# Installing a home EV charger: what to ask an electrician 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. Installing a home EV charger: what to ask an electrician **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Installing a home EV charger: what to ask an electrician](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/ev-charger-home-installation-electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Casey Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Do I always need a switchboard upgrade? 2. What does the installation involve? 3. Can a rental or apartment have a charger? 4. What should I ask the electrician? 5. Where do costs and rebates come in? 6. What about solar and batteries? 7. Getting ready for an EV charger quote 8. Frequently asked questions A home EV charger needs its own circuit, space on your switchboard and enough supply capacity for the extra load. A licensed electrician assesses all three. Whether you need a switchboard upgrade depends on your existing board, and in some cases load management can avoid one. ## Do I always need a switchboard upgrade? No. Some homes can take an EV charger with the existing board, and others need upgrading first. It depends on how much spare capacity the board and the supply have, and what else the home runs at the same time, such as air conditioning, hot water or an oven. Some installers use load management, a feature that adjusts charging when other power use is high. According to one installer’s guide, it can sometimes avoid the need for a board upgrade. Whether it suits your home is a question for a licensed electrician. ## What does the installation involve? In general terms, a licensed electrician will: - Inspect the switchboard and the home’s electrical supply. - Decide where the charger will be mounted and how the cabling will run. - Install a dedicated circuit protected by the right safety devices. - Test the installation and provide compliance paperwork. Charging a car draws a lot of power for long periods, which is why the installation needs proper design rather than a quick connection to an existing outlet. Installing an EV charger is electrical work that must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland. ## Can a rental or apartment have a charger? Renters and apartment owners usually need permission from the landlord or the body corporate before any charger is installed, because the work affects shared or owned property. Raise it early, and ask a licensed electrician what the building’s supply can handle. Do not assume a shared power point or garage outlet is suitable. When to stop and get help If a charger, cable, plug or power point is hot, smells burnt, buzzes, sparks or looks melted or damaged, do not touch it, keep children and pets away, and contact a licensed electrician. If there is smoke, fire or anyone has had a shock, leave the building and call 000. Do not keep using a charger that shows these signs. ## What should I ask the electrician? Good questions help you compare quotes fairly. - Is my switchboard and supply suitable, or does something need upgrading? - Will the charger be on its own dedicated circuit? - Does the quote include load management if it is needed? - What certificate will I receive after the job? - Is the charger compatible with my car and any future solar or battery plans? Our article on certificates of compliance explains the paperwork you should expect. ## Where do costs and rebates come in? Prices vary widely between installers and homes, so we do not quote figures here. Rebates for home chargers change over time, and we could not confirm any current Queensland scheme, so ask your electrician and check official sources before assuming one applies. ## What about solar and batteries? If you already have solar or are planning it, tell your electrician. Charging a car at home interacts with the rest of your system, and the installer can design the circuits and board with both in mind. Do not assume an existing solar or battery set-up needs no changes. A licensed professional should assess the whole arrangement and explain what the car charger adds to it. ## Getting ready for an EV charger quote 1. Note your plans — Write down your car model, where you would like the charger and how you expect to charge, for example overnight. 2. Photograph the outside of the switchboard — Take photos of the closed board and the proposed location. Do not open anything. 3. Book an assessment — Ask a licensed electrician to assess the board, supply and cable route. 4. Check the licence — Look up the licence number on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland licence search. 5. Keep your paperwork — After installation, keep the compliance certificate and charger documentation. ## Frequently asked questions - Ask the car maker and a licensed electrician what suits your car and home. Regular charging draws a lot of power for long periods, so the circuit and power point matter. - In general a home charger is installed on a dedicated circuit, and a licensed electrician decides what your installation needs. - It is a feature that adjusts the charging rate when other power use in the home is high, so the supply is not overloaded. Ask an electrician whether it suits your home. - No. Installing an EV charger is electrical work that must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland. - We could not confirm a current Queensland rebate. Ask your electrician and check official government sources. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalDo I need a switchboard upgrade?Old fuses, frequent tripping, burn marks, no safety switches or new solar, EV or air conditioning loads are reasons to ask about an upgrade.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-i-need-a-switchboard-upgrade/) - [Costs and financeWhat affects switchboard upgrade cost?Switchboard upgrade cost depends on board size, access, the site and what else you are adding, so get a written quote after an inspection.](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) - [ElectricalWhat is a certificate of compliance for electrical work?A licensed electrician gives you a certificate after electrical work in Queensland; keep it, because you may need it later.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-certificate-of-compliance-queensland/) - [Costs and financeHow much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?Electrician pricing in Brisbane depends on call-out, hourly or fixed quotes, timing and materials, so compare written quotes like for like.](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Do I always need a switchboard upgrade? 2. What does the installation involve? 3. Can a rental or apartment have a charger? 4. What should I ask the electrician? 5. Where do costs and rebates come in? 6. What about solar and batteries? 7. Getting ready for an EV charger quote 8. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/ev-charger-home-installation-electrical/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).