EV Charging Hardware Selection: Essential Tips for Electricians 

While electric cars keep becoming a more normal sight on Australian roads, electricians are paving the way for smoother transitions to cleaner transport. Possibly the most significant job that electricians need to do is selecting the most suitable EV charging equipment for domestic and commercial installation. With so many different models to choose from, an electrician needs to know how to spot the most suitable EV charger – and how it works in conjunction with EV charger software and mobile apps – to ensure optimum long-term performance, customer satisfaction, and growth prospects in the next few years is your number one priority. 

Learn Charging Requirements 

All electric vehicles don’t charge equally. Electricians will have to take into account vehicle types, daily driving ranges, and users’ expectations of charging when recommending hardware. A home user might only need a 7kW single-phase charger, for example, but a commercial facility or fleet depot might need several 22kW or even DC fast EV chargers. 

EV Charger Software Compatibility 

New EV charging stations are not merely power receptacles, they are intelligent devices. They can be integrated with EV charger software, including scheduling, remote monitoring, load balancing, and energy consumption reporting. Electricians must ensure the charger selected is compatible with top EV charger management platforms and can integrate seamlessly with existing systems. 

Seek out chargers that are OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) compliant, guaranteeing compatibility with most EV charger management software platforms. 

Choose Smart Features and Connectivity 

Smart chargers have advanced functionality using mobile apps or software management platforms. EV management software enable users to: 

  • Real-time monitoring of charging 
  • Charge your car at off-peak hours to save money 
  • Get diagnostics and alerts 
  • View usage statistics and estimated costs 

Electricians can inform customers how these features can increase the value and future-proof the investment. 

Installation Environment Matters 

Outdoor or indoor, pedestal or wall mount, single or multi-unit. These choices all have an effect on hardware choice. Ensure the charger is environment rated (IP65 or greater for outdoor) and the place and cable length are convenient for and safe for users. 

Think Scalability 

Future capacity needs to be considered for all installation of a EV charger networks. Choose equipment that can be load managed to prevent overloading and allows for more units or higher-powered hardware. Ocular provides an advanced load management solution based on real-time usage of the site.  

Another important consideration is a simple-to-use interface and instructions. Also, pay attention to how much after-sales support the manufacturer or EV charger software firm offers. Quick response times and regular software updates are a must.  

Choosing the right EV chargers involves more than just power ratings. It involves reliability, smart software compatibility, and convenient user experience through intuitive EV charger apps. As an electrician, it is crucial to monitor the latest innovations and technology in EV charging to offer customers high-quality, future-proof solutions.


For more advice on installing EV Charging and how to become an Ocular Installation Partner, reach out to our team.  

1300 912 650 

Sales@ocularcharging.com.au 

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is gathering pace in Australia and globally. With more government incentives, higher fuel costs, and more focus on sustainability, consumers and businesses alike are turning to electric vehicles. This trend is creating a demand for EV charging facilities, and electricians are ideally placed to take advantage of this trend.

Here’s why electricians stand a good chance of dominating the fast-growing EV charging business.

Get Certified and Stay Compliant

The secret to success starts with the proper certifications. There are technical requirements that must be adhered to when it comes to EV charger installations, and Australian standards compliance is the most important. Seek out courses and certifications like the NECA EV charger installation course, or any other approved training including residential as well as commercial systems.

It is equally important to have knowledge of the local council and state regulations. Everything has to be safe and compliant, and having the details of the regulatory landscape will prevent you from spending money on pricey errors.

Use EV Charger Suppliers and Manufacturers

Partnerships with good EV charger companies could have the ability to generate new business ventures. Partnership with credible companies assures you will have stable products to deliver and generates trust of the customer toward your business.

By achieving authorised installer status for brands such as Ocular, you place yourself at a competitive advantage in a brand-oriented market.

Gain EV-Specific Expertise

It’s not all about the installation, your customers will need you to be a guru. Learn about various types of chargers (Level 1, 2, and DC fast chargers), smart charging features, load balancing, solar support, and mobile app integration. Business users and fleet operators tend to seek advice on what solution is ideal for their uses

Remaining ahead of trends like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology or government incentives also serves to enhance your services and make you an innovative professional.

Provide Full-Service Solutions

Electricians who provide end-to-end solutions – from site visit, supply, installation, service, and consumer education – are more likely to thrive. Most customers, particularly in commercial and strata environments, want a one-stop solution rather than having to negotiate with multiple contractors.

Value addition by offering services such as smart metering, load management systems, and integration with renewable energy can greatly enhance your earning potential and clientele.

Promote Your Services Effectively

Don’t rely on referrals only. Build a professional website, advertise your services on local directories, and promote your EV charging services on social media. SEO-optimise your website to get the attention of homeowners, developers, and businesses seeking EV charging installations in your locality.

Networking with real estate developers, commercial property managers, and builders can also create leads for big-sized projects.


For more advice on installing EV Charging and how to become an Ocular Installation Partner, reach out to our team.

sales@ocularcharging.com.au

1300 912 650 

 

With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly popular, more and more drivers are trading in gas-guzzlers for clean, efficient electric rides. But just as having an EV is revolutionary, one important upgrade can improve your experience even further: a home EV charger. Curious as to why you should invest in one? Let’s summarise.

1. Convenience that can’t be beat

Imagine waking up every morning to a fully charged vehicle, ready to go. That’s the power of home charging. No more detours to public charging stations or waiting in line. Plug in overnight and you’re set for the day. It’s like having a gas station in your garage, but cleaner, cheaper, and always available.

2. Faster Charging, More Freedom

Public Level 2 chargers are good (7kW or 22kW), but having one installed in your home provides the same advantage without having to leave your driveway. Home EV chargers and Software, particularly Level 2 chargers, can fill your car up to 10 times quicker than a standard wall outlet (~8Amps). That’s less time idling and more time cruising.

3. Significant Cost Savings Over Time

Charging at home can lower your costs to power your vehicle substantially. Most power companies have special lower electricity rates for off-peak usage, so you can charge your EV in the evening and save even more. Compare that to volatile gas prices and public charging fees, it’s a no-brainer.

4. Increase Your Home’s Value

As EVs become more mainstream, homes equipped with EV chargers are becoming increasingly attractive to buyers. Installing a home charger not only serves your needs today but could boost your property’s resale value in the future. It’s a smart investment that pays off in more ways than one.

5. Take Control of Your Charging Experience

Home EV charging is in your hands – literally. You get to decide when to charge, how much to charge, and what type of charger to install. And, with many newer chargers, there are even smartphone apps to get real-time feedback and scheduling controls at your fingertips.

Final Thoughts

Having an EV is a step in the right direction toward sustainability, but installing a home EV charger brings it to the next level. From convenience and cost savings to flexibility and future-proofing your home, the advantages are too compelling to overlook. For EV owners who want to get the most out of their car, a home charger isn’t nice to have, it’s a necessity.


For further information please feel free to visit our website or our youtube channel, which contain further educational resources.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at:

sales@ocularcharging.com.au

1300 912 650 

With the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), homeowners are now more inclined to install trusted EV chargers in their homes. This change is an excellent opportunity for electricians to branch out and satisfy the growing demand. If you’re considering starting this business, this guide is the step-by-step process for starting home EV charger installation.

Understanding EV Chargers

Prior to installing EV chargers, it is important to know the various types available:

  1. Level 1 Chargers – They utilise a standard 10A household outlet and operate at a slow rate (8 AMPS) charging an EV in around 24 – 38 hours at a rate of 10km per hour of charge.  Please note this is dependent on what vehicle is being charged.
  2. Level 2 Chargers – These are wired directly to the houses electrical supply, through a switchboard and are the most common residential option.  This option charges an EV in 4-12 hours. This is dependent on the household’s supply, the charger’s output and the EV’s charging capabilities.
  3. Level 3 Chargers (DC Fast Chargers) – These are made for commercial use due to the significantly higher demand of electricity.

 

Steps to Becoming an EV Charger Installer

1.Qualified and Fully Licensed

Electricians must be fully licensed and qualified to meet all Australia Safety Standards and Requirements. Electricians need to do their due diligence in referencing manuals and installation guides specific to each charger before installation, also being aware of local electrical codes to provide safety and compliance.

2.Understand Local Regulations

Every region has its own electrical codes for EV charger installations. Check local government and utility company regulations to meet safety and zoning requirements.

3.Select the Proper Equipment

The proper Ocular EV Charger model must be selected. Consider the following:

  1. Power Supply & Demand of the Premises – How much power is available and what set up they have (Single Phase, Two Phase & Three Phase).
  2. Solar Functionality – If the client owns a solar system and wishes to utilise the excess solar, you will be required to understand their power supply and solar inverter (single or three phase) to determine the correct variant of charger.
  3. Customer Requirements – What do they require? A plug & play charger or a smart charger (Bluetooth app or OCPP)

 

4.Perform a Site Assessment

Check the electrical panel of the home to see if it supports the selected charger requirements mentioned above. Make sure the location of the charger is in a location where it is easy to access and utilise.

5.Safely Install the Charger
Accurate installation entails:
  1. Mounting the charging unit securely – The chargers come with instruction manuals and a mounting template.
  2. Conducting proper wiring and conduit – Ideally, we recommend 40A Type A RCBOS and 10mm2 power cabling this is to prevent nuisance tripping and account for 3% voltage drop.
  3. Setting up Isolator Switches – We recommend setting up an Isolator Switch within a 1m radius of the charger to comply with the Australian safety standards.
  4. Testing for compliance and functionality – Once set-up, test the charger to ensure that it is fully functional. You can do this via a Metrel Tester or by plugging the charger into an EV.

 

6.Educate Homeowners

After installation, train homeowners on charger usage, safety protocols, and cost-saving strategies such as off-peak charging.


For further information please feel free to visit our website or our youtube channel, which contain further educational resources.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at:

sales@ocularcharging.com.au

1300 912 650 

1. What is the difference between AC and DC Charging?

AC charging utilises the on-board AC to DC power converter that is connected to your EV battery to charge your car. AC EV chargers require an adapter connection to a distribution board to charge your car

  • Available in single-phase and 3-phase charging
  • More cost-effective solutions

DC Charging performs AC to DC power conversion outside of the EV.

  • Units are much larger due to housing a much larger AC-DC power converter than the converter in your car
  • Greater charging range and capacity (20kWh-150kWh)
  • Charging times are much faster than AC charging
  • DC Charging leads connect directly to your battery

 

2. What is the difference between Single-phase and three phase charging?

All EVs are capable of charging with both single-phase chargers and three-phase chargers, but only select EV models can utilise the full capacity of a 3-phase charger EV charger:

  • Single-phase EVs can accept 3-phase chargers but will charge at a slower rate than their 3-phase charger counterparts e.g., BMW E-range, Fiat 500E etc.
  • Other EVs accept 3-phase chargers and can utilise these chargers to their full capacity e.g., BYD Atto 3, Mercedes EQA, Polestar 2 etc.
  • 7kW single-phase, 32A per phase (average charging time: 4-6 hours)
  • 22kW, 32A per phase (average charging time: 2-3 hours

 

Advantages of AC EV Charging:

Single-Phase AC EV Charging:

  • More cost efficient than 3-phase charging
  • Suitable for residential EV charging e.g., carports, garages

Three-Phase EV Charging:

  • Suitable for commercial EV charging e.g., commercial carparks, service stations
  • Quicker charging time
  • Higher charging rate compared to single-phase

 

3. What are smart charging features?

With the increasing number of EVs on Australia’s roads, the number of EV chargers in Australia will only increase and diversify in the coming years to satisfy our evolving electrical infrastructure and consumer needs.

Smart charging features include:

  • Energy consumption monitoring and management
  • Automated billing of EV charging sessions
  • EV charging load management
  • Remote troubleshooting

 

4. What is OCPP?

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a communication standard for EV charging stations and network software companies, allowing end-users and operators to access smart features on their EV charger through a user-friendly interface on a phone app or website.

 

5. What is the difference Type-1, Type-2 Leads and DC Charging Leads?

Type-1 leads have a 5-pin design and is commonly used in Asian and American markets. Type-1 cables are available for single-phase AC EV charging units only.

Type-2 leads have a 7-pin design and is the standard lead type in Europe and are fast becoming. Newer EV Models and chargers are standardised to utilise type-2 leads. Type-2 charging leads are available for single-phase and three-phase AC EV charging units.

For DC fast charging, the charging socket of the cable connects directly to the EV battery.
CHAdeMO and CCS2 cables are the standard socket types when it comes to DC EV charging.

What Are EV Charger Types, Levels and Modes?

6. What can I claim through the EV Charging Grants Scheme?

Rebates are dependent on state legislation regarding EV charger and EV charging accessory installation and operation. Please refer to the link here for more details regarding state specific EV charger funding and rebates.

If you are considering installing an EV charger for home, public, fleet, or heavy commercial, you will find the right charger in our range of AC and DC EV chargers. You can speak to us or look through our website for more information.