EV Charger Electricians: What Questions to Ask
A Level 2 EV charger installation is a licensed electrical job that requires a dedicated circuit, correct circuit protection, and — in some states — a permit or DNSP notification, so the questions you ask before signing determine whether the install is safe, code-compliant, and future-proof for solar or battery integration. A job quoted at $400 and one quoted at $1,800 may both be installing the same charger but making very different assumptions about your switchboard and circuit.
- Ask for the electrician's licence number and insurance before signing any quote — verify the licence with your state licensing authority.
- The switchboard is the first question: can your existing board safely support a new 32A dedicated circuit? If not, the switchboard upgrade cost should be in the quote.
- Cable run distance matters: a 5m garage run and a 25m underground cable run are very different jobs — confirm the assumed cable route and distance.
- Future-proofing question: is the charger solar-ready or load-management capable, and does the wiring allow for a later switchboard addition?
The 8 questions to ask before any EV charger quote
1. What is your electrical licence number?
A licensed electrician must hold a state-issued electrical contractor licence (not just a certificate of registration). Ask for the licence number and check it at the relevant state authority (e.g., Service NSW, VBA in Victoria, QBCC in Queensland). Do not accept verbal assurance.
2. Does my switchboard need an upgrade?
Older switchboards with ceramic fuses or limited spare slots may not support a new 32A circuit safely. If the electrician says the board is fine without inspecting it, ask how they determined that. A site inspection is necessary before a reliable quote can be given.
3. What circuit protection is included?
A dedicated EV charging circuit in Australia should include:
- A dedicated 32A (or appropriate rated) circuit breaker
- RCD (safety switch) protection — required under AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules
- The charger's own earth leakage protection (many modern EV chargers include this; confirm)
If the quote does not mention RCD protection, ask specifically.
4. What is the assumed cable route and distance?
The cable run from the switchboard to the charger location directly affects the quote. A 5m surface run on a garage wall is straightforward. A 25m conduit run under concrete to a front driveway is a substantially different job. Ask the electrician to walk the assumed cable route with you before finalising the quote.
5. Is a permit or DNSP notification required?
Requirements vary by state. In some jurisdictions, an electrical permit is required for a new circuit; in others, the licensed electrician handles compliance without a permit for work under a certain value. Ask specifically whether any permit, inspection, or DNSP (network distributor) notification is included in the scope.
6. Which charger model is being installed?
Some electricians supply chargers as part of the job; others install one you provide. Ask for the specific make and model, confirm it is SAA or RCM-marked for Australian electrical safety compliance, and check whether it is OCPP-compatible (relevant if you want future smart-charging or solar-integration features).
7. What warranty is provided on the workmanship?
A workmanship warranty of at least 2 years is standard for licensed electrical work. Get the warranty terms in writing — duration, what is covered, what is excluded, and how to make a claim.
8. Is the install solar-aware or load-managed?
If you have or plan to add solar, ask whether the charger supports solar-aware charging (adjusts speed based on solar surplus) or load management (reduces charging when household demand peaks). Not all chargers do this — and those that do may require a compatible monitoring device or additional hardware. This is the future-proofing question most homeowners forget to ask.
What a professional EV charger quote should include in writing
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Licence number and insurance | Must be provided on request |
| Switchboard assessment outcome | Whether upgrade is required and if so, cost included |
| Charger make, model and SAA/RCM marking | Specific, not generic |
| Circuit size and protection type | 32A circuit, RCD, any additional protection |
| Cable route and length | Confirmed by site inspection |
| Permit or compliance handling | Explicit inclusion or exclusion |
| Workmanship warranty | Duration and terms in writing |
| Total installed price (no hidden extras) | Switchboard, cable, charger, permits, labour all included |
Do not accept an EV charger quote without a site inspection, a switchboard assessment, and a written inclusions list. Ask for the licence number, check it, and confirm that RCD protection and workmanship warranty are included. A lower quote that excludes the switchboard or uses non-RCM-marked hardware is not a saving.
Browse EV charging accessories to understand what hardware options exist before meeting with an electrician.