7 Mistakes Reno Homeowners Make When Installing an EV Charger
- Jan 3, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
EV chargers are becoming more common across Reno and Sparks—but installing one isn’t as simple as it looks. We’ve seen a lot of homeowners run into problems trying to cut corners or skip steps. What starts as a simple install can turn into expensive repairs, failed inspections, or equipment that doesn’t work right. Here are the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Not Checking Panel Capacity First
This is the most common issue. Most homes weren’t originally built with EV charging in mind. Adding a charger without checking your panel can:
Overload your system
Cause breakers to trip
Limit your charging speed
Before anything gets installed, you need to know what your system can handle. That’s part of a proper EV charger installation in Reno and Sparks, including evaluating panel capacity and load requirements
2. Choosing the Wrong Charger Type
Not all chargers are the same.
Homeowners often install:
A charger that’s too slow
Or one that their system can’t support
This leads to frustration and wasted money.
If you’re unsure which setup fits your home, understanding the difference between charger types is critical (we’ll break that down in another guide).
3. Trying to DIY the Installation
This is where things go sideways fast.
EV chargers require:
Dedicated circuits
Proper grounding
Code-compliant installation
We’ve fixed a lot of installs where homeowners tried to do it themselves or hired someone unqualified.
It usually ends up costing more in the long run. You can see why in why DIY electrical work in Reno homes often leads to costly and dangerous mistakes
4. Ignoring Code Requirements
In Reno, EV charger installations must be code compliant.
Skipping this step can:
Delay projects
Cause inspection issues
Create problems when selling your home
Doing it right the first time avoids all of that.
5. Poor Charger Location Planning
Where your charger is installed matters more than most people think.
We see installs where:
Cables barely reach the vehicle
Chargers are exposed to weather unnecessarily
Future vehicle changes weren’t considered
A poorly placed charger becomes a daily inconvenience.
6. Underestimating Power Usage
EV chargers draw a significant amount of power.
If your home already has high demand from:
HVAC systems
Electric water heaters
Appliances
…adding a charger without planning can push your system too far.
This is similar to what happens when circuits are overloaded in general—we see it often when systems aren’t properly designed. Here’s what it means when your breaker keeps tripping in Reno homes and why it shouldn’t be ignored
7. Hiring the Wrong Electrician
Not all electricians handle EV charger installs regularly.
A proper install involves:
Load calculations
Code compliance
System compatibility
Choosing someone without that experience can lead to:
Improper installs
Safety issues
Equipment problems
Working with a team that handles these regularly through professional electrical services in Reno and Sparks for safe, code-compliant installations makes a big difference
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Most of these issues come down to one thing:
👉 Skipping the planning phase
A proper EV charger install should include:
Panel evaluation
Load calculation
Charger selection
Correct placement
Code-compliant installation
When those steps are done right, the system works exactly how it should.
Final Thoughts
Installing an EV charger is a great upgrade—but only if it’s done correctly.
The biggest problems we see aren’t from the charger itself—they come from:
Poor planning
Incorrect installation
System limitations
Avoid those, and you’ll have a setup that works reliably for years.
📞 Need EV Charger Installation in Reno or Sparks?
At Super Electric, we install EV chargers the right way—safe, clean, and built for your home’s actual capacity.
✔ 700+ 5-star reviews
✔ Fast response
✔ Honest pricing
✔ Local Reno & Sparks experts
📞 Call: (775) 230-7006
