Installing a Hardwired Home EV Charger

A step-by-step look at how to install a home EV charging station.

October 5, 2023

When equipping a home for EV charging, hardwired options can deliver a higher powered (and thus, faster) charging solution that also adds value. But considering the power involved, what all does it take to wire-in a Level 2 EV charging station in a garage or driveway?

To help you understand the ins-and-outs of such a project, we’ve outlined the installation basics below.

We partnered with Mad Electrician to create a step-by-step instructional video of how to install an EV charging station at home.

Note: Given the nature of this installation and required connection to field wiring, it is recommended this product only be installed by a certified electrician.

Warning: This charger unit MUST be grounded. Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor would result in a risk of electric shock.

Included Parts & Required Tools to Install a Home EV Charging Station

As with any home project or installation, the first step – or pre-first step, really – is to ensure you have everything needed to get the job done, before you get started…

When un-boxing the Legrand Hardwired Home Level 2 EV Charger, confirm you have the following parts and components:

• (1) Charger Unit with attached cables for power/input and charging/output)
• (1) Wall-Mounted Bracket
• (2) M5 Anti-Theft Round Head Screws for attaching Charger Unit to Bracket
• (1) Plug Holster
• (1) Holster Bracket
• (1) M5 Anti-Theft Countersunk Head Screw for attaching Plug Holster to Bracket
• (1) Allen Wrench for tightening M5 screws
• (1) Corrugated Mounting Template for drilling holes needed for Wall-Mounted Bracket
• (8) M6 Hexagonal Expansion Screws for mounting Brackets in masonry (brick, stone, cement wall) installations
• (8) M6 x 50mm Lag Screws for mounting Brackets in wood wall installations
• (1) Liquid-Tight Conduit
• (2) Liquid-Tight Connectors

Then, beyond the components included with the EV charger, several common tools are also needed to complete the installation. Gather the following:

• Adjustable Wrench
• Drill
• Level
• Pencil or Marker
• Voltage Tester (for ensuring the power/electric is off while working)
• Voltmeter or Digital Multimeter (for measuring the AC voltage at the installation site)
• Wire-Cutter

And, while this blog post offers an overview of the hardwired EV charger’s installation, please still be sure to locate and carefully read the installation instructions included with the product before proceeding.

Phase 1 - Prep & Mount Home EV Charger

Step 1: Once you’ve gathered your tools and supplies, it’s now time to determine your mounting location for the EV charger.

While the unit is designed for safe use indoors and out to fit any home’s parking situation, there are still several considerations to take into account before selecting the official spot.

First, it is not recommended for installation in environments with high humidity or dust. So, for those living in coastal or desert regions, an indoor installation is recommended to maintain both safety and performance quality.

Secondly, be sure that the mounting location allows for the unit’s 18-foot charging cable to safely reach and securely connect to the EV’s charging port in its typical parked location.

And as a final consideration for placement, ensure that the selected spot allows the unit to be mounted safely. This EV charger MUST be anchored into a solid wall or stud, preferably at a height of 36” to 48” off the ground.

Step 2: Now that the location has been finalized, it’s time to grab your drill.

As outlined in the section above, two types of screws are provided with the charger to accommodate different wall types.

For wood wall installations, use the included lag screws and drill a pilot hole using a 5mm, #8, or 3/16” drill bit.

For masonry wall installation, use expansion screws and an 11/32” drill bit to a depth of 2”.

Using the provided corrugated template as a guide for hole spacing, drill four holes for the Wall-Mounted Bracket that will hold the charger unit.

Step 3:  Using the Holster Bracket and a pencil, mark the hole locations to be drilled for mounting the Plug Holster. Drill another four holes for the Holster Bracket.

Step 4: Mount the Brackets to the wall using the appropriate screws for your wall type.

Step 5: Use the provided M5 anti-theft screws mount the Charger Unit and Holster to their corresponding brackets.

Phase 2 - Wire & Connect Charging Station

Step 6: Now, we’re moving into the electrical aspect of the installation. At this time, be sure to disconnect power for the circuit. Do not proceed until you are certain NO electricity is running through the circuit.

Step 7: Next, before connecting the Charger Unit, you’ll want to verify the rating of the circuit breaker is safe for use with this unit.

For the charger’s maximum rated current output of 48A, please ensure that the charger is being installed on a 60A circuit. The charger comes preconfigured to this setting, so if you are using a 60A circuit proceed to the next step.

Step 8: Finally, after the appropriate current is confirmed or set, it’s time to connect the EV charger to power (via field wiring from the circuit) using the supplied conduit and connectors. Prepare for the installation by running field wiring, in NEC-approved conduit system, from the circuit to a junction box within 3-feet of the mounted EV Charger.  The pre-wired EV Charger will be connected to the field wiring from the circuit in this junction box.

Wire the EV charger’s attached, pre-stripped AC Power Cable to the incoming circuit by:

a. Connecting the L1 lead to the grid L1

b. Connecting the L2 lead to the grid L2

c. Connecting the Ground lead to the grid Ground

Again, please note the charger MUST be properly grounded to avoid risk of electrical shock.

Once all these connections have been made and the liquid-tight conduit attached, you are ready to restore power, test your unit and start charging!