General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When considering the type of charger to purchase for your electric vehicle, it’s crucial to take various factors into account, with the capacity of your current electrical service being the most significant one. Your electrical service capacity determines the charging levels available to you. In most installations, there are typically two types of charging levels: 11.5 kW (60-amp circuit) or 7.7 kW (50-amp circuit).

It’s important to consider the power consumption of your household in your day-to-day living, as well as any additional specialty electrical loads such as hot tubs, steam baths, or other electrical apparatus. These factors can impact the available ampacity for your electrical system. However, it’s worth noting that even if your system is equipped with common household electrical appliances like air conditioners, furnaces, electric stoves, and electric dryers, it doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from getting the charger you desire.

At our installation service

We have experience working with both 100-amp and 200-amp systems, and we understand that these systems commonly include the aforementioned household appliances. Therefore, we can accommodate your needs and provide the charger you desire while ensuring the compatibility and safety of your electrical system.

We believe in delivering professional and reliable service, tailored to meet your specific requirements. By considering the capacity of your current electrical service and any additional electrical loads, we can guide you towards selecting the appropriate charger that will efficiently and safely meet your charging needs.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any further questions or require assistance in choosing the ideal charger for your electric vehicle. We are here to provide you with exceptional service and help you make an informed decision.

The NEMA 14-50 receptacle is a highly regarded 240-volt 50-amp outlet that has gained preference among certain auto manufacturers. This receptacle is known for its reliability and compatibility with electric vehicles. In terms of output, the typical NEMA 14-50 receptacle provides a 32-amp (7.7 kW) charging capacity, which is suitable for many electric vehicles on the market.

It’s worth mentioning

that some third-party chargers offer an intermediate charging value of 40 amps (9.6 kW) output, and they are also designed to utilize the NEMA 14-50 receptacle. These chargers provide an additional charging capacity, allowing for faster charging times while still leveraging the advantages of the NEMA 14-50 receptacle.

By utilizing the NEMA 14-50 receptacle, you can benefit from a widely recognized and industry-standard outlet that ensures compatibility and ease of use for your electric vehicle charging needs. Whether you choose the typical 32-amp (7.7 kW) charging capacity or opt for a third-party charger with a higher output, this receptacle provides a versatile solution that caters to a range of electric vehicle charging requirements.

If you have any questions or require further information about the NEMA 14-50 receptacle or any other charging options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of knowledgeable professionals is here to assist you and provide guidance based on your specific needs

In Ontario, we understand that determining the feasibility of installing a charging option for your electric vehicle is a crucial step. Fortunately, the Ontario Electrical Safety Code includes provisions that allow us to perform a comprehensive calculation to assess whether your existing electrical panel can handle the additional electric load.

As part of our professional service, we will conduct this calculation to ensure that your electrical system is compatible with the desired charging option for your vehicle. Our goal is to provide you with a solution that not only meets your charging needs but also aligns with your budget.

Transparency

is a key value in our approach. Before commencing any work, we will guide you through the calculation process and discuss the available charging options suitable for your specific circumstances. This way, you can make an informed decision, knowing exactly what you are getting. Additionally, our team of licensed technicians ensures that the installation is carried out safely and upholds the required standards.

By relying on our expertise, you can trust that we will carefully evaluate your electrical system, recommend the most appropriate charging option for your vehicle, and provide you with a clear understanding of the installation process. Your satisfaction, safety, and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to address your concerns and assist you every step of the way.

The cost of an installation can be influenced by a variety of factors, and we understand that it’s essential to consider all aspects when providing you with an accurate estimate. Factors such as the age of your home, the manufacturer of your electrical panel, the design and construction of your home, as well as the length of cable required, can all contribute to the final price.

At our company, we strive to offer transparent and fair pricing to our valued customers. While each installation is unique, we aim to provide you with an average cost range to give you an idea of what to expect. On average, installations typically range from around $1000 to $3500, taking into account not only the factors mentioned previously but also other relevant considerations.

We believe in delivering high-quality service while ensuring that the cost aligns with the value and workmanship you receive. Our team of professionals will assess your specific requirements, carefully evaluate the factors involved, and provide you with a detailed estimate before commencing any work. This way, you will have a clear understanding of the anticipated cost, allowing you to make an informed decision that suits your budget and needs.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding pricing or any other aspect of the installation process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and are here to assist you every step of the way.

If you are reading this, you are one step closer to having your charger installed. We offer multiple channels through which you can submit a request to have one of our technicians attend your home and provide a free, no-obligation 20-minute on-site assessment. You can simply click on our “Book Online” button on our website, send us an email, or give us a call. Additionally, some of our partners have listed us as preferred installers on their websites, allowing you to reach out to us through those platforms as well.

Once we receive your request

We enter the information into our customer service portal called Jobber. From this point forward, all our correspondence, including your quote, appointment confirmation, reminders, and invoices, will flow seamlessly through Jobber. When you become our client, you will have access to your own customer portal where you can view and approve your quote, as well as conveniently pay your invoice. Moreover, you can request changes or submit new requests at any time through this portal.

Once your information is uploaded, our estimator will reach out to you to schedule a mutually convenient time for the assessment to take place. The assessment typically takes around 20 minutes. During this time, we will discuss and plan the installation route, determine the optimal location for the charger, suggest better options if available, inspect your panel, and measure the length of cable required for the installation.

With this information in hand, we can provide you with a detailed and accurate quote, so you have a clear understanding of the budget required for your installation. Our quotes include all labor, materials, and permits necessary to complete the installation, ensuring that there are no surprises or hidden fees.

If you are satisfied

With our price, you can easily approve the quote from your customer portal. This triggers a notification to our office staff, who will promptly start gathering the materials and arranging the schedule to get your home charging station installed as soon as possible. When a technician becomes available, our office will reach out to you with available installation dates. We will coordinate with you to find a date that works best with your schedule, and once confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation from Jobber with the agreed-upon appointment details. If the installation date is more than a week away, you will receive a notification one week prior, as well as a text message (if a cellphone number was provided) 24 hours before our scheduled visit.

Most installations can be completed in one day

Sometimes within just a few hours. In rare cases where an installation requires more than one day, such as a panel upgrade or involvement of a third-party contractor, we will inform you during the assessment and confirm again during scheduling. These instances typically occur due to construction or other external factors that necessitate the project to be completed in stages.

On the day of installation, our technician will arrive at your home at the scheduled time. They will proceed to install the cable as discussed during the on-site assessment and, depending on the charger, commission it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Once the job is completed, our technician will clean up after themselves and notify you that the installation has been finished, assuring you that it is safe to use your charger.

The final step in the process

Involves booking the electrical inspection. In the province of Ontario, all electrical installations are required to have an electrical permit pulled with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), a government-appointed body responsible for inspecting electrical installations. It is mandatory to allow the ESA to inspect the installation. Failure to comply can result in further charges and other consequences as determined by the ESA. Our office administrators will contact you to schedule an appointment for the inspector to visit your home and inspect the installation. Most inspections take approximately 10 minutes. Any defects identified during the inspection will be reported to us and communicated to you. If any defects need to be corrected, we will cover the costs—there will be no additional charges for you.

Following the inspection, the Electrical Safety Authority will generate a Certificate of Acceptance, indicating that the installation has been inspected, passed, and complies with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. The certificate will be emailed to us, and upon receipt of payment, we will release it to you. It is important to keep this document for your records, as it may be required for insurance and warranty purposes pertaining to both your vehicle and the charger.

We are dedicated to providing you with a seamless and professional installation process. If you have any questions or need further assistance at any point, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to ensure your satisfaction and look forward to assisting you with your home charging needs.

To ensure the safe installation of an electric vehicle charger, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). The ESA is a provincially appointed government body responsible for overseeing electrical installations in the province of Ontario. It is mandatory for all electrical contractors to obtain permits, which can be obtained if they hold an ECRA/ESA contractor license.

If you would like to verify the registration of electrical contractors, you can visit the Authority’s website and search for their registration status. Our contractor license number is 7001317, and we encourage you to verify our credentials for your peace of mind.

Once the permit is acquired, an Electrical Safety Authority inspector will typically visit your home after the installation is complete. This inspection ensures that the installation adheres to the current electrical codes in the province. Following a successful inspection, a Certificate of Acceptance will be issued, confirming that the installation meets the required standards.

At The Electrical Works Ltd., we are proud to be part of a special program that demonstrates our expertise and reliability in electric vehicle installations. As a result, the Authority has shown confidence in our work, allowing us to proceed without a physical inspection in certain cases. It is important to note that our defect ratio remains below 4%, further validating our eligibility for this program.

Rest assured, the certificate you receive from us holds the same weight and acceptance as those obtained by individuals who have an inspector visit their premises. This recognition is acknowledged by insurance providers and charging manufacturers alike, ensuring the credibility and reliability of our installations.

We prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our clients, and we are committed to delivering exceptional service while adhering to the highest industry standards.

At our company, we take pride in delivering precise solutions that remove any
uncertainty from your experience. Our commitment is to ensure your electric vehicle
charging needs are met with utmost precision.

Whether you’re on a tight schedule or simply looking for clarity, our dedicated
estimator is here to assist you. By engaging with our estimator, you can receive
comprehensive information about the EV chargers we have available, perfectly tailored to the solution you need for your vehicle.

Your convenience and satisfaction are our top priorities. Feel free to reach out to our estimator at your earliest convenience and let us guide you towards the ideal charging solution for your needs.

We encourage you to reach out to us by giving us a call! We take pride in offering comprehensive support to our valued customers. Not only do we provide a one-year warranty on the parts and labor we supply, but we are also more than happy to assist you with basic troubleshooting steps to help you get back online quickly.

In our experience, approximately 9 out of 10 instances of failure can be attributed to the charger itself. In such cases, a simple swap of the charger often resolves the issue. However, we understand that occasional breaker failures can occur as well. If you encounter such a situation, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will gladly replace the breaker for you.

We are committed to delivering value-added service, along with the highest level of workmanship and excellent client relations. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to provide you with prompt and effective solutions to ensure your charging experience is smooth and hassle-free.

Please feel free to contact us at your convenience. We are here to address any concerns you may have and to assist you in any way we can

Certainly! You have the option to remove the charger from your current location and take it with you. While it is also possible to remove the cable, we would like to caution you against this, as it may not be long enough to meet the requirements of your new home. It’s important to ensure that the cable length is suitable for your charging needs in the new location.

Moreover, we would like to highlight that having an electric vehicle charger installed in your home can be a valuable and marketable feature, especially if you are planning to sell your house. Listing your property as electric vehicle charging ready can attract potential buyers who are seeking homes with this convenient and environmentally friendly amenity. It can enhance the overall appeal and value of your property in the real estate market.

If you have any further questions or require assistance with the removal or installation process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition with your electric vehicle charger.

Depending on the manufacturer of your electrical panel, we may be able to create additional space by utilizing special breakers known as tandem breakers. These breakers occupy a single 120-volt slot on your panel and have the capacity to power two separate 120-volt dedicated circuits. In certain cases, tandem breakers are also available to accommodate specific 240-volt loads.

However, if your panel is outdated and does not support tandem breakers, we can explore the option of adding a sub-panel. This solution allows for the creation of additional space to accommodate the new charging load. During our on-site assessment, we will thoroughly evaluate your electrical system and discuss these possibilities in detail. Rest assured, we will present you with all available options, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the best approach for your specific situation.

We prioritize transparency and open communication with our clients. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary information and recommendations to make informed decisions about your electrical infrastructure. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. We are committed to working together to find the most suitable solution for your charging needs.

Toronto Hydro offers time-of-use rates for off-peak hours (7 pm – 7 am), which are currently set at 8.2₵ per kilowatt-hour. To provide you with an estimate of the charging cost, let’s consider two scenarios:

1. If you have an 11.5 kilowatt (kW) charger: Using the formula: 8.2₵ x 11.5 kW/h = 94.3₵ per hour of charge. For instance, if your vehicle requires 8 hours to fully charge, the calculation would be as follows: 94.3₵ x 8 hours = $7.54.

2. If you have a 7.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) charger: Using the formula: 7.7 kWh x 8.2₵ = 63.14₵ per hour of charge. For example, if your vehicle needs 8 hours to charge, the calculation would be as follows: 63.14₵ x 8 hours = $5.05.

Please note that these calculations provide an estimate based on the current time-of-use rates and the power rating of your charger. Actual charging costs may vary depending on factors such as the efficiency of your charger, variations in electricity rates, and other applicable fees. It is always recommended to consult with Toronto Hydro for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific charging requirements.

Should you have any further questions or need assistance in understanding the charging costs associated with your electric vehicle, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth charging experience

When considering the recommended charging practices for electric vehicles, it is generally advised by most auto manufacturers to avoid charging your vehicle beyond 90% capacity and not to deplete the batteries below 10% capacity. By following these guidelines, you effectively have 80% of the usable range available for your vehicle.

Let’s take an example using a vehicle with a range of 576 km and calculate the usable range:

576 km x 80% = 460.8 km

If you have an 11.5 kW charger installed at home, which translates to approximately 71 km of range per hour of charge, the calculations for charging time are as follows:

460.8 km / 71 km = 6.49 hours

Therefore, if you have a remaining battery life of 10% and you aim to charge your vehicle to 90% capacity, it would take approximately 6.49 hours to reach that level.

It is worth noting that these calculations are estimates based on the given figures and may vary depending on factors such as the efficiency of your charger, battery condition, and other variables. If you have any specific concerns or questions regarding charging times and battery management, we are here to provide further assistance and guidance.

Please feel free to reach out to us for any additional information you may require. Our goal is to help you optimize your electric vehicle charging experience while maintaining the best practices recommended by auto manufacturers.

A Level 2 charger refers to a 240-volt electric vehicle charger that offers a range of amperage options, typically spanning from 30 amps to 80 amps, depending on the manufacturer. These chargers are designed to provide the quickest and most efficient means of charging your vehicle safely at your residence.

On the other hand, a Level 1 charger operates at 120 volts and offers a range of amperage options typically ranging from 15 amps to 20 amps. Compared to Level 2 chargers, Level 1 chargers are relatively slower in terms of charging speed. For a 15-amp charger, it translates to approximately 17 kilometers of range per hour of charge, while a 20-amp charger provides around 24 kilometers of range per hour of charge.

It is important to note that the charging rate may vary depending on factors such as the specific model of the electric vehicle, the charging infrastructure, and the battery’s current state. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the most accurate charging details specific to your vehicle.

If you have any further questions or need assistance in selecting the appropriate charger for your needs, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to provide you with the necessary guidance and expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient charging experience for your electric vehicle.