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Electric vehicles are becoming a more common sight around Metro Atlanta. You may see them charging in driveways in Kennesaw, parked outside homes in Acworth, or traveling through Marietta, Woodstock, Canton, and the surrounding North Cobb County area.


For many homeowners, the biggest question is not whether electric vehicles are becoming more popular. It is whether installing an EV charger at home is worth it.

The short answer is simple: for many EV owners, now is an excellent time to make home charging safer, faster, and more convenient.


Home charging can eliminate regular trips to public charging stations, make daily driving easier, and give homeowners more control over when and how they charge. But it is important to install the charger correctly. A home EV charger is not simply a device that can be plugged into any available outlet.

It is a new electrical load connected to your home’s wiring, panel, and service.


Why Home EV Charging Makes Sense


Most EV drivers charge at home overnight using either Level 1 or Level 2 charging equipment. Level 1 equipment generally uses a standard 120-volt outlet, while Level 2 charging equipment uses a 240-volt circuit and can provide faster charging.


That means many homeowners can plug in after returning home and start the next day with the vehicle charging or fully charged.


Many electric vehicles come with Level 1 charging equipment that plugs into a standard household outlet. Level 1 charging can work for drivers with short daily commutes or limited charging needs.


However, Level 1 charging may take significantly longer. Level 1 charging can take approximately 8 to 15 hours when charging a depleted battery, while Level 2 charging can often reduce that time to approximately 3 to 8 hours, depending on the vehicle and charger.


A Level 2 charger may be a better fit if you:

- Drive regularly for work

- Have a longer commute

- Own an electric SUV or truck

- Have more than one EV in the household

- Want faster overnight charging

- Prefer a wall-mounted charger in the garage

- Want a cleaner, more permanent installation


The right charger depends on your vehicle, driving habits, parking location, panel capacity, and available electrical service.


Some Common Concerns About EV Chargers


Concern No. 1: “Will My Electrical Panel Handle an EV Charger?”

This is one of the most important questions to ask before installation.


Some homes are ready for a Level 2 EV charger with little or no modification.


Other homes may need:

- A dedicated 240-volt circuit

- Additional breaker space

- A panel upgrade

- A service upgrade

- Load management equipment

- A longer wiring run

- Exterior-rated equipment

- Trenching for a detached garage



A qualified electrician should perform an electrical load calculation before recommending a solution. This helps determine whether your current electrical system can safely support the charger along with your HVAC system, water heater, range, appliances, generator, and other major electrical loads.

Ampt Electric evaluates panel capacity, available load, circuit requirements, breaker sizing, and the best charger location before installation. If the home needs more capacity, Ampt Electric also provides related panel and electrical upgrades.


Concern No. 2: “Is Home EV Charging Safe?”


Home EV charging is safe when the equipment, circuit, wiring, grounding, and protective devices are installed correctly.

A Level 2 EV charger should generally be installed on an appropriately sized dedicated circuit. The exact requirements depend on the charger and vehicle manufacturer specifications. This is why an EV charger should not be treated like a basic appliance plug-in project.

Ampt Electric installs Tesla Wall Connectors, universal Level 2 chargers, dedicated circuits, and related electrical upgrades for homeowners throughout Cobb County and surrounding Metro Atlanta communities.


Concern No. 3: “Can an EV Charger Be Installed Outdoors?”

Yes, an EV charger can be installed outside when the equipment is rated for outdoor use and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Outdoor EV charging can be safe, including charging in the rain, when outdoor-rated equipment is used.

Outdoor installations still require careful planning. The electrician must consider weather exposure, cable routing, mounting, drainage, vehicle access, and protection from physical damage.


Concern No. 4: “Will Home Charging Cost More Than Public Charging?”


Charging costs depend on the vehicle, utility rate, driving habits, battery size, charging time, and public charging rates.

However, home charging can offer more predictable costs than relying on public charging stations. Some utilities also offer off-peak rates or incentives that encourage charging during lower-demand periods.

For example, Cobb EMC currently advertises a residential EV charger incentive of up to $250 for qualifying members who install an ENERGY STAR-certified Level 2 smart charger and enroll in its Energy Network program. Eligibility requirements, availability, documentation, and program terms apply. (


Cobb EMC also offers its NiteFlex rate for qualifying customers who shift EV charging and other energy use to designated lower-cost periods. Homeowners should verify current program terms directly with the utility before making financial decisions.



Frequently Asked Questions About Home EV Chargers


Is a Level 2 EV charger worth it?

A Level 2 charger can be worthwhile for drivers who want faster charging, drive frequently, have a longer commute, or prefer reliable overnight charging. The best option depends on the vehicle, driving habits, panel capacity, and installation cost.


Does every EV charger require a panel upgrade?

No. Some homes have adequate capacity for a Level 2 charger. Others may need a panel upgrade, service upgrade, load-management solution, or additional electrical work. A load calculation should be completed before installation.


Can I install an EV charger in my garage?

Yes. Garages are common locations for EV chargers. The charger should be mounted according to manufacturer instructions, connected to the correct circuit, and installed where the cable can reach the vehicle without creating a trip hazard.


Can an EV charger be installed outside?

Yes, when outdoor-rated equipment is used and the installation is properly planned. Outdoor installations must account for weather, cable routing, mounting, drainage, and physical protection.


Does Ampt Electric install chargers other than Tesla chargers?

Yes. Ampt Electric installs Tesla Wall Connectors and other Level 2 charging equipment for electric vehicles.



Call Ampt Electric at **678-632-2678** to discuss EV charger installation in Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, North Cobb County, and surrounding Metro Atlanta communities.


For homeowners in Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, and other Northern Cobb County communities, home charging can be especially useful because it turns charging into part of your normal routine rather than another errand.




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In today's technologically advanced world, we often take electrical safety for granted. Our homes and workplaces are filled with a plethora of electrical devices, and we use them without a second thought. However, behind the scenes, there are innovative devices and technologies that ensure our safety, one of which is the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI. In this blog post, we'll take a journey back in time to explore the fascinat ing origins of GFCIs and understand how they have revolutionized electrical safety. The Electrical Revolution To truly appreciate the significance of GFCIs, it's essential to understand the context in which they were developed. The 20th century saw a rapid increase in the use of electrical appliances and devices in both residential and commercial settings. This electrical revolution brought numerous conveniences but also came with its fair share of hazards. One of the significant hazards associated with electricity is the risk of electrical shock. When electrical appliances or wiring malfunctioned, they could cause electric shocks, which, in some cases, proved to be fatal. In the early 20th century, electrical safety became a growing concern, leading to the development of devices that could protect individuals from such risks. The Birth of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters The concept of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters was born out of the need to mitigate electrical hazards effectively. In 1961, Charles Dalziel, an electrical engineer at the University of California, Berkeley, developed the first prototype of what would later become the GFCI. Dalziel's motivation was to create a device that could detect even the smallest irregularities in electrical currents, known as ground faults, and instantly interrupt the circuit to prevent electric shocks. The pioneering work of Charles Dalziel led to the invention of the Residual Current Device (RCD), which is the precursor to the modern GFCI. The RCD was initially used in industrial and commercial settings, where electrical safety was of utmost importance. These early devices saved countless lives by quickly detecting ground faults and disconnecting the power supply before an electric shock could occur. The Transition to Residential Use While the RCD proved its worth in industrial settings, it took some time before GFCIs found their way into residential buildings. It wasn't until the 1970s that GFCIs started being installed in homes. The U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) began requiring GFCI protection in specific areas where water and electricity could pose a high risk, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets. The widespread adoption of GFCIs in homes marked a significant milestone in electrical safety. These devices were now helping prevent electrical accidents, protecting people from potentially lethal shocks, and reducing the risk of electrical fires caused by ground faults. The Modern GFCI Over the years, GFCI technology has continued to evolve. Today's GFCIs are more advanced, compact, and readily available. They are designed to meet the specific safety needs of various applications, including outlets, circuit breakers, and portable devices. The core principle remains the same: the device continuously monitors the electrical current, and if it detects even a minor imbalance, it interrupts the circuit within a fraction of a second. Conclusion The story of the GFCI is a testament to human innovation and the pursuit of safety in the face of technological advancements. From its humble beginnings as a safety device in industrial settings to becoming a household essential, the GFCI has played a crucial role in reducing electrical hazards and saving lives. As we continue to rely on electrical power in our daily lives, it's essential to remember the origins of safety devices like the GFCI. They serve as a reminder that progress and safety go hand in hand, and as technology advances, so too must our commitment to safeguarding lives from electrical hazards. The next time you plug in a device or use an electrical outlet, take a moment to appreciate the hidden hero—the GFCI—working tirelessly to protect you and your loved ones.