Types of Charging Stations

There are three types of electric vehicle charging stations (EVSC) available for residential or commercial use.

Level 1

• Most generally used in residential occupancies.
• Can be plugged into most grounded electrical outlets and is usually rated for 15 amperes at 120 volts common.
• Takes up to 12 hours to charge a vehicle.
• Requires no permit if you are plugging the appliance into an existing outlet.
• Requires a permit if installing a new outlet to accommodate the appliance, but no plan submission is necessary.

 Level 2

• Most often installed in residential occupancies.
• Can be hardwired or plugged into a dedicated 240-volt circuit.
• Takes between four and six hours to charge a vehicle.
• Requires a permit if installing a new circuit and outlet to accommodate the appliance, but no plan submission is necessary.

Level 3

• Most often installed in commercial occupancies.
• Most often hardwired per manufacturer's requirements
• Takes less than an hour to charge a vehicle.
• Requires either an electrical or building permit depending on the complexity of the installation.
• Requires a full plan submission and review during permit application; see below for requirements.

Minimum Submission Documents

• For new residential outlets and circuits, no plans are required.

• For commercial installations, a full plan submission is required, and the following must be submitted during permit application.
  • Electrical plans.
  • Building plans for foundation or canopy, if applicable.
  • Site-related plan showing the location of charging stations and related structures.