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Does My EV Charger Need a Dedicated Circuit?

Yes, in virtually every case a home EV charger should be installed on its own dedicated circuit, rather than sharing a circuit with other appliances.

Why a dedicated circuit matters

EV chargers draw a sustained, significant load for hours at a time, unlike most household appliances that draw power briefly. Sharing a circuit risks overloading it and tripping breakers, or worse, overheating the wiring.

What this means for your switchboard

A dedicated circuit needs its own breaker (and ideally its own safety switch) at the switchboard. If your switchboard is full, older, or doesn't have spare capacity, it will likely need upgrading as part of the installation.

Faster and safer charging

Beyond the safety benefit, a dedicated circuit also means more consistent, faster charging, since the charger isn't competing with other loads on the same circuit.

Getting it assessed

A licensed electrician will check your switchboard's spare capacity, cable run distance, and whether an upgrade is needed as part of any EV charger quote.

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