Navigating Electric Vehicle Charger Quotes: Why Price Isn't Everything

As the world moves towards sustainability and eco-friendly solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) have surged in popularity. With this rise, the need for reliable and efficient electric vehicle chargers has become paramount. However, when it comes to installing an EV charger, one may encounter a wide range of quotes from electricians, and we know this can be confusing.

While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, there are crucial factors to consider beyond price alone. Read on to see what could result in the differences in quotes (and why picking the lowest quote may not be the best).

In the following article, we hope to equip you with questions to ask the next time you get multiple EV charger quotes before choosing an installer.

Quality vs. Cost: The Dilemma

When seeking quotes for an electric vehicle charger installation, it's not uncommon to encounter significant disparities in pricing. At first glance, opting for the lowest bid might seem like a prudent financial decision. However, it's essential to delve deeper into what influences these price variations.

1. Licensing and Credentials

One of the primary reasons for the fluctuation in quotes is the difference in the skill and qualifications of the electricians. Licensed electricians undergo rigorous training and certification processes to ensure they possess the necessary expertise to handle complex electrical tasks safely. Conversely, unlicensed electricians may offer cheaper rates but lack the proper training and credentials, putting your safety and the integrity of the installation at risk. Remember that a Business License and an Electrical License are two very different licenses, and it's important to clarify which one (they should have both) the installer has if they say they're "licensed."

An unlicensed electrician may not know that not all EV chargers come with built in GFI protection, or how to calculate amperage need (a 50 amp charger doesn't only need a 50 amp circuit, but needs a 60 amp circuit because of something called "continuous load").

Question to ask: Do you have an electrical license and can I see it or have the number?

2. Material Quality

Another factor that can affect the pricing is the quality of materials used in the installation. Copper wiring is the industry standard for electrical work due to its superior conductivity and durability. However, some less scrupulous installers may opt for cheaper alternatives like aluminum wiring to cut costs. While this might initially reduce the quote, aluminum wiring is less efficient and cannot handle as high amperage as copper, potentially leading to performance issues and safety hazards in the long run.

Question to ask: What kind of wire do you plan to run (copper or aluminum) and will you be providing GFI protection?

3. Skill and Expertise

The complexity of EV charger installations requires a certain level of skill and expertise. Electricians with more experience and specialized knowledge in this area may command higher rates, but their proficiency can ensure a smooth and reliable installation process. Conversely, inexperienced or less skilled electricians may offer lower quotes but could make errors that compromise the functionality and safety of the charger.

Question to ask: How many years of experience does the technician who will actually be doing the work have? Has he/she done a lot of EV charger installations?

4. Contractor Liability Insurance

Contractor liability insurance is another critical aspect to consider when evaluating quotes for EV charger installations. Licensed and reputable electricians typically carry liability insurance to protect both themselves and their clients in the event of accidents, property damage, or injuries during the installation process. While this insurance provides essential coverage and peace of mind, it also contributes to the overall cost of the installation. Electricians who prioritize safety and professionalism by investing in liability insurance may have slightly higher quotes, but this additional expense reflects their commitment to protecting you and your property throughout the installation process. Ultimately, the added protection offered by contractor liability insurance is well worth the investment, safeguarding you from potential liabilities and ensuring a smooth and worry-free installation experience.

Question to ask: Does your company carry liability insurance?

Why Cheaper Isn't Always Better: A Cautionary Tale

At Gloudeman Electric, we recently encountered a situation that illustrates the potential risks of prioritizing cost over quality. We were called to a customer's house to inspect an electric vehicle charger installation carried out by another company. Upon examination, we discovered that the installer had used aluminum wiring instead of copper, unbeknownst to the customer. This shortcut not only compromised the performance of the charger but also posed significant safety concerns.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Quality and Safety

When it comes to electric vehicle charger installations, prioritizing quality and safety should always take precedence. While opting for the cheapest quote may seem appealing initially, it can lead to subpar results and potentially hazardous situations down the line.

The most important thing is to make an informed decision. Ask the questions, get the info, and choose the best installer for you. Does that happen to be the least expensive one? Well, that's good luck! But, it may not work out that way. Our goal here is to educate and give people the best shot at getting both great value and great quality, and to feel confident in their electrical choices.

At Gloudeman Electric, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and ensuring that every installation meets the highest standards of quality and safety. When you choose us for your EV charger installation needs, you can rest assured that you're investing in reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind for years to come.

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day.

Andrew Gloudeman & Team

Double Tapped Neutrals & What To Do About Them

Are you familiar with this common inspection list item?

You may have heard the term "double tapped neutrals" before, especially if you have had an inspection done in the selling or purchasing process of your home. But what does that term mean and why is it a problem? In this blog post, we will explain what double tapped neutrals are, what hazards they can bring, and what steps you should take to ensure the safety of your home when it comes to this situation.

What are double tapped neutrals?

Example of double tapped neutrals. Notice the discoloring on the double tapped white (neutral) wires from overheating.

A double tapped neutral is a condition where two or more neutral wires are connected to the same screw or terminal on the neutral bus bar in the electric panel¹. The neutral bus bar is a metal strip that distributes the neutral current to the circuits in the panel. You can see an example of double tapped neutrals in the picture here where multiple wires are under the same screw. Notice the discoloring caused by overheating.

Why are double tapped neutrals dangerous?

Double tapped neutrals are a violation of the National Electric Code (NEC), which has prohibited this practice since 2002¹. There are several reasons why double tapped neutrals are unsafe and should be avoided:

- Double tapped neutrals can cause loose connections, which can lead to overheating, arcing, and fire¹.

- Double tapped neutrals can interfere with the proper functioning of the circuit breakers, which are designed to protect the circuits from overloads and short circuits.

- Double tapped neutrals can create an imbalance in the electrical system, which can affect the voltage and current levels and damage the appliances and devices.

What should you do about it?

If you suspect or discover that you have double tapped neutrals in your electric panel, you should contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible to correct the issue. A qualified electrician will be able to inspect your panel and perform the necessary repairs. Some of the possible solutions are:

- Moving the extra wires to another terminal on the neutral bus bar, if there is enough space.

- Installing a new neutral bus bar.

Do not attempt to fix double tapped neutrals yourself, as this can be dangerous and illegal. Only a licensed electrician can ensure that your electric panel is safe and compliant with the NEC.

Conclusion

Double tapped neutrals are a common and serious electrical problem that can pose a fire hazard and damage your electrical system. If you have an older home or an amateur installation, you may have double tapped neutrals in your electric panel. To prevent any potential risks, you should hire a professional electrician to inspect and fix your panel. At Gloudeman Electric, we have the experience and expertise to handle any electric panel issues, including double tapped neutrals. Contact us today for a free remote estimate. We are here to help you with all your electric needs.

(1) Double Tapped Neutrals: This Isn't A New Rule - Structure Tech Home .... https://structuretech.com/double-tapped-neutrals/.

(2) Why are Double Tapped Neutrals a Problem?. https://nonprofithomeinspections.org/why-are-double-tapped-neutrals-a-problem/.

Don't Ignore Your Electrical Panel: The Importance of Proper Maintenance and Risks of Neglect

Panel maintenance isn’t something a homeowner often thinks of as a priority--or even thinks about at all. The metal box sits in our homes where it seemingly magically delivers electricity to everything we use daily and with necessity. We don’t see what goes on inside of these panels, so oftentimes they are out of our minds. BUT, your electrical panel and its health is much more important than the seemingly "magic box" may imply.

Inside our breaker boxes, or “load centers” is an array of screws, metal bussing (what breakers sit on) lugs, and much more. All of these components require a torque rating (tightening) specified by the manufacturer.

How does a panel work? In simple terms, your electrical panel is fed from the utility (the people you pay your electric bill to every month) either underground or overhead. It is then fed to a utility meter, and from there, it is fed to your breaker panel. In your panel are a variety of differently “sized” circuits that feed your appliances and your other household demands. Electricity always seeks a path to its source. It flows through your panel, through the breaker, onto the conductor, and then returns to the breaker panel.

Now, why is maintaining a panel and having it torqued properly important? When installed and maintained improperly, an array of issues can occur. Electricity's biggest enemy is resistance--explained simply, the higher the resistance, the more heat that is generated at a given point. Have you ever touched an incandescent bulb that's been in use and burned a finger? That’s close to the same principle of what can happen inside a panel that is not maintained properly.

Improper connections and torquing results in resistance = heat.

As a customer, how can you know if this is happening "behind the scenes"?

We'll list some potential signs below. Keep in mind that all of these don't necessarily mean there's overheating happening due to improper torquing, but they can be potential symptoms.

1.     Circuits tripping: Having a circuit trip can be a potential indicator of poor connections and overheating in your panel. We aren't in the business of scaring people, so we also need to mention here that there are lots of reasons a breaker may trip, and not all of them are nefarious. But, if your breaker is tripping often (more than once after resetting), you should call someone to come take a look. A good indicator of the issue being related to overheating is if you have an appliance that is able to be turned on for a while, and then partway through use, the breaker it's on trips.

2.     A sizzling or buzzing sound coming from your panel. If your panel is making any sounds while sedentary, you should give an electrician a call.

3.     Flickering lights. This is another one that can have several different causes. If all the lights are flickering in your house and you're having widespread power issues, first course of action that we recommend is to call your utility. However, if you're having issues in a certain area, call an electrician.

4.     If you've noticed your bulbs burning out prematurely.

The truth is, there aren't always signs, which is why panel maintenance is important. What I recommend is 1) Don't ignore red flags, and 2) have annual or bi-annual panel maintenance done. Panel connections can loosen over time, so it's important that they are attended to regularly. Plus, it's good to get eyes (of a professional) on the inside of your panel with regularity.

I have worked on many panels that were not torqued properly, or on circuits that were improperly sized, and have had to tell customers that have ignored "red flags" (or not known what to look for) the sad news that their breaker panel needed to be replaced. The heat that is generated from the improperly installed items can cause the plastic in the panel to heat, creating a melted mess on the internals of the panel, and that is not something that can be repaired.

What can you do to prevent this from happening? Like vehicles, your electrical system also requires maintenance. You can hire an electrician to correctly evaluate the condition of your electrical system, inspect torque ratings, and ensure that your panel is properly sized. Don’t have an electrician? We'd be glad to help! If you have any questions, you can email us and ask us for more information about maintenance on your electrical system.

We also recommend our Preventative Maintenance Service Plan if you are interested in bi-annual home electrical maintenance.

Andrew

Lead Electrician

Gloudeman Electric, LLC