What to Know Before Installing an EV Charger at Home in Kitsap County
Electric vehicles (EVs) are more popular than ever in the Pacific Northwest — and for good reason. They’re clean, efficient, and ideal for our local commutes. But if you’ve recently purchased an EV or are planning to, there’s one thing you’ll want to upgrade at home: your charging setup.
Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is the best way to make your EV ownership convenient and efficient — but there are a few key things to know before you plug in.
⚡ Why Install a Level 2 Charger?
While most EVs come with a basic Level 1 charger, those can take over 24 hours for a full charge. A Level 2 charger can fully charge most EVs in 4–8 hours, making it perfect for overnight charging. That means:
Faster charging
More flexibility for daily use
Better energy efficiency
🛠 What You’ll Need
Here’s what a proper EV charger installation usually requires:
A dedicated 240V circuit (like what’s used for an electric dryer)
Room in your electrical panel to support the added load
Weatherproofing for outdoor installs
A licensed electrician familiar with EV installs and permitting
At Downpour Electric, we handle the full process — from checking your panel and wiring to pulling permits and installing chargers like Tesla Wall Connectors, ChargePoint, and more.
🏡 EV Charging & Permitting in Kitsap County
Local jurisdictions like Kitsap County and the City of Bainbridge Island require permits for most EV charger installations. Working with a professional ensures:
Proper load calculations
Code-compliant wiring
A safe and reliable setup
Faster inspection approval
We know the local codes and utility requirements, so we’ll make sure your install goes smoothly.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trying to DIY without permits
Using a dryer or range outlet for charging
Overloading an outdated electrical panel
Skipping surge protection or GFCI protection outdoors
Let us help you avoid these costly mistakes and get the job done right the first time.
💡 Why Choose Downpour Electric?
We’re based right here in Kitsap County and specialize in residential electrical services — including EV charger installs. We’re known for our:
Clean, code-compliant work
Clear communication and up-front pricing
Fast scheduling and permitting
Local experience you can trust
👉 Ready to Install Your Home EV Charger?
Whether you’re driving a Tesla, Rivian, Ford Lightning, or Chevy Bolt — we’ll get you powered up.
📞 Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule your install.
