The purpose of this guideline is to assist permit applicants in streamlining the permitting,
installation and inspection process for Residential EV Chargers.
Please be aware there are different types of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers. There are 2
basic types of EV chargers for home use (Level 1 and Level 2). Level 1 Chargers are smaller units that plug
directly into a standard 120 volt receptacle outlet. These types of chargers typically require a longer period of
time to recharge the vehicle. As long as the receptacle outlet being used to plug-in the Level 1 Charger is
existing, there is no requirement to secure a permit from the Building and Safety Division. On the other hand, if you
will be installing a new 120 volt receptacle outlet for the charger, you will need to obtain a permit but you will not
need to provide any plans or electrical load calculations as would be required for the more powerful Level 2 type
charging systems.
A Level 2 EV Charging System requires a 240 volt electrical circuit and charges the vehicle battery much faster
than a Level 1 Charger. Level 2 Charger installations typically require an electrical permit and inspections of the
installation. In order to obtain the permit you will need to provide some basic information to show that your
existing electrical service can handle the added load.
What information do I need to provide in order to obtain the permit? This Residential EV
Charger Permit Guideline has been developed to streamline the permit, installation and inspection process. In
most cases, you or your contractor simply need to fill-in the blanks on this document, attach the manufacturer’s
installation instructions and charger specifications and submit it to the Building and Safety Division for an
over-the-counter review and permit issuance. If all of the information is provided and the proposal complies with
the applicable codes, the review and approval process can usually be performed over-the-counter or within a
day or two depending upon workloads and staffing levels at the time of submittal. Once the permit is issued, the
installation may begin. When the installation is complete, an inspection of the work must be scheduled with the
Building Inspector. Inspections are typically performed on the work day following your request for inspection.
Keep in mind that someone will need to be present during the inspection so that the Building Inspector can
access the location of the electrical meter and EV charger (typically in the garage).
Installing a Level 2 EV Charging System often requires changes to building’s electrical wiring. Before
installing the EV charging equipment and the associated wiring, talk to your EV manufacturer about the
electrical requirements for the charger unit to be installed at your home.
When installing your EV Charger, be sure to use a licensed Electrical contractor whose state
contractor’s license and insurance are current. The contractor should follow the installation instructions of the EV
charger manufacturer and the requirements of California Electrical Code.
Why is the Electric Utility concerned about your EV Charger installation?
Though an individual Level 2 EV charger may have a negligible impact on the utility electric system, the
combined effect of several chargers in the same neighborhood could result in overloads on utility secondary
wires and transformers. It is important that the Electrical Utility provider be notified of any Level 2 Charger
installations to ensure that utility electrical system components are adequately sized to maintain high levels of
service reliability.
Page 1 of 6
B
UILDING & SAFETY DIVISION
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
CHARGER GUIDELINES
City of Murrieta-Development Services Department
1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
Development
Services
149
October 2019
Page 2 of 6 City of Murrieta, Development Services Department
1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER - SERVICE LOAD CALCULATION
INSTRUCTIONS: Review the list of electrical loads in the table below and check () all that exist
in your home (don’t forget to include the proposed Level 2 EV Charger). For each item checked
(), fill-in the corresponding “Watts Used” (refer to the “Typical Usage” column for wattage
information). Add up all of the numbers written in the “Watts Used” column and write that number
in the “TOTAL WATTS USED box at the bottom of the table. Then go to the next page to
determine if your existing electric service will accommodate the new loads.
(Loads shown are rough estimates; actual loads may vary for a more precise analysis, use the
nameplate ratings for appliances and other loads and consult with a trained Electrical professional.)
Check All
Applicable
Loads
Description of Load Typical usage Watts used
GENERAL LIGHTING AND RECEPTACLE OUTLET CIRCUITS
Multiply the
Square Footage of House X
3
3 watts/sq. ft.
KITCHEN CIRCUITS
Kitchen Circuits
3,000 watts
Electric Oven
2,000 watts
Electric Stove Top
5,000 watts
Microwave
1,500 watts
Garbage Disposal under
Kitchen Sink
1,000 watts
Automatic Dish Washer
3,500 watts
Garbage Compactor
1,000 watts
Instantaneous Hot Water at Sink
1,500 watts
LAUNDRY CIRCUIT
Laundry Circuit
1,500 watts
Electric Clothes Dryer
4,500 watts
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING CIRCUITS
Central Heating (gas) and Air
Conditioning
6,000 watts
Window Mounted AC
1,000 watts
Whole-house or Attic Fan
500 watts
Central Electric Furnace
8,000 watts
Evaporative Cooler
500 watts
OTHER ELECTRICAL LOADS
Electric Water Heater (Storage
type)
4,000 watts
Electric Tankless Water Heater
15,000 watts
Swimming Pool or Spa
3,500 watts
Other: (describe)
watts
Other:
watts
Other:
watts
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER CIRCUIT
Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger Wattage Rating*
(Add-up total watts for all loads checked above)
)
TOTAL WATTS USED
Page 3 of 6 City of Murrieta , Development Services Department
1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
*Use name plate rating in watts or calculate as: (Ampere rating of circuit X 240 volts = Watts)
INSTRUCTIONS: Using the “TOTAL WATTS USED” number from the previous page,
check () the appropriate line in column 1 and follow that line across to determine
the minimum required size of the electrical service panel shown in column 3. In column 4,
write-in the size of your existing service panel (main breaker size). If your existing service
panel (column 4) is smaller than the minimum required size of the existing service (column
3), you will need to install a new upgraded electrical service panel to handle the added
electrical load from the proposed Level 2 EV Charger.
Table based on CEC 220.83(A), 230.42, and Annex D.
**Please note that the size of your EXISTING service (column 4) MUST be equal to or
larger than the minimum REQUIRED size (column 3) or a new larger Electrical Service
Panel will need to be installed in order to satisfy the electrical load demand of the EV
charger.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
By my signature, I attest that the information provided is true and accurate.
Job Address:
(Print job address)
Signature:
(Signature of applicant) (Date)
In addition to this document, you will also need to provide a copy of the
Manufacturer’s Installation Literature and specifications for the Level 2 charger you
are installing.
Note: This is a voluntary compliance alternative and you may wish to hire a qualified individual or
company to perform a thorough evaluation of your electrical service capacity in lieu of this
alternative methodology. Use of this Electrical Load Calculation estimate methodology is at
the User’s risk and carries no implied guarantee of accuracy. Users of this methodology and
these forms are advised to seek professional assistance in determining the electrical capacity of a
service panel.
2
3
4
the
appropriate
Total Watts Used
(from previous page)
Minimum Required Size of
Existing 240 Volt Electrical
Service Panel
(Main Service Breaker Size)
Identify the Size of
Your Existing Main
Service Breaker
(Amps)**
up to 48,000
100 amps
48,001 to 63,000
125 amps
63,001 to 78,000
150 amps
78,001 to 108,000
200 amps
108,001 to 123,000
225 amps
Page 4 of 6 City o f Murrieta, Development Services Department
1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR EV CHARGER INSTALLATIONS:
The Table below illustrates the type and size of WIRE and CONDUIT to be
used for various Electric Vehicle Charger circuits.
Size of
EV Charger
Circuit Breaker
Required
minimum size
of Conductors
(THHN wire)
Conduit Type and Size***
Electrical
Metallic Tubing
(EMT)
Rigid
Nonmetallic
Conduit
Schedule 40
(RNC)
Flexible Metal
Conduit
(FMC)
20 amp
#12
1/2”
1/2”
1/2”
30 amp
#12
1/2”
1/2”
1/2”
40 amp
#10
1/2”
1/2”
1/2”
50 amp
#8
3/4”
3/4”
3/4”
60 amp
#6
3/4”
3/4”
3/4”
70 amp
#6
3/4”
3/4”
3/4”
***Based on 4 wires in the conduit (2-current carrying conductors, 1-grounded
conductor, 1-equipment ground).
As an alternate, Non-metallic Sheathed Cable (aka: Romex Cable or NMC) may be
used if it is protected from physical damage by placing the cable inside a wall cavity
or attic space which is separated from the occupied space by drywall or plywood.
The Table below illustrates the required supports for various types of electrical conduit or cable.
Conduit
Support
Electrical
Metallic
Tubing
(EMT)
Rigid
Nonmetallic
Conduit
Schedule 40
(RNC)
Flexible Metal
Conduit
(FMC)
Nonmetallic
Sheathed
Cable
(NMC)
Conduit
Support
Intervals
10’ 3’ 4-1/2’ 4-1/2’
Maximum
Distance from
Box to
Conduit
Support
3’ 3’ 1’ 1’
In addition to the above noted requirements, the California Electrical Code contains
many other provisions that may be applicable to the installation of a new electrical circuit.
Installers are cautioned to be aware of all applicable requirements before beginning the
installation. For additional information or guidance, consult with the Building and Safety
Division staff or a qualified and experienced Electrical Contractor.
Page 5 of 6 City of Murrieta, Development Services Department
1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR LEVEL 2 RESIDENTIAL EV CHARGERS
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - All Electrical Vehicle Charging Systems shall comply with
the applicable sections of the California Electrical Code, including Article 625.
2. EQUIPMENT HEIGHT - The coupling means of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
shall be stored at a height of 18 48 inches above the finished floor. (CEC Art
625.29(B)).
3. LISTED EQUIPMENT - All Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be listed by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory.
4. FASTENED IN PLACE - Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment must be permanently
connected and fastened in place in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions (CEC Art. 625.13).
5. PROTECTION FROM PHYSICAL DAMAGE - Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment shall
be protected against vehicle impact damage when located in the path of a vehicle. In
order to avoid the installation of a substantial pipe bollard as an equipment guard, locate
the Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment on a garage side wall, out of vehicular path.
(see sample drawing below) (CEC Art. 110.27(B))
6. IF MORE THAN 60 AMPS- When EV charging equipment is rated at more than 60
amps, the disconnect means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible
location and shall be capable of being locked on the open position. (CEC Art. 625.23)
Page 6 of 6 City of Murrieta, Development Services Department
1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
GARAGE
NEW 40 AMP CIRCUIT
BREAKER INSTALLED IN
THE EXISTING ELECTRIC
METER PANEL
NEW 40 AMP RATED LEVEL 2
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER
SECURED IN PLACE
HOUSE
SAMPLE PROJECT DESCRIPTION
:
INSTALLATION OF A NEW 40 AMP
CIRCUIT FOR A LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC
VEHICLE CHARGER PER
MANUFACTURER’S INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS AND CALIFORNIA
ELECTRICAL CODE.
VEHICLE BATTERIES LISTED AS
SUITABLE FOR CHARGING INDOORS
WITHOUT VENTILATION.
MINIMUM SERVICE PANEL SIZE TO
BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
RESIDENTIAL EV CHARGER
GUIDELINES
SAMPLE ELECTRICAL PLAN FOR LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER CIRCUIT INSTALLATION
NEW ½” CONDUIT WITH #10
CONDUCTORS PER
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL
CODE