Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is more straightforward than most people expect — particularly for portable plug-in models like the ShockFlo G1, which require no licensed electrician for the charger itself. What the process does require is a basic understanding of your home’s electrical setup, a clear installation plan, and knowing exactly which steps need a professional and which you can handle yourself.

Before You Begin: Two Types of Installation

Level 2 EV charger installation falls into two distinct categories, and the process differs significantly between them.

Plug-in installation means the charger connects to an existing or newly installed NEMA 14-50 outlet. The charger itself requires no professional installation — you mount the bracket and plug in the unit. The only task that requires a licensed electrician is installing the NEMA 14-50 outlet if one does not already exist in your garage.

Hardwired installation means the charger connects directly to your home’s electrical panel without a plug. This always requires a licensed electrician, as it involves direct work on the panel and permanent wiring. The ShockFlo S1 supports both modes.

This guide covers the complete process for both paths, with clear distinction between what homeowners can do themselves and what requires professional work.

Step 1: Assess Your Electrical Panel

1. Check your panel’s total amperage capacity. Locate your main electrical panel — usually in a utility room, basement, or garage. The total capacity is printed on the main breaker (typically 100A, 150A, or 200A for residential panels). A 40A Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 50-amp circuit. Verify your panel has space for an additional 50-amp double-pole breaker, or consult an electrician to assess capacity.
2. Locate available breaker slots. Open the panel cover and count the available breaker slots. A 50-amp double-pole breaker occupies two slots. If your panel is full, a licensed electrician may need to consolidate circuits or install a sub-panel before proceeding.
3. Determine the distance from panel to installation location. Measure the distance from your electrical panel to where you plan to mount the charger. This affects wiring costs — longer runs require more material and more labor time. Runs over 50 feet may also require thicker wire gauge to maintain voltage stability.

Step 2: Choose Your Installation Location

1. Select a wall position that the charging cable comfortably reaches your vehicle. Stand in your typical parking position and estimate where the charge port on your vehicle sits. The charger should be mounted so the 20-foot cable reaches the port with slack — not stretched taut. Most drivers mount the charger near the driver’s side front corner of the parking space, though this varies by vehicle.
2. Confirm the mounting surface can support the charger’s weight. Mount into wall studs whenever possible for a secure, permanent installation. If studs are not accessible at the ideal location, use appropriate wall anchors rated for the charger’s weight (the ShockFlo G1 weighs approximately 10 pounds). Avoid mounting on drywall alone without anchors.
3. Consider outlet placement if installing a NEMA 14-50. For plug-in chargers, the outlet should be positioned 18 to 24 inches from the charger mount so the plug cord is not strained or pinched. Communicate this to your electrician when scheduling the outlet installation.

Step 3: Electrical Work (Licensed Electrician Required)

The following work must be performed by a licensed electrician. Schedule this step before mounting the charger.

1. Install a dedicated 50-amp, 240-volt circuit. The electrician runs a new circuit from your panel to the charger location using 6-gauge copper wire (for runs up to 55 feet) or 4-gauge wire for longer runs. This circuit must be dedicated — not shared with other outlets or loads. A 50-amp double-pole breaker is installed in the panel to protect the circuit.
2. Install the NEMA 14-50 receptacle (for plug-in chargers). The electrician installs a NEMA 14-50 outlet at the marked location. The outlet should be mounted at a height and position you agreed on during the pre-work consultation. Confirm the outlet is properly grounded before the electrician leaves. Learn more about outlet types in our home EV charger guide.
3. For hardwired installations: run conduit and connect directly. For hardwired models like the ShockFlo S1 in hardwired mode, the electrician runs conduit from the panel to the charger mounting location, pulls the wiring through, and makes the direct connection inside the charger’s wiring compartment. A 60-amp circuit is required for 48-amp hardwired operation.

Step 4: Mount the Charger (DIY)

1. Locate wall studs at the mounting position. Use a stud finder to locate studs behind the drywall. Mark the stud centers with a pencil. If no stud is available at the ideal position, use heavy-duty wall anchors rated for at least 50 pounds. The ShockFlo G1 ships with a mounting bracket and all necessary hardware.
2. Mount the wall bracket. Hold the bracket against the wall at the intended height — typically 48 to 52 inches from the floor — and mark the screw hole locations with a pencil. Drill pilot holes at the marked positions, then secure the bracket with the provided screws. Use a level to confirm the bracket is straight before tightening fully.
3. Hang the charger on the bracket. The ShockFlo G1 slides onto its mounting bracket and locks into place. Confirm the charger is seated securely before proceeding. The cable should hang freely without strain on any connection point.

Step 5: Connect and Test (DIY)

1. Plug the charger into the NEMA 14-50 outlet. For plug-in models, connect the NEMA 14-50 plug firmly into the receptacle. Do not use extension cords or adapters not specifically rated for EV charging use. The connection should be secure with no play or looseness.
2. Power on and confirm indicator status. Turn on the circuit breaker for the EV charger circuit. The ShockFlo G1’s LED indicator and LCD screen will illuminate. A solid indicator light with no error codes confirms the unit has power and is ready to charge. Consult the included user guide if any error codes appear.
3. Connect your vehicle and confirm charging begins. Plug the J1772 connector into your EV’s charge port. The vehicle’s charging indicator should activate within a few seconds. The ShockFlo G1’s LCD displays live charging current and voltage, confirming the session is active. Your vehicle’s instrument cluster or app will confirm the charge rate being accepted.
4. Download the ShockFlo app and configure scheduling. With the charger operational, download the ShockFlo app and connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Configure your off-peak charging schedule based on your utility’s rate plan. This is the step that turns a working charger into one that also saves you money — do not skip it.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

• Sharing the EV circuit with other loads. The charger circuit must be dedicated. Sharing it with other outlets or appliances will cause the breaker to trip during simultaneous high-demand use.
• Using an undersized breaker. A 40-amp charger requires a 50-amp breaker. A 48-amp hardwired charger requires a 60-amp breaker. Undersizing is both a safety risk and a code violation.
• Installing outdoors without weatherproof protection. If the outlet or charger is exposed to weather, use a weatherproof in-use cover for the outlet and confirm the charger is rated IP65 or higher for outdoor installation.
• Mounting too far from the vehicle’s charge port. Test the cable reach before permanently mounting the bracket. A cable that cannot comfortably reach the charge port without being stretched will cause daily frustration and potential connector wear.

Conclusion

For most homeowners choosing a portable Level 2 charger like the ShockFlo G1, the installation process reduces to two tasks: having a licensed electrician add a NEMA 14-50 outlet, and mounting the charger bracket yourself. The total time from unboxing to first charge session — electrician aside — is under 30 minutes. For a full review of charger setup and app configuration, see our ShockFlo charger review. And for the full ShockFlo product lineup, visit our portable EV chargers page.