EV Charger Manuals & Owner Guides

Level 1 vs. Level 2 charging

Level 1 (120 V)

Uses a standard household receptacle and typically adds about 3–5 miles of range per hour. Fine for short daily commutes or plug-in hybrids.

Level 2 (208/240 V)

Uses a dedicated 240 V circuit (208 V in many commercial buildings) and delivers roughly 3–19 kW, adding about 10–60 or more miles per hour depending on the charger and vehicle.

Dual input

Portable units that can run from either 120 V or 240 V supplies, useful for travel and flexible home setups.

Sizing the circuit: the 125% rule

The NEC treats EV charging as a continuous load, so the branch circuit must be rated at least 125% of the charger's maximum current. A 32 A charger needs a 40 A circuit, a 40 A charger a 50 A circuit, and a 48 A charger a 60 A circuit. Chargers above 40 A are normally hardwired.

Permits, electricians and networked chargers

A new 240 V circuit for EV charging requires a licensed electrician in most places, along with a permit and inspection. Ask for a load calculation first — older 100 A services may need load management or an upgrade. Networked chargers add app control, scheduling for time-of-use rates and, for businesses, access control and billing through OCPP-based platforms.

EV Charger FAQ