Requirements before installing charging stations in condos and apartments
1. HAVE A LOAD CALCULATION PERFORMED BY AN ENGINEER (MANDATORY)
When a charging station is directly connected to a co-owner’s meter, whether or not it is via a charge controller, a considerable additional load is added to the building’s electrical infrastructure (meter panel, transformer, fuse switch, etc.). Therefore, a master electrician or someone with expertise in this area must perform a new load calculation each time a charging station is added to ensure that the operational safety of the electrical power supply equipment is not compromised.
2. IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY THAT WILL POWER YOUR CHARGING STATION
To install a charging station in a condo or apartment building, you must first identify the source that will power the station. Next, you must determine how the electricity it consumes will be billed. With this information, it will be easier to submit a request to your condominium association.
3. ASK YOUR HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION FOR PERMISSION TO INSTALL A CHARGING STATION
Once you have identified a solution for powering the station, you will need to ask your condominium association for permission to proceed with the installation. If your complex has an electric vehicle charging policy in place, the procedure may be outlined in it.
4. HIRE AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR TO DO THE WORK
Find out if your complex already has a designated contractor for installing charging stations. If not, hire an electrical contractor who has the necessary licenses.
5. REQUEST AN EVALUATION BY AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING FIRM FOR LARGE BUILDINGS (13 UNITS OR MORE)
For apartment buildings with more than 13 units, some projects require a more detailed evaluation by certified engineers.