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⚡ EV Charger Pre-Inspection Checklist

evchargerpermit.pages.dev — Updated May 2026 — Share with your electrician
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🔧 Wiring & Circuit
Wire gauge correct: 6 AWG copper for 50A circuit • 8 AWG for 40A • 10 AWG for 30A
Wire is THWN-2 rated (not plain THHN) for any conduit in garage or outdoor area
Hot, neutral, and ground wire all present and connected at both ends
No wire splices in walls or conduit — splices only in accessible junction boxes
Wire terminations tight — no loose strands, no overheated insulation at connections
For aluminum wiring: anti-oxidant compound applied at all terminations
⚡ Breaker & Panel
Double-pole breaker installed — correct amperage (50A for 40A charger, 40A for 32A charger)
Breaker is firmly seated in panel — no wobble, no loose connection
Breaker labeled "EV CHARGER" in legible permanent marking
No double-tapped breakers (two wires on one breaker terminal) on other circuits
Panel door opens fully — inspector needs unrestricted access
Panel interior clean and dry — no water intrusion signs
🚫 GFCI Protection
GFCI protection provided: onboard EVSE, GFCI breaker, or GFCI outlet (required for garage & outdoor)
If GFCI outlet: Test & Reset buttons function properly — test before inspection
GFCI breaker tested: press Test button, breaker trips; press Reset, power restores
Charger's onboard GFCI: confirm model spec sheet shows listed onboard GFCI protection
📋 Documentation to Have Ready
Permit card posted at work site (or digital permit on phone)
EVSE spec sheet / installation manual — inspector may want to confirm listings
Charger is UL listed (look for UL mark on device)
Someone present who can open panel and answer questions
🔌 Conduit & Wiring Methods
Conduit type appropriate for location: EMT (dry interior/garage) • Liquid-tight (outdoor) • PVC Sch 40 (underground)
Conduit supported every 10 ft and within 3 ft of all boxes and enclosures
Conduit fill under 40% (3 conductors in 3/4" EMT = acceptable for 6 AWG)
All conduit fittings tight — no gaps at connectors or where conduit enters boxes
Underground conduit at correct burial depth (18" min PVC in conduit • 24" direct burial)
Romex NOT used in garage (exposed) or outdoor locations — conduit only in those areas
🔒 Mounting & Weatherproofing
EVSE securely mounted to wall stud or masonry — not drywall anchors alone for heavy units
EVSE protected from vehicle impact if parking directly in front of charger
Outdoor EVSE has NEMA 3R or 4X enclosure rating
Outdoor receptacle has in-use (bubble) weatherproof cover installed
All outdoor junction boxes sealed — weatherproof fittings and gaskets in place
EVSE cable does not touch ground or create trip hazard when plugged in
🏷 Labels & Markings
Breaker in panel labeled "EV CHARGER" — permanent marker, label maker, or engraved label
NEMA 14-50 outlet labeled with amperage if not factory-marked
Any disconnect switch (if installed) labeled with circuit it controls
Underground conduit marked with warning tape 12" above conduit
📝 Inspector Notes / My Info
Fill in before inspection day:
Permit number:
Inspection date/time:
Inspector contact:
Electrician on site:
Charger make/model:
Circuit:   ____ A breaker  •  ____ AWG wire  •  ____ ft run
Common Instant Fail Items: Wrong wire gauge   No GFCI in garage/outdoor   Ground wire missing   Romex exposed in garage   No breaker label   No in-use cover on outdoor outlet
EV Charger Permit Hub — evchargerpermit.pages.dev — Informational only. Always verify requirements with your local building department. Not professional electrical advice.