2026: Unlawful to DIY Install L2 Chargers

[SonicBlue]

Thanks for nothing, evil Republicans!! (J/k, this has nothing to with politics, and instead appears to be driven by union protectionism).

https://www.motortrend.com/news/nec-2026-diy-home-ev-charger-install-ban

Now, practically speaking, all this means is that DIYers just won’t pull a permit to install hardwired systems (as if many do anyway), or if they actually pull a permit to install a 240v receptacle they’ll just lie that it’s for something other than a charger.

But it’s still interesting.

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[lifebythemile]

Thanks for nothing, evil Republicans!! (J/k, this has nothing to with politics, and instead appears to be driven by union protectionism).

https://www.motortrend.com/news/nec-2026-diy-home-ev-charger-install-ban

Now, practically speaking, all this means is that DIYers just won’t pull a permit to install hardwired systems (as if many do anyway), or if they actually pull a permit to install a 240v receptacle they’ll just lie that it’s for something other than a charger.

But it’s still interesting.

Given how many L2 chargers I've seen go up in flames that were "self installed", I'm not 100% opposed to this.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Yeah, f*** the NEC on this. The GFCI rule was dumb because it causes nuisance tripping (the 5 mA tripping threshold is too low for a large appliance like an EV, it should be 30 mA) and is redundant anyway. Now this. No provision for doing it right and getting it inspected. If anything, this makes things worse because people will still try to install things themselves, but will skip the permit and inspection process.

The solution will be to claim you needed to install an outlet for a 240V welder instead of an EV.

Rivian tried to fight it, but failed.

Given how many L2 chargers I've seen go up in flames that were "self installed", I'm not 100% opposed to this.

And how many of those were due to bad Leviton outlets? AKA outlets that melt even when a professional installs them. The NEC lets that sneak by...

 

[Maquis]

I know a couple guys tried to get this removed at the final code meeting, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Their argument was just what you said -it just means homeowners won’t get permits or inspections, which actually can make things less safe.

 

[Maquis]

And how many of those were due to bad Leviton outlets? The NEC lets that sneak by...

I blame UL for this, not the NFPA. UL is responsible for device standards and testing.

 

[Deleted member 19354]

Thanks for nothing, evil Republicans!! (J/k, this has nothing to with politics, and instead appears to be driven by union protectionism).

https://www.motortrend.com/news/nec-2026-diy-home-ev-charger-install-ban

Now, practically speaking, all this means is that DIYers just won’t pull a permit to install hardwired systems (as if many do anyway), or if they actually pull a permit to install a 240v receptacle they’ll just lie that it’s for something other than a charger.

But it’s still interesting.

If my home goes up in flames and my insurance asked for permits and or installer what do I do? My guess it would not be covered?

what about thoughts and prayers? Would that be covered?

 

[nvabill]

Thanks for nothing, evil Republicans!! (J/k, this has nothing to with politics, and instead appears to be driven by union protectionism).

https://www.motortrend.com/news/nec-2026-diy-home-ev-charger-install-ban

Now, practically speaking, all this means is that DIYers just won’t pull a permit to install hardwired systems (as if many do anyway), or if they actually pull a permit to install a 240v receptacle they’ll just lie that it’s for something other than a charger.

But it’s still interesting.

Where does the article say this has anything to do with the Republicans? Also the article says it applies to permanently installed chargers, if they plug in they are not permanent.

 

[nvabill]

Yeah, f*** the NEC on this. The GFCI rule was dumb because it causes nuisance tripping (the 5 mA tripping threshold is too low for a large appliance like an EV, it should be 30 mA) and is redundant anyway. Now this. No provision for doing it right and getting it inspected. If anything, this makes things worse because people will still try to install things themselves, but will skip the permit and inspection process.

The solution will be to claim you needed to install an outlet for a 240V welder instead of an EV.

Rivian tried to fight it, but failed.



And how many of those were due to bad Leviton outlets? AKA outlets that melt even when a professional installs them. The NEC lets that sneak by...

The article mentions permanently installed chargers, if you plug it in it is not permanent.

 

[nvabill]

what about thoughts and prayers? Would that be covered?

Covered for what, you are free to have thoughts and prayers about anything you want?

 

[jmcbrew]

Yeah, f*** the NEC on this. The GFCI rule was dumb because it causes nuisance tripping (the 5 mA tripping threshold is too low for a large appliance like an EV, it should be 30 mA) and is redundant anyway. Now this. No provision for doing it right and getting it inspected. If anything, this makes things worse because people will still try to install things themselves, but will skip the permit and inspection process.

The solution will be to claim you needed to install an outlet for a 240V welder instead of an EV.

Rivian tried to fight it, but failed.



And how many of those were due to bad Leviton outlets? AKA outlets that melt even when a professional installs them. The NEC lets that sneak by...

Professionals don’t just use crappy receptacles — I’ve seen a number of receptacles with hot/neutral mixed up. That forces most EVSEs to run at 120V.

I have worked with electricians on a number of L2 installations, and many of them have no idea that there are any special considerations for constant high amp loads. Most of them don’t know anything about EVs or EV charging. They just know how to land wires on the hardware.

 

[tpsfoto]

I hired a certified professional electrician and used a $55 plug…plus a very high capacity wire…….not the cheaply ones…..he never got a permit for doing the work?

 

[4sallypat]

Glad I installed my hard wired 48A charger direct to 60A breakers and it's been problem free for over 3 years.

Supply line wires stay much cooler than the load side.

EV certified electrician said it's much better to hardwire than use an outlet.

 

[Maquis]

I hired a certified professional electrician and used a $55 plug…plus a very high capacity wire…….not the cheaply ones…..he never got a permit for doing the work?

Not all jurisdictions require permits.

 

[hprose]

Thanks for nothing, evil Republicans!! (J/k, this has nothing to with politics, and instead appears to be driven by union protectionism).

https://www.motortrend.com/news/nec-2026-diy-home-ev-charger-install-ban

Now, practically speaking, all this means is that DIYers just won’t pull a permit to install hardwired systems (as if many do anyway), or if they actually pull a permit to install a 240v receptacle they’ll just lie that it’s for something other than a charger.

But it’s still interesting.

Unfortunately

Thanks for nothing, evil Republicans!! (J/k, this has nothing to with politics, and instead appears to be driven by union protectionism).

https://www.motortrend.com/news/nec-2026-diy-home-ev-charger-install-ban

Now, practically speaking, all this means is that DIYers just won’t pull a permit to install hardwired systems (as if many do anyway), or if they actually pull a permit to install a 240v receptacle they’ll just lie that it’s for something other than a charger.

But it’s still interesting.

Unfortunately, from my reading of EV forums, many chargers have been installed with the wrong breakers and/or the wrong wire. Some have used dryer outlet wiring which may be way light. Many of these were done by pros. I did my wiring 22 years ago for a kiln which shares the socket. Took under an hour and would have passed commercial inspection. There are also many who want to slow EV sales. This would normally be local or state, not federal.

 

[knemchak]

The article mentions permanently installed chargers, if you plug it in it is not permanent.

I installed my hardwired charger. It's not permanent. When I move, it's coming with me.

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