How do I get the permit for install home level 2 charger

[ArthurDOB]

Forgot to mention it is a DIY, I thought it is by default in the forum

Permits are really not that big a deal. Go on your city's website and look for "Permits & Inspections" or something similar. It's not that complicated.

Others are correct that unless you are comfortable and experienced working with electricity, I'd hire someone to do it. You really can kill yourself or burn your house down if you do something wrong.

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[sukhoi_584th]

Please realize that I am not trying to sound like a jerk.

Asking this question leads me to believe that it may be wise to have an electrician do the work.

Yep that's a big red flag

 

[iaming]

Please realize that I am not trying to sound like a jerk.

Asking this question leads me to believe that it may be wise to have an electrician do the work.

I thought I posted this to a DIY forum.

I know there are different ways to do the load calc, I'm sure the load is not an issue for me, but don't know what doc is needed for the inspection, some says not needed for the inspection.

I'm still not ready to start the work yet, certainly not before last week, but I'm getting there, when I start the work, I'm sure I will do better than the contractor I would get.
They cut corner, and knowingly violate the codes, they just want get it work and get the payment. I have seen this too many times.

Once you know the work, you won't tolerate hiring a contractor, especially when your lives and house are on the line. It would put you in an awkward situation, should you confront them when they violate the code? They would come up with excuses or even lies. They could skip using torque screwdriver just to finish the job a few seconds earlier.

 

[Mach1E]

I thought I posted this to a DIY forum.

I know there are different ways to do the load calc, I'm sure the load is not an issue for me, but don't know what doc is needed for the inspection, some says not needed for the inspection.

I'm still not ready to start the work yet, certainly not before last week, but I'm getting there, when I start the work, I'm sure I will do better than the contractor I would get.
They cut corner, and knowingly violate the codes, they just want get it work and get the payment. I have seen this too many times.

Once you know the work, you won't tolerate hiring a contractor, especially when your lives and house are on the line. It would put you in an awkward situation, should you confront them when they violate the code? They would come up with excuses or even lies. They could skip using torque screwdriver just to finish the job a few seconds earlier.

This is a car forum, so you’re going to get a broad mix of people here.

I don’t think anyone is saying you need a contractor. But you may need an electrician.

You are painting professional electricians with a pretty broad and critical brush there. It won’t be like that if you hire a good one.

The answers for specific code questions and paperwork you aren’t likely to find here. You would want to reach out to your local code enforcement for that.

I could tell you how it works where I live, but that wouldn’t be much help.

 

[Tomm]

Google load calculation for car charger. Poke around. Lots of talk about load calculations, and the you will stumble on a link to one.
I knew the concept from having been through a remodel, then I learned how to do it 2 months ago. Inspection tomorrow.

 

[Tomm]

I have put in 120v 15 amp lighting circuits diy before, but a 60 amp circuit risks being more than your service can handle so I did the calculations. Whe I got plans approved the inspector looked, said “200 amp service to the house? How many square feet? Gas dryer and pool. You should be fine.”

 

[Jerrytball]

I just left my AC company do the whole installation. My son who builds homes for living, does all the plumbing and wiring, but because he’s not a licensed electrician, but can still do it all, I still went with my AC company because it’s guaranteed and all permitted. Stays under the front porch awning. I’m off this cover. It’s actually a window cover for an RV and it works pretty good covering it up.

 

[Tomm]

Got my permit signed off today

 

[iaming]

I have put in 120v 15 amp lighting circuits diy before, but a 60 amp circuit risks being more than your service can handle so I did the calculations. Whe I got plans approved the inspector looked, said “200 amp service to the house? How many square feet? Gas dryer and pool. You should be fine.”

What do you mean by "got plans approved"?

I plan to print the calculation form and show the inspector. Scheduled the inspection next Tue.

 

[Tomm]

I filled out the permit application, drew a picture of my garage and the wire run, filled out a CA form with load calculation. Printed another more precise load calculation, and copied the specs page from the charger manual. Brought it all to the building dept permit desk to submit.
As I said, the lady asked the senior inspector to look and he stamped and approved the plans. I did the work, scheduled and inspection and had the final approval signed this past Friday.
All for $487.

 

[iaming]

I filled out the permit application, drew a picture of my garage and the wire run, filled out a CA form with load calculation. Printed another more precise load calculation, and copied the specs page from the charger manual. Brought it all to the building dept permit desk to submit.
As I said, the lady asked the senior inspector to look and he stamped and approved the plans. I did the work, scheduled and inspection and had the final approval signed this past Friday.
All for $487.

Thanks for this detail reply! Good execution! Mine cost is about $500 total. <150 for tools, breaker, wire etc, 100 for permit, 270 for charger (with 200 energy company rebate).

I only applied the electrical permit , did not apply the building permit. I don't think that's necessary, I only put it inside the garage and run the wire behind the drywall.

 

[Tomm]

$487 was the permit cost. $600 tesla universal charger and about $200 wire and conduit for 50 feet if I recall. My term building permit = electric permit.

 

[bbulkow]

I would recommend you call two electricians for bids.

I recommend this based on your question. If you don't know the permitting rules for your area, you probably should have an electrician recommend the process. A reputable local electrician should be able to recommend how local permitting works.

In my area, although *strictly* you need permit to change a lightbulb ("any change to electrical systems"), *realistically* towns don't want to be bothered with small work. Whether your job is small or large - how much run, new box, new service - is something your electrician will be able to walk you through, and a reputable one should know a given city or county's guidance for when to permit.

My opinion is that I should know as much about code as a random inspector, because I don't want the house to burn down ~ whether it's a miss by the electrician or by the inspector. IMHO, the quality of work is more important than permits.

I find the 'Code Check' series extraordinarily clear and useful, which is the point of my post. Whether or not you decide to permit (you can look at the public record and see which neighbors have gotten permits to install chargers), you want quality work - Code Check helped me.

 

[iaming]

I know it depends on the city, but I would like to have a general idea.

Should I apply and wait for the permit before the work?

I know there will be an inspection after the work, but I plan to hardwire it and run the wire behind the drywall.
If I finish the work, will it make the inspection hard/impossible?

Got the inspector's approval today.

This is the procedure for my city.
1. apply permit online and pay the fee, you will get a permit number.
2. install, and do not cover until inspection.
I did cover the panels for safety though, but did not cover the drywall.
3. schedule the inspection online.
4. inspector comes to inspect and then send email with approval .
He uncovered the electrical panel and checked the wires, did not uncover the charger panel though, I asked he said not needed. Did not mention anything about the load. I had 200A panel installed 60A breaker.

 

[Tomm]

Congratulations

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