January 16, 2025

Hardwired or plug-in: choose your charger

Garage cable image

You have done your research and know which electric car you will buy. Now, you are ready for the next step—choosing a charger. Many models of Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers are available, which provide significantly higher charging speeds than the Level 1 chargers that come with most EVs. When deciding which charger suits you best, consider your electrical panel's capacity, your desired charging location, and whether to use a hardwired or plug-in version.

Electrical panel capacity

Any licensed electrician can help you check your electrical panel's capacity to ensure it will safely support the charger you want. If you need help finding an electrician near you, try our installer locator tool.

Indoor vs. outdoor charging

If you plan to keep your charger inside—in a garage, for example—you can use a plug-in charger and plug it into a 240V home electrical outlet. Plug-in chargers are often more straightforward to install, but if you will be doing most of your home charging outside, we recommend installing a hardwired charging station.

Plug-in EV chargers

A plug-in EV charger connects to power by inserting its attached plug into a matching receptacle (electrical outlet). Enphase plug-in units have high-quality 240V supply cords that are 12 inches in length, including the plug itself. All Enphase chargers are safety certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory and meet the requirements of UL 2594 and National Electric Code Article 625.

Plug and outlet safety

  • Always turn off the circuit breaker before plugging in and unplugging 240V appliances, including EV chargers.
  • Residential 240V plugs are designed for occasional relocation, but most outlets are not rated for consistent plugging and unplugging.
  • A dedicated NEMA receptacle is highly recommended. NEMA receptacles wear out over time, so an EV charger should remain plugged in unless you need to move it.
  • Check the receptacle for signs of wear. A worn receptacle can cause the plug connection to overheat and become a fire hazard. Do not use a plug that gets excessively hot.
  • Before connecting your EV charger, have a licensed professional verify that all wiring to the outlet is correct and in compliance with local code requirements.
  • Never use an EV charger with an extension cord or wall plug adapter. Plug the EV charger directly into the receptacle.
  • Ensure the EV charger is mounted to the wall or placed on a support so it does not hang from the receptacle. Receptacles are not designed to support the weight of an EV charger.

Plug types for EV chargers

If you purchase a plug-in charger, you must also decide which plug type to get. Some homes already have a 240V outlet, so you can order the plug that matches your outlet. Enphase offers two kinds of 240V plugs to fit your needs. Please contact our product specialists to clarify which plug type matches your outlet. They can help you determine what kind of outlet you have and which chargers would be safely compatible.

Hardwired EV chargers

Hardwired chargers can typically be installed indoors or outdoors—all Enphase chargers, whether hardwired or plug-in, are rated for indoor and outdoor installation. The main advantage of hardwiring is that it provides a more weather-resistant connection to power. With a hardwired station, the supply power wires are connected directly to the power wires from the electrical panel (circuit breaker).

Outdoor EV charger installations

Hardwired chargers are recommended for most outdoor installations. Key benefits include:

  • Flexibility and ease: Three-foot flexible conduits provide more installation flexibility than 240V 12-inch supply plugs.
  • Built-in power and speed: Hardwiring provides the best power connection, consistent with other outdoor high-power continuous-use devices. Generally, a GFCI circuit breaker is not needed.
  • Worry-free consistency: Avoid GFCI-caused nuisance-tripping. Enphase chargers provide 20 mA GFCI protection and feature circuit reclosure that restarts charging automatically in case of interruption.

We're here to help

Please contact us if you would like more help deciding between hardwired and plug-in chargers or have any other questions about your charging needs. We will happily give you the answers to choose the best EV charger for your home.