Single Family Home
Most EV owners will probably want to charge their vehicle in the convenience of their home. To make it as easy as possible to get your home EV-ready, many electric vehicle companies have made arrangements to offer customers an easy process by which to become plug-in ready. If you decide to arrange the installation yourself, here are a few things you should know and do:
IMPORTANT: Persons renting a single family home should speak with the Property Agent (e.g. Property management, home owner, etc) before installing a charger. Please see Answers to the Issues to review some of the issues that may need to be addressed
Getting Started:
1. Arrange for a Pre-installation inspection of your residence BEFORE you buy the car. Give yourself enough lead time to find out what your home’s electrical panel can or cannot accommodate, and what your options and possible costs will be. The Department of Building Inspections offers Survey Inspections for a fee (see below for more information) which will help identify installation challenges and provide options that will ensure the installation meets code which will be reviewed when they return for the inspection after the installation is completed.
2. Call PG&E, preferably even before your Pre-installation Inspection. PG&E’s
EV Customer Service will be able to assist with questions regarding electrical capacity, provide information on specific EV rate structures and how you may be able to qualify to save money by charging your car during off-peak hours.
PG&E EV Customer Service Contact Information
(877)743-7782
PG&E Electric Vehicle Web Page
- Once Steps 1 and 2 have been completed, a licensed electrician/contractor will do the following:
• Conduct a pre-installation inspection
o Examine your power supply and electrical wiring
o Examine the site of where you want the charger
• Provide an installation quote
o Cost of installation
o Cost of equipment, including shipping and taxes
o Permit fee(s)
If the quote is accepted, the now hired licensed electrician/contractor will continue to do the following:
• Apply for the necessary permit(s),
o Electrical Permit from San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
o If installation is more complicated, it may require additional permits
• Install the charger, and
• Schedule a post-installation inspection with the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
Permits and Inspections in San Francisco
Department of Building Inspection Web Site
Fees
Survey Inspection takes place before installation and ideally with the electrician who will be doing the installation. The building inspector can identify complications and options for installation according to code which will be reviewed during the final inspection: Approximately $170.00
Electrical permit and one inspection for up to ten outlets or devices: Approximately $240.00.
Same-day permitting
State licensed electrical contractors may apply for a permit in person or online if they are registered with the City of San Francisco Department of Building Inspection.
1660 Mission Street, 5th Floor, Permit Services (415) 558-6133
8:00AM – 4:00PM, Monday through Friday, 9:30AM – 4:00PM on Wednesday
Doing the electrical work yourself
Provided the homeowner performs the electrical work, the homeowner of a stand-alone single family dwelling (not a condominium unit) may apply for a Homeowner’s Permit
1660 Mission Street, 3rd Floor, (415) 558-6570
8:00AM – 4:00PM, Monday through Friday
Inspection
Inspections are performed between 9:30AM – 12PM or 12:30 – 3:00PM Monday through Friday
Inspections are scheduled by calling Inspection Services at (415) 558-6570
