Blog
EV charger and panel upgrade guides.
Practical, plain-language guides from TCH Home Improvement for Chicago and suburban homeowners.
EV charging
When an EV charger needs a panel upgrade
An EV charger needs a panel upgrade only when your home's electrical service runs short on capacity. Here is how to tell.
EV charging
Level 1 vs Level 2 EV charging at home
Level 1 uses a standard outlet and adds a few miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses a 240-volt circuit and is much faster.
Panel upgrades
100-amp vs 200-amp panel: which upgrade do you need?
Many older homes have 100 amp service or less. A 200-amp upgrade is common when adding an EV charger, central air or a heat pump.
Residential
Electrical warning signs you should not ignore
Warm outlets, repeated breaker trips, flickering lights and a burning smell can signal a real electrical problem.