience and efficiency, with possible long-term savings as well, but the process doesn’t end when the charger is mounted on your wall and connected to your panel. In most areas, permitting and inspection are essential final steps that ensure your installation is safe, legal, and up to code.
If you're wondering what happens after your home EV charger is installed, we’ll walk you through Permitting and Inspection 101. From what’s required, who handles it, and why it matters for your safety and property value.
The most dangerous part of installing a level 2 charger is that it involves working with high-voltage wiring, modifying your home’s electrical panel, and potentially altering structural or exterior elements.
Due to this, almost all local governments and utility providers require permits and post-installation inspections to ensure:
Skipping permits or failing inspections can result in fines, insurance issues, or even the need to uninstall and redo the work.
In nearly all cases, the licensed electrician handling your EV charger installation will apply for the necessary electrical permits on your behalf. This is part of their professional responsibility and ensures that the project begins with official oversight.
A permit typically includes details such as:
The local building or electrical department reviews the permit before approving it.
Once the permit is approved, the electrician will install it in compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) standards and any local code variations. Depending on your home’s existing setup, this may include:
After installation, the electrician typically performs an internal test to ensure the unit is functioning properly before scheduling the inspection.
As with the previous steps, an electrician or contractor who pulled the permit is also responsible for scheduling the inspection. They’ll coordinate with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)—typically the city or county building department.
Inspections are often scheduled within a few days to a week after installation, depending on the local office’s workload. In some locales, virtual inspections are now available, especially for simpler residential setups.
A city or county electrical inspector will come to your home to examine the installation and ensure everything complies with safety and building codes.
They’ll typically check for:
This process usually takes less than 30 minutes if everything is in order.
If the inspector finds everything is safe and code-compliant, they’ll approve the installation and close the permit. You’ll receive documentation (often digitally) confirming your EV charger is legally installed and approved.
In the event of issues, the inspector will issue a list of corrections, and the electrician will return to make changes before a reinspection is scheduled.
Many EV charger incentives, such as rebates from your electric utility or tax credits, require proof of permitted and inspected installation. Without that, you could miss out on hundreds of dollars in savings.
Additionally, if you ever sell your home, having a permitted EV charger installation on record adds value and helps avoid hiccups during the inspection process.
When you invest in a home EV charger, don’t overlook the importance of permits and inspections. We will not only install your system properly, but we’ll also navigate the post-install process to ensure your setup is fully approved, documented, and safe.
So if your electrician says, “We’ll schedule the inspection next week,” you’re in good hands. It’s the final piece in turning your home into a fully equipped EV charging station—and it’s well worth doing right.