Anyone with an electrical license can legally wire a light fixture or add an outlet, but EV charger installation asks for something more specific. Between load calculations, permit requirements, and equipment that draws far more power than a typical circuit, hiring a certified electrician for EV charger installation isn’t a box to check, it’s the difference between a safe, code-compliant setup and one that fails inspection or worse. It’s also often a requirement behind the scenes: many utility rebates for home charging equipment require the installation to be done by a licensed electrician to qualify.
Why EV Charger Installation Isn’t a Standard Electrical Job
A Level 2 EV charger runs on a dedicated 240-volt circuit and pulls significantly more continuous power than most household appliances. That changes what the job actually requires: an accurate load calculation for your entire panel, correct wire sizing for a circuit that will run at high amperage for hours at a time, and installation practices specific to EVSE equipment, not just general wiring.
An electrician can be fully licensed in Colorado and still have never installed a single EV charger. Licensing confirms general electrical competency. It doesn’t confirm EV-specific training.
What Does “Certified” Actually Mean for EV Charger Installation?
In Colorado, every electrician doing this work needs a state license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies State Electrical Board, which requires 4,000 hours of hands-on experience for a Residential Wireman license, 8,000 hours for a Journeyman license, and 10,000 hours for a Master Electrician license. That license is the baseline, and it’s non-negotiable.
Beyond state licensing, EV-specific certification is a separate credential. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) trains already-licensed electricians specifically in EVSE installation: site assessment, load calculations, and the National Electrical Code requirements unique to charging equipment. It’s a 20-hour course followed by an exam, and it exists because general electrical licensing doesn’t automatically cover this ground.
What Happens If You Hire an Uncertified Installer?
The most common failure point is an incorrect load calculation, which either overloads a panel that wasn’t ready for the additional draw or results in an installation that simply won’t pass inspection. Either outcome costs more to fix after the fact than it would have cost to hire the right person the first time.
There’s also a permit problem. Every jurisdiction we work in requires a permit for EV charger installation, and that permit process includes an inspection against code. An installer unfamiliar with EV-specific code requirements is more likely to miss something the inspector catches, which means delays, rework, and a project that takes longer than it should have.
What a Certified Installer Handles That an Electrical Contractor Might Miss
A few things separate an EV-focused installer from a general electrical contractor taking on a one-off job:
- An accurate load calculation that accounts for the charger’s continuous draw, not just its peak
- Familiarity with permit and inspection requirements specific to EV charger installations in your jurisdiction
- Correct equipment selection and installation for residential, commercial, or fleet-scale projects, each of which has different requirements
- Knowledge of when load management can avoid an unnecessary panel upgrade, versus when an upgrade is genuinely required
This matters whether you’re installing a single home charger or planning a commercial installation for a business site. The equipment and load considerations scale up, but the need for someone who actually knows this specific work doesn’t change.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Before signing off on any EV charger installation, it’s worth asking a few direct questions: Is the electrician licensed with the state of Colorado? Have they installed EV chargers before, and can they explain how they’ll calculate your home’s load? Will they handle the permit and inspection process, or is that left to you? A contractor who answers these clearly and specifically is a good sign. Vague answers are worth a second look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Colorado requires a state electrical license to perform this work, issued through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies State Electrical Board.
No, it’s not legally required in Colorado the way it is for certain publicly funded projects in some other states. It’s a strong signal of EV-specific training, but state licensing is the legal requirement.
Many manufacturer warranties require professional installation to remain valid, and some specify installation by a properly trained or certified electrician. It’s worth confirming with your charger’s manufacturer before installation begins.
The work has to be corrected and reinspected before the permit closes, which adds time and often additional cost. It’s the exact scenario proper certification and experience are meant to prevent.
Colorado’s state license lookup is available through DORA’s website, and EVITP certification can be confirmed directly through EVITP’s certification check tool.
Hiring for Your EV Charger Installation?
If you’re comparing installers, ask the questions above and see how they answer. When you’re ready to move forward, call EV Plug Pros at (720) 900-5530 or reach out through our contact page, and we’ll walk you through exactly what your installation involves.