Is Your Electrical Panel Ready for a Home EV Charger? 6 Signs You Need an Upgrade
Published on August 06, 2025
Thinking about buying an electric car? Great choice! But before you go for an EV charger installation in Calabasas, there’s something important to check: Is your electrical panel strong enough to handle it?
We are a family-owned Calabasas business, serving homeowners since 1987. Led by Jim Allen, a master electrician and engineer, we specialize in safe wiring, panel upgrades, and EV charger installations.
Today, we will explain why your electrical panel matters and share signs it might need an upgrade before you install your home EV charger.
Why Your Electrical Panel Matters for EV Chargers
Your electrical panel is like the heart of your home’s power system. It distributes electricity to every room. EV chargers, especially Level 2 chargers, need a lot of power to work properly.
If your panel can’t handle the extra load, you could face problems like slow charging, power outages, or even dangerous electrical fires.
Trying to charge your EV with an old panel is like using a weak phone charger; it just won’t work right. Upgrading your panel keeps your home safe and your car charged.
We check your home’s power system and recommend safe upgrades before installing your EV charger.
6 Signs You Need a Panel Upgrade Before Installing an EV Charger
Your breakers trip a lot: If your power shuts off often, your panel is already overloaded.
Lights flicker or dim: When appliances run and your lights flicker, it means your panel is struggling.
Your panel is 100 amps: Older panels usually have 100 amps. New EV chargers often need 200 amps or more.
Your panel feels hot or smells bad: A warm panel or burning smell means there’s a serious problem. Call an electrician immediately.
You still use a fuse box: Fuse boxes are outdated. You’ll need a modern breaker panel to install an EV charger safely.
No empty breaker slots: Your charger needs its own breaker. If your panel is full, it can’t handle new devices without an upgrade.
Ignoring these signs can lead to slow charging, damage to your home’s electrical system, or even fire hazards.
Why Choose Absolute Best Electric?
Absolute Best Electric has helped many families with EV charger installation. Here’s what makes us different:
- Free, honest price estimates
- Safety-focused inspections (we check for EMF, GFCI, AFCI issues)
- Expert panel upgrades by Jim Allen and our team
- Future-proof solutions that last for years
- Fast and clean work in your home
We know EV chargers, and we know Calabasas homes. Trust us to do the job right.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Standard outlets only work for slow chargers. Level 2 chargers need a special 240-volt connection installed by a licensed electrician.
Maybe. If your panel is full or too small, an upgrade is the safest choice. We’ll check for free.
Usually just one or two days. We work quickly to get your power back on.
Yes. Permits are required for EV charger installation in Calabasas. Don’t worry; we’ll handle the paperwork for you.
Yes! We install Tesla chargers, ChargePoint, JuiceBox, and many more.
Ready to Install Your EV Charger?
Before installing your home EV charger, make sure your electrical panel is ready. Absolute Best Electric is here to help with safe upgrades, expert installations, and friendly service.
If you are thinking about EV charging station installation for homes, contact us today for a free estimate.
Since 1987, families have trusted Absolute Best Electric for honest, reliable service. Let us help power your EV future safely!
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