This article is a technical reference for installing the Emporia EV Charger. Share it with your electrician before installation to ensure the circuit, wiring, and mounting are sized and positioned correctly. For help deciding between a NEMA plug-in and hardwired installation, see the EV Charger Pre-Purchase Checklist.
Professional Installation
Emporia highly recommends professional installation by a licensed electrician. Installing the EV Charger involves a dedicated 240V circuit, proper breaker sizing, and compliance with local electrical code — work that requires a licensed electrician in most jurisdictions. Many areas also require a permit before work begins and an inspection once complete.
When you book through our certified installer network, Treehouse, you can receive a $100 installation credit . To find an installer near you and redeem the credit, visit emporiaenergy.com/installation-services.
Electrical Requirements
Both the Classic and Pro EV Chargers comply with National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, which mandate that breakers be sized at 125% of the continuous load. Before scheduling installation, confirm with your electrician that your panel has an available breaker slot and sufficient remaining capacity for a new 50A or 60A dedicated circuit.
Wiring
6 AWG copper wire, rated for 90°C or higher — copper only, aluminum conductors are not compatible
Wire terminals accommodate up to 6 AWG; 4 AWG will not fit and creates a safety hazard
Solid core wire is recommended; if stranded wire is used, ferrules are optional but help with termination
A three-wire connection is required: two live lines and a ground — no neutral needed
Requires a split-phase 240V supply (two 120V lines at 180° offset) — not compatible with single-phase 240V systems
The charger enclosure has a 1¼-inch knockout; the included conduit fitting is 1 inch
Longer wire runs may require a larger wire gauge to prevent voltage drop — consult your electrician if the panel is far from the installation location
Breaker Sizing
NEMA 14-50 plug-in: Requires a dedicated 50A breaker — supports up to 40A charging
Hardwired: Requires a 60A breaker — supports up to 48A charging
Higher-rated breakers are acceptable; lower-rated breakers will reduce your available charge rate
Per NEC requirements, a 40A charging rate requires a minimum 50A breaker, and a 48A rate requires a minimum 60A breaker — your electrician will size accordingly
It is important to note that converting a NEMA 14-50 plug EV charger to a hardwired installation can have warranty implications. Cutting the plug off the cord will void the charger’s warranty. Instead, remove the plug assembly entirely and follow the approved hardwiring procedure to maintain warranty coverage.
GFCI Breakers
The Emporia EV Charger has built-in GFCI protection. Do not install an external GFCI breaker on the same circuit. Redundant GFCI protection will cause nuisance tripping that interrupts charging and requires a manual breaker reset.
Hardwired installations: Always use a standard non-GFCI breaker.
NEMA plug-in installations: Local code may require a GFCI breaker on the outlet circuit. If this applies, flag it with your electrician before installation — especially if you plan to convert to hardwired in the future, as the GFCI breaker would need to be replaced with a standard one at that time.
If you are considering converting your NEMA plug-in installation to a hardwired setup, consult with your electrician to ensure compliance with local codes and maintain warranty coverage by following approved procedures.
Mounting and Placement
Converting from NEMA Plug-in to Hardwired
Converting an EV charger with a NEMA 14-50 plug to a hardwired installation is a common modification that can enhance charging capabilities and meet specific installation requirements. Below are the key steps and considerations:
Turn Off Power: Ensure the breaker supplying power to the charger is turned off. Verify that no voltage is present before proceeding.
Open the Charger’s Front Cover: Access the internal wiring by carefully removing the charger’s front cover.
Remove the NEMA Plug Assembly: Detach the NEMA 14-50 plug assembly completely. Do not cut, modify, or alter the plug or its cord.
Install Hardwire Conductors: Run new 6 AWG copper conductors from the electrical panel to the charger. Connect the conductors to the appropriate wiring terminals inside the charger.
Follow Local Electrical Codes: Complete all connections in accordance with local electrical codes and regulations.
Secure Connections: Ensure all connections are properly torqued and secure.
For detailed wiring instructions, torque specifications, and safety requirements, consult the charger’s installation guide. If you are not comfortable performing electrical work, hire a licensed electrician to complete the installation.
Choose a location that balances proximity to your electrical panel and where your vehicle parks. The charging cable is 25 feet — position the charger so the cable reaches your vehicle's charge port comfortably without stretching or running across a high-traffic area.
Mounting height: 24–48 inches off the ground is recommended. Avoid mounting below 24 inches to prevent water damage. Heights above 48 inches are acceptable.
Orientation: The charger can be mounted upright (recommended), upside-down, sideways, or on the ceiling. For non-standard orientations, ensure water cannot collect on the unit.
Indoor and outdoor use: Both the Classic and Pro chargers carry a NEMA Type 4 weatherproof rating and are suitable for indoor or outdoor installation without a separate enclosure.
Conduit and cable routing: Work with your electrician to plan conduit routing from the panel to the installation location. Surface-mount conduit is common in garages and is typically the most straightforward approach. Keeping the run as short as possible reduces material cost and minimizes the risk of voltage drop.
Pro EV Charger: Includes a pre-attached mounting bracket and supports both wall and ceiling installation.
Classic EV Charger: Can be mounted on an exterior wall with direct wiring to its enclosure.
Feedback and Suggestions
This knowledge base is continuously updated to provide the most helpful guidance for Emporia customers. If you found this article unclear or have suggestions for improvement, please contact our Customer Support team.