WHY YOUR LEVEL 2 EV CHARGER SHOULD BE HARDWIRED RATHER THAN PLUGGED INTO AN OUTLET IN OAK ISLAND NC
Using 120V wall outlet (Level 1 charging)? The problem: It takes 2 days to get a full charge.
You need a Level 2 Charger (240V).
As a licensed master electrician and Electric vehicle charging station contractor with an Electrical Engineering degree, I approach EV chargers differently than a standard installer. It’s not just about "getting power" to the car; it’s about ensuring your home’s electrical panel can handle a massive new continuous load without overheating.
The 3 Things You Must Know Before Installing
Hardwired vs. NEMA plug: Hardwired always wins.
Many homeowners ask for a "dryer outlet" (NEMA 14-50) in their garage to plug in their charger. While this works, I almost always recommend hardwiring your charger directly to the electrical panel.
Safety: Plug-in outlets are failure points. Frequent plugging/unplugging creates wear, and cheap "big box store" receptacles can melt under the 6+ hours of the high amperage an EV pulls.
Reliability: If you live on the Brunswick Barrier Islands (Southport, Oak Island, Holden Beach), salt air corrodes outlet contacts. A hardwired connection is sealed and far more durable.
Speed: Hardwired chargers charge faster (up to 48 Amps or even 60 Amps), whereas plugs are usually capped at 40 Amps.
The additional cost of a hardwired wall unit are offset by the additional installation cost of a receptacle. Here is why: Electrical Code requires plug in installations to be GFCI protected even though most chargers have one built in. This can cause nuisance tripping so you may come out to find your vehicle has not charged because the GFCI tripped.
The GFCI circuit breaker is substantially more expensive and requires an addition wire for the neutral connection. The receptacle itself also adds cost.
In the end the total cost of most installations will end up within $50 either way. WaveRider Electric & Automation always recommends the faster, safer, and more reliable hardwired installation.
The load calculation is critical.
An EV charger is a substantial continuous load. If you have a 100-Amp or 150-Amp panel, adding a 50-Amp EV circuit could overload your main breaker.
The Engineering Difference: Before I run a single wire, I perform a Load Calculation on your home.
Location.
Copper wire is expensive. The further your parking spot is from your breaker panel, the higher the installation cost.
Tip: If you are building a new home or detached garage, let’s plan the conduit now before the drywall goes up.
The Good News: Local Rebates Can Pay for Your Install
Because we serve Brunswick, New Hanover, and Horry counties, we help our clients navigate the specific rebates available right now (Late 2025).
Brunswick Electric (BEMC): They currently offer a $500 Rebate for residential EV charger "make-ready" wiring (Level 2). This can cover a huge chunk of your installation labor!
Duke Energy: NC customers may be eligible for the "Charger Prep Credit" which can cover up to $1,100+ for wiring and panel upgrades.
Federal Tax Credit (30C): You may be able to claim 30% of the installation cost (up to $1,000) on your taxes if you are in a non-urban census tract (which covers many parts of our area). Always consult your tax professional to confirm eligibility.
