Quick answer: Why proper EV charger installation matters

An EV charger is a continuous high-current device (often 32A).
Installing it incorrectly can lead to:

• Voltage drop
  
• Reduced charging speeds
  
• Heat damage
  
• Charger faults
  
• Roof leaks
  
• Fines or insurance issues
  
• Safety hazards
  
• Non-compliance with national electrical standards
  

A professional installation ensures full performance, longevity and safety.

Background: An older home with no easy cable routes

David had a Tesla Wall Connector ready to go — but the home had:

• No ceiling cavity
  
• No underfloor space
  
• No direct cable pathways
  

Many installers would opt for the cheapest, most visible fix: conduit across brickwork.

But David wanted a clean, discreet, premium installation, and JPG Tech delivered exactly that.

The plan: Concealed wiring and fully compliant installation

To keep the installation invisible and fully compliant, JPG Tech:

• Removed roof sheeting safely
  
• Ran new cabling through the roof space
  
• Mounted the charger at the correct regulatory height
  
• Ensured all wiring complied with AS/NZS standards
  
• Resealed and reinstated the roof sheeting perfectly
  

This created a clean finish with no visible conduit.

Technical considerations — and what cheaper quotes often miss

Your notes were 100% correct: proper EV charger installation requires more than “just running a cable”.

Below are the technical requirements that JPG Tech completed — and many budget installers ignore.

1. Cable sizing to AS/NZS 3008.1.1 (Voltage Drop Standard)

All EV charger cabling was sized using AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017, which calculates conductor size based on:

• Circuit length
  
• Load current (continuous 32A)
  
• Installation method
  
• Ambient temperature
  
• Voltage drop limits
  

Correct cable sizing ensures:

• No performance loss
  
• No overheating
  
• No charger shutdowns
  
• Long-term system reliability
  

2. Wiring rules and safety compliance (AS/NZS 3000:2018)

The dedicated EV charger circuit included:

• Correctly rated MCB
  
• Appropriate RCD (Type A or as per Tesla specs)
  
• Safe isolation
  
• Fault-loop impedance verification
  
• Dedicated circuit — no shared loads
  

All work was performed by a licensed electrician, as required by the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic).

3. Electrical equipment safety (AS/NZS 3820)

The Tesla Wall Connector is RCM-certified, confirming:

• Electrical safety compliance
  
• EMC compliance
  
• Approval for household installation
  

Using RCM-certified equipment is mandatory in Australia.

4. Minimum wall-mounting height — 800mm

Australian EV charger installation guidance requires:

• Minimum mounting height: 800mm above finished floor level
  
• Above splash zones
  
• Within safe reach
  
• Away from vehicles reversing
  
• Not obstructing walkways or vehicle doors
  

David’s charger was mounted accordingly.

5. Accessibility and safety clearances

JPG Tech ensured:

• Easy reach from vehicle charge port
  
• No obstructions in walkways
  
• Clear cable drop zone
  
• No exposure to water taps or hose sprays
  
• No pinch points where the cable could be damaged
  

Safety and usability were planned with the same importance as electrical compliance.

The result: A premium finish with invisible wiring

Once the charger was installed and tested, the finish was flawless:

• No visible conduit
  
• No exposed cabling
  
• No signs of roof access
  
• Clean alignment with the garage wall
  

David now enjoys full 32A charging using his solar system — with a charger that looks like it was part of the house from day one.

Project Snapshot

What homeowners can learn from this project

• EV chargers draw high continuous current — shortcuts can cause long-term damage.
  
• Cable sizing must follow AS/NZS 3008.1.1, not guesswork.
  
• Always mount chargers at 800mm or higher for safe access.
  
• RCM-certified equipment is non-negotiable.
  
• Even difficult homes can achieve a clean, conduit-free finish.
  

A proper installation protects your home, your charger and your EV.

FAQs

Do I need a licensed electrician to install an EV charger?

Yes, Under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic), all fixed EV chargers (Tesla, Zappi, Wallbox, etc.) must be installed by a licensed A-Grade electrician. DIY or unlicensed installation is illegal and voids warranties.

How high does an EV charger need to be mounted?

Australian EV charger installation guidelines specify a minimum wall mounting height of 800mm, ensuring:

• Protection from splash zones
  
• Safe cable reach
  
• Reduced impact risk from car doors
  
• Better usability
  

JPG Tech always mounts chargers at or above this height.

Why is cable sizing so important for EV chargers?

EV chargers draw high continuous load (up to 32A).
If the cable is undersized:

• Voltage drop increases
  
• Charging becomes slower
  
• The charger overheats or faults
  
• Long-term damage can occur
  

We size cabling properly using AS/NZS 3008.1.1 calculations, adjusted for:

• Circuit length
  
• Load
  
• Installation method
  
• Ambient temperature
  
• Required voltage drop limits

Do I need council or planning approval?

Most residential charger installations do not require formal approval.
However, approval or notification may be needed when:

• Roof sheets are removed
  
• External cabling routes change building appearance
  
• Upgraded mains capacity is required
  
• Working in heritage-listed buildings
  
• Running cabling through shared property or easements
  

JPG Tech always advises homeowners when local council notification applies.

Can the charger integrate with my solar system?

Yes, Tesla and other chargers can integrate with solar generation and home battery systems.

When a charger is installed near solar or battery equipment, we also follow:

• AS/NZS 5139 design principles
  
• Correct separation from battery systems
  
• Safe cable routing
  
• Appropriate isolation and protection
  

This ensures all systems operate safely together.

Why did this installation require roof-sheet removal?

David’s home had no ceiling cavity and no underfloor access, meaning there was no traditional route for running cabling discreetly. Removing roof sheets allowed JPG Tech to access the roof cavity safely and route cabling out of sight — achieving the concealed finish David requested.

Why is concealed wiring preferred for EV charger installations?

Concealed wiring eliminates visible conduit on brickwork, delivering:

• A cleaner, premium aesthetic
  
• Better long-term protection of cabling
  
• No exposed runs at risk of UV damage
  
• Improved property value and visual appeal
  

David specifically requested no visible conduit, and JPG Tech achieved this by routing cabling through the roof and reinstating sheet metal with no trace of access.

What is the required mounting height for EV chargers?

Australian installation guidelines call for a minimum mounting height of 800mm above the finished floor level.
This protects the charger from splash zones, improves accessibility, and ensures safe reach for users.
David’s charger was mounted accordingly.

Can this charger integrate with solar systems?

Yes, David’s Tesla Wall Connector integrates seamlessly with his existing solar system. Because the installation is near inverter and battery components, JPG Tech followed AS/NZS 5139 design principles, ensuring safe cable routing and correct separation from battery zones.

Is council approval needed for EV charger installations?

Most residential installs do not require a permit.
However, council notification may be required when:

• Roof sheets are removed (as in this project)
  
• External cabling changes building appearance
  
• The property is heritage-listed
  
• Mains upgrades alter load capacity
  

JPG Tech advises clients when local requirements apply.