Among many other things, 2020 has been the year of home improvements. Stuck at home, staring at things that need fixing, and looking for new ways to be entertained has got us making some big changes in our homes. At Empower Electric, we welcome these ideas and are here to answer your calls for help!
Top of many home improvement lists: hot tubs and EV charging stations. While hot tubs and electric vehicles are popular and easy to buy, buying is only half of the equation. Many of us get so caught up in the details of buying: make, model, colour, etc. that we forget to think about the logistics of installation.
Know before you buy
Before you buy, we recommend you do your homework. First, start with power. Most importantly, do you have enough? Just as you would measure space for a new couch you wanted to put in your house, you need to consider the power you need for your new hot tub or EV charging station. Oftentimes our clients are not equipped with adequate power to run their new purchase efficiently and they need a costly upgrade. Sure, you may be able to find someone to do it cheaply but not without risk. A few things to know:
- EV Chargers: You can typically charge your car overnight with a regular outlet. But, if you want to charge your car quickly you will require a larger, stage two charger that will need more power.
- You should understand what amperage of hot tubs you can install before you buy. A trusted electrical contractor can help you determine this.
- Your electrical contractor needs to be able to perform the proper load calculations to determine the size of the service or if other equipment or upgrade is required.
- If proper precautions are not taken, you run the risk of fire or damage to your house. Home insurance most often does not cover any damage to work that is done outside of code.
In short, if you’ve already purchased a new hot tub or electric car, we’re here to help install it safely and efficiently. If you haven’t, give us a call to discuss before you buy. Typically seeing some photos and a brief phone consult helps us determine what you’ll need. Either way, we want to help you enjoy your new home improvements as safely and quickly as possible.
