Should I DIY My Tesla Wall Connector Installation?

If you’re new to the world of electric vehicle ownership and think a Tesla Wall Connector installation is in your future, you may be tempted to dive into the installation of this station on your own. After all, thanks to information on the internet, and big box home improvement stores on every block, nearly everyone can take care of small DIY repairs around their home without calling on the professionals. 

For homeowners, DIY work can run the gamut from plumbing or electrical repairs to hanging paintings on a wall. Each home improvement task requires different levels of skill, but some repairs, such as electrical work, should only be done by licensed electricians due to the danger involved in handling electrical connections. 

So, should homeowners DIY their Tesla Wall Connectors? Let’s dig in. 

What is a Tesla Wall Connector?

There are two levels of electric vehicle charging solutions currently available for home use; level 1 chargers, and level 2 chargers.

Level 1 chargers are designed to connect to a standard, household, 120-volt outlet. While convenient and affordable, a level 1 charger is extremely slow to charge today’s modern electric vehicles. It can take up to a week or longer to achieve a full charge using this setup. 

Level 2 charging is the preferred mode of charging at home. Tesla’s charging station, the Tesla Wall Connector, is a smart WiFi-enabled unit that hooks directly into your home’s electrical panel on a 240-volt connection and can work with up to a 60-amp breaker to achieve a total power output of 48 amps. In general, you can expect that a Tesla Wall Connector will provide up to 44 miles of range per hour of charge when charging at 48 amps. (This charging speed will vary by your model of Tesla and the voltage of your home, which can fluctuate.)

Features of Tesla Wall Connectors

Flexibility. If your panel doesn’t have the electrical capacity to handle a new 60 amp breaker, the Tesla Wall Connector can adapt to a home’s electrical system and vary its power output as needed to accommodate a range of circuit breakers. Tesla also provides top installers like Gulfstar Electric access to specialized technology which monitors your live electrical usage and fluctuates the output in such a way as to offer you the fastest possible charging speed without overloading your main breaker.

Design. From an engineering standpoint, it is our opinion that the Tesla Wall Connector is the best-designed Level 2 Charging station currently on the market. Its glass face with LED detail is a simplistic and compact design that can easily be worked into almost every space. 

You can pick from a variety of interchangeable, differently-colored faceplates. Wiring can come in through the top, bottom, or back of the unit (whereas most can only come in through the bottom or back), which sets the stage for a more aesthetically pleasing finished install.

Further, the Tesla Wall Connector can be installed anywhere–condominiums, commercial settings, offices, and home garages. If installed correctly, it is rated for outdoor installation as well.

Technology. Since the Tesla Wall Connectors are Wi-Fi compatible, certain software features lend to its overall convenience and ease of use. For example, you can assign your Tesla (through VIN Assignment) to be the only vehicle that the Wall Connector recognizes, and remote troubleshooting the unit (once properly installed, commissioned, and registered) is a breeze with Tesla Wall Connector Support.

If you own a Tesla or are planning to purchase one in the near future, a Tesla Wall Connector is a must. Keep in mind that with some basic adapters, the Tesla Wall Connector can also charge non-Tesla vehicles. Further, Tesla recently released their J1772 Wall Connector which is extremely well-priced for its features and aesthetic. 

Is it Safe to DIY a Tesla Wall Connector Installation?

The short answer: Unless you have extensive experience with electrical systems, construction and EV Charging specifically, you should leave the Tesla Wall Connector installation process to the experts. 

Properly installing a Tesla Wall Connector requires an advanced understanding of your home’s electrical system, national electric code (NEC) requirements for EV charging, Tesla-specific requirements for a safe installation, circuit breaker types, wire ratings, and an ability to mount the Tesla Wall Connector securely to various surfaces, including bricks and concrete. 

The installation process can be a challenge for those that have limited experience working with electrical panels and landing wires–and even challenging for those who have vast electrical experience but not much experience with EV Charging. We’ve been called out to repair many broken units and the issues we uncovered have ranged from simply a poor-looking install all the way to the wrong materials used, resulting in catastrophic electrical system issues and unit failure. 

Gulfstar Electric: The Tesla Experts 

If you’re in the Tampa area and are looking for the best Tesla Certified Installer, Gulfstar Electric has you covered. 

With over 200 five-star reviews, our award-winning team of Tesla experts can help you with a Tesla Wall Connector installation in any residential or commercial setting. 

Customer happiness is our #1 priority! To get started, fill out a Work Request Form or call to speak to an Installation Advisor at (727) 755-1805 to discuss your unique project.  

Our team is ready to help you join the electric revolution!