As more and more New York residents begin driving electric cars, home charging stations are becoming more and more popular. While many cars offer the option to plug your car into a standard 120V home electrical outlet– also called Level 1 charging– this method is pretty slow and can leave drivers with longer commutes frustrated if they forget to plug in for a night or two.
So, many homes and businesses have begun installing Level 2 and 3 charging stations to allow for faster charging, with Level 3 chargers allowing for almost at fuel-pump level. While Level 2 charging stations are fairly common in residential and commercial installations, Level 3 stations are typically only used for commercial and industrial properties.
EV Charging Levels
| EV Charging Level | Typical Charging Speed | Power Source Needed |
| Level 1 | ~5 miles/hour | Standard 120V outlet |
| Level 2 | ~35 miles/hour | 30-100 amp/208-240 volt |
| Level 3 | Up to 250 miles/hour | 60-125 amp/208-480 volt |
EV Charger Installation Requirements in New York
The regulations for charging receptacles, wiring, and other equipment differ by charging level, while the requirements for placement are the same. In addition to the level-specific regulations listed below, all EV charger installations require a building permit from your municipality.
Level 1 EV Charger Receptacle Regulations
For those installing a Level 1 charging system to avoid having to use their existing residential outlets, the following regulations must be followed:
| Level 1 EV Charging Receptacle Requirements | |
| GFCI Protection | All receptacles must be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). |
| Overcurrent Protection | To protect against overcurrent, feeders and branch circuits must be sized for continuous duty and have a rating of 125% of the equipment’s maximum load or greater. |
| Dedicated Circuit | If the receptacle is newly installed to charge electric vehicles, it has to be a dedicated circuit with no other outlets or devices connected. |
| Weatherproofing | Receptacles installed in wet locations must have a weatherproof enclosure, whether or not a charging cord is plugged in. |
Level 2 EV Charger Receptacle Regulations
If you want to install a faster charging system than a simple residential outlet, you’ll need to ensure that you hire an expert electrician who follows the proper receptacle regulations listed below:
| Level 2 EV Charging Receptacle Requirements | |
| GFCI Protection | To prevent electrical shock, all outlets with a capacity of 50 amps or lower must be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). |
| Overcurrent Protection | All feeders and branch circuits must be sized for continuous duty and rated for at least 125% of your charging equipment’s max load. |
| Dedicated Circuit | New receptacles installed for EV charging must be on a dedicated circuit with no other outlets or devices connected to it. |
| Weatherproofing | Receptacles installed in locations that can/will get wet must be housed in weatherproof enclosures, whether or not a cable is plugged in. |
Placement Requirements for Level 1 and 2 EV Charging Stations:
The placement requirements for Level 1 and 2 EV chargers are identical, and they are as follows:
| Level 1 & 2 EV Charger Placement Requirements | |
| Charging Cord Length | The location of your EV charger installation must allow for a maximum 25-foot charging cord unless equipped with a cable management system that is part of the listed electrical vehicle supply equipment. |
| Power Supply Cord Length | For portable charging equipment, the charging cord cannot be longer than 12 inches. For stationary charging systems, the cord cannot be longer than 6 feet. If GFCI protection is located at the attachment plug or within the first 12 inches of the power supply cord, the cord must be between 6 and 15 feet in length. |
| Installation Height | Indoor EV charging equipment must be installed at least 18 inches above the floor, and exterior equipment must be installed at least 24 inches above ground. |
Level 3 EV Charger Installation Regulations
Level 3 EV chargers are more complicated, as they do not use standard electrical receptacles and have to be hardwired into the electrical system of a commercial, industrial, or public property. They are not available for residential use, and they have a far more complex list of codes and regulations set by the NEC and municipalities. For this reason, we can’t make a simple list here that would apply to all New York businesses.
We recommend that business owners contact us for more information on installing a Level 3 charging station, and promise there will be no pressure to install one from our team if you simply call to inquire about regulations and processes.
Choose Strong Island Electric for All EV Charging Installations in NYC and Beyond
The Strong Island Electric team provides EV charging installation as part of a full library of electrical services that NY customers can count on 24/7. We provide extensive expertise, high-quality equipment, and friendly, on-time service. We respect you, your home, and your time, and we strive to solve your problems in a way that gets you the best value for your money.
Contact us today with any questions you have about EV charger installation requirements in New York, and get connected with the team in your area.
Contact Us
