Dave Clauson

About Dave Clauson

Posts by Dave Clauson:

February 4 2026

Why Upgrading Your Electrical Service Is a Smart Investment for Your Home

Dave Clauson Electricity 200 amp service upgrade, basement suite electrical, BC Hydro coordination, electrical panel upgrade, electrical permits and inspections, electrical service upgrade, EV charger installation, heat pump electrical requirements, home electrical capacity, North Shore electrician

As homes across the North Shore continue to evolve, so do their electrical demands. From electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps to hot tubs, saunas, and basement suites, today’s households are drawing more power than ever before. If your home’s electrical service is still original, it may be limiting what you can safely and reliably add.

At Cove Power, we regularly help homeowners upgrade their electrical service to support modern living, future-proof their homes, and ensure compliance with current electrical codes. Below, we break down what an electrical service upgrade is, why it matters, and when it makes sense to consider one.

What Is an Electrical Service Upgrade?

Your electrical service is the main connection that brings power from BC Hydro into your home. It includes the service conductors, meter base, main disconnect, and distribution panel. The service size—measured in amps (A)—determines how much electricity your home can safely use at one time.

Many older homes were built with 60A or 100A services, which were sufficient decades ago but are often inadequate for today’s electrical loads. Upgrading your service increases the capacity available to your home, improving safety, reliability, and flexibility.

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Service

1. Support for Modern Electrical Loads

One of the most common reasons homeowners upgrade their electrical service is to accommodate new, high-demand equipment, including:

EV charging stations (Level 2 chargers in particular)
Heat pumps or air conditioning systems
Hot tubs and saunas
Induction ranges and electric appliances
Electric in-floor heating

Without sufficient service capacity, adding these loads may not be possible—or may require compromises that limit performance.

2. Planning for the Future

Even if you don’t need additional capacity today, an electrical service upgrade allows you to plan ahead. Electric vehicles, home electrification, and energy-efficient systems are becoming standard rather than optional.

Upgrading your service now can prevent the need for costly changes later and ensures your home is ready for future technologies as they become more common.

3. Renovations and Basement Suites

If you’re planning a renovation, addition, or adding a basement suite, this is often the ideal—and sometimes required—time to upgrade your electrical service.

Renovations typically add lighting, receptacles, appliances, and sometimes separate electrical panels. Basement suites, in particular, introduce significant new electrical demand and are frequently subject to service capacity requirements under current codes and municipal guidelines.

Addressing the service upgrade early helps avoid delays and ensures your project passes inspection without last-minute surprises.

4. Improved Safety and Reliability

An undersized or outdated electrical service can be pushed beyond its intended limits, increasing the risk of nuisance breaker trips, overheating, and premature equipment failure.

A properly sized service upgrade improves overall system reliability and brings your home’s electrical infrastructure in line with modern safety standards.

Common Electrical Service Sizes

200 Amp Service (Most Common)

A 200A service upgrade is the most common upgrade for single-family homes. In fact 200A is the minimum standard for all new builds. It provides ample capacity to add at least one of the following:

an EV charger
a Heat pump or AC
a Hot tub, sauna, or steam room
a Basement suite or plan renovations

For most homeowners, 200 amps offers an excellent balance of capacity, cost, and future readiness.

320 Amp and 400 Amp Services

Larger homes or properties with extensive electrical loads may require 320A or 400A services. These are typically considered when:

Multiple EV chargers are planned
Larger heat pump systems are installed
There are multiple cooking facilities or suites
Many high-demand loads are featured in the design

Cove Power can help assess whether a higher-capacity service makes sense for your specific needs.

Overhead and Underground Service Upgrades

We perform electrical service upgrades for both overhead and underground services to single-family homes. Each type has unique considerations, and our team handles the technical details to ensure a smooth and compliant installation.

Permits, Inspections, and BC Hydro Coordination

Electrical service upgrades involve multiple steps and coordination between authorities. Cove Power manages the entire process for you, including:

Electrical permitting
Safety authority inspections
Coordination with BC Hydro

Our goal is to make the upgrade process as seamless and stress-free as possible while ensuring all work meets current codes and utility requirements.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Service?

If your home is older, you’re planning a renovation, or you’re considering adding high-demand electrical equipment, now may be the right time to evaluate your electrical service.

At Cove Power, we specialize in residential electrical service upgrades throughout North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the surrounding areas. Our experienced electricians can assess your current setup, discuss your future plans, and recommend a solution that fits your home and lifestyle.

Contact Cove Power today to learn more about upgrading your electrical service and preparing your home for what’s next.

Modern kitchen with LED under cabinet puck lights illuminating white countertops and cabinets, showcasing a bright and energy efficient lighting upgrade

October 20 2025

Why You Should Upgrade Your Under-Cabinet Puck Lights to LED

Dave Clauson Electricity Energy-efficient home lighting, Halogen to LED conversion, Kitchen lighting upgrade, LED lighting retrofit, LED puck lights, LED under-cabinet lighting, North Vancouver electrician, Under-cabinet lighting installation

If your kitchen still has halogen puck lights glowing under the cabinets, it might be time for a simple yet worthwhile upgrade. At Cove Power, we’ve helped many North Vancouver homeowners replace their old halogen puck lights with sleek, efficient LED puck lights—and the difference is night and day.

1. Stay Cool and Safe

One of the biggest drawbacks of halogen lights is heat. These older fixtures get extremely hot to the touch, especially in enclosed spaces like under cabinets. They can even scorch nearby surfaces over time or cause discomfort when you’re working close to them. LED puck lights, on the other hand, run cool and safe, no matter how long they’ve been on. They make your kitchen more comfortable and reduce any risk associated with excess heat.

2. Use Less Power, Save More Money

LEDs use only a fraction of the electricity that halogens do. That means lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint. You’ll also enjoy brighter, more even lighting while using far less power—truly a win-win for both your home and the environment.

3. Long-Lasting and Low Maintenance

Halogen bulbs burn out regularly and need replacing far too often. LED puck lights, however, are designed to last for years—often decades—before needing attention. No more fiddling with tiny bulbs, especially when it’s getting harder and harder to find halogen replacement bulbs

4. A Simple Upgrade

Upgrading from halogen to LED puck lights is a straightforward job that usually takes just a couple of hours. In many cases, your existing wiring can be reused, which keeps installation quick and cost-effective. Cove Power’s electricians handle everything safely and neatly—no mess, no hassle, just beautiful new lighting that transforms your kitchen.

If you’re tired of the heat and hassle of halogen puck lighting, switching to LED puck lights is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. You’ll get cooler, brighter, and more efficient lighting that lasts for years to come.

Ready to make the change?

Contact Cove Power today to schedule your LED under-cabinet lighting upgrade—and start enjoying a safer, cooler, and more energy-efficient kitchen.

April 10 2025

Just Got a Shocking Utility Bill for Your Secondary Suite? Here’s Why Suite Decommissioning Might Be the Answer

Dave Clauson Electricity converting suite to single-family, Cove Power suite services, decommission rental suite, decommission suite BC, electrical suite removal, high utility bills, home utility savings, how to decommission a suite, reduce utility costs, remove kitchen from suite, remove secondary suite, secondary suite removal, single-family dwelling conversion, stop paying for unused utilities, suite compliance inspection, suite deactivation process, suite decommissioning, suite decommissioning electrician, suite decommissioning services, suite decommissioning Vancouver

If you own a home with a secondary suite, you might be wondering whether it still makes sense to keep it—especially after opening a sky-high utility bill. With municipalities now charging utility fees separately from property taxes, homeowners are feeling the financial strain of higher electricity, water, and gas costs. As a result, many are opting to decommission their secondary suites—and it’s not as complicated as you might think!

At Cove Power, we specialize in safe and efficient suite decommissioning, ensuring you stay compliant with local regulations while making the most of your property.

What Does Decommissioning a Secondary Suite Mean?

Simply put, decommissioning a secondary suite means removing key features like the kitchen range and hood fan that facilitate cooking. Some municipalities have additional requirements as well. The goal is to bring the home back to a single-family dwelling while eliminating unnecessary expenses.

Why Homeowners Are Choosing to Decommission Their Suites?

Many homeowners are decommissioning their secondary suites to avoid the costs of extra utilities, which can be a financial burden if the suite isn’t generating income. When a suite is no longer being rented out, homeowners end up covering the costs of unused electricity, water, and gas. By removing the suite, you can eliminate these unnecessary expenses.

How Cove Power Can Help?

At Cove Power, we take care of the entire electrical side of your suite decommissioning, ensuring the process is done safely and in compliance with municipal requirements. We’ll handle disconnecting appliances and circuit breakers, coordinating inspections, and making sure your home is up to code.

Ready to Get Started? Let’s Talk!

If you’re considering decommissioning your secondary suite, Cove Power is here to help.

March 8 2025

The Top 10 Electrical Hazards in Your Home (and How to Fix Them)

Dave Clauson Electricity common electrical issues, electrical hazards, fire prevention, GFCI outlets, home electrical safety, outdated wiring dangers, overloaded circuits, professional electrician services, safe electrical practices

Electricity powers our modern lives, but when not handled properly, it can pose serious risks. As your trusted local electrician, Cove Power is here to help you identify and fix common electrical hazards in your home.

Read on to learn how you can make your home safer and avoid potential dangers.

1. Overloaded Circuits

Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can cause overheating and increase the risk of an electrical fire. The same applies if multiple outlets on a single circuit, such as in bedrooms or an office, are in use simultaneously. If you notice frequent tripping of circuit breakers, it’s time to call a service electrician to assess your electrical load and install additional circuits if needed.

2. Outdated Wiring and Aluminum Conductors

Older homes often have outdated wiring that may not meet modern electrical demands. Homes built between the 1960s and 1970s may also have aluminum wiring, which can pose a serious fire hazard due to its tendency to loosen over time, causing overheating and electrical failures. If your home is over 30 years old, consider having a professional electrician inspect and upgrade your wiring, or at least “pigtail” your devices with safer, modern copper wiring.

3. Improper Use of Extension Cords

While extension cords offer convenience, they’re not a permanent solution. Overusing them or running them under carpets can lead to overheating, insulation breakdown, and fires. When selecting new extension cords, always ensure the wire size is 14 gauge or larger to prevent overheating and ensure safety. Better yet, have additional outlets installed by a qualified electrician.

4. Lack of Tamper-Resistant Outlets

If you have young children in your home, standard electrical outlets can pose a serious risk. Tamper-resistant outlets (TROs) are designed with built-in safety shutters to prevent objects from being inserted into the slots, reducing the risk of electric shocks. They became mandatory by code in 2015 so any home older than that likely has standard outlets. Installing TROs is an easy and effective way to enhance safety in your home.

5. Water and Electricity Don’t Mix

Outlets near water sources, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, should have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed. GFCIs automatically shut off power if moisture or a ground fault is detected, preventing shocks and electrocution. If your home lacks GFCI outlets, a local electrician can upgrade your system to meet modern safety standards.

6. Ungrounded Outlets

Older, two-prong outlets lack grounding, making them more dangerous in the event of a power surge. Without a proper ground, excess electricity has nowhere to safely discharge, increasing the risk of electrical shocks and damage to appliances. Upgrading to three-prong outlets with proper grounding will enhance your home’s safety. If rewiring isn’t an immediate option, a local electrician can install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets as a temporary safety measure.

7. Flickering or Dimming Lights

If your lights flicker or dim unexpectedly, it could indicate faulty wiring, loose connections, or an overloaded circuit. In some cases, it may also be due to voltage fluctuations from high-powered appliances like air conditioners or space heaters sharing the same circuit and drawing too much power at once. Ignoring this issue can lead to overheating or even electrical fires. An electrician can assess your home’s electrical system and determine if rewiring, a panel upgrade, or circuit balancing is needed to resolve the problem.

8. MR16 Halogen Lamps and Overheating Issues

MR16 halogen lamps, commonly used in recessed and track lighting, generate a significant amount of heat. These bulbs can reach high temperatures, posing a fire risk if installed in non-IC-rated fixtures or near combustible materials. Over time, excessive heat can also degrade wiring insulation and damage light sockets. Switching to LED alternatives reduces heat output and improves energy efficiency, making them a safer and longer-lasting option for your home.

9. Smoke Detectors – Testing, Replacing, and Smart Upgrades

Smoke detectors are a crucial safety feature in every home, but many homeowners forget that they have an expiry date. Most smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, as their sensors degrade over time. It’s also essential to test them monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they’re functioning correctly. If your smoke detectors are outdated or unreliable, replace them with newer models. Consider upgrading to smart smoke detectors, which can send alerts to your phone if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected while you’re away, offering an extra layer of protection for your home and family.

10. DIY Electrical Work

Electrical repairs and installations should always be handled by a licensed electrician. Even seemingly simple tasks like replacing outlets or installing light fixtures can pose serious risks if done incorrectly, leading to fire hazards, electrocution, or code violations. Hiring a professional electrician ensures that all work is completed safely and up to code, protecting your home and family from unnecessary dangers.

For trusted electrical services in North Vancouver, click below or call us today!

February 28 2025

Cove Power Wins 5th Consecutive Readers Choice Award for Favourite Electrician!

Dave Clauson Awards 5 consecutive years, award-winning business, electrical services, Favourite Electrician, local business, North Shore, North Shore News, North Shore News Readers Choice Award, NSN Readers Choice Award, Vancouver

We are beyond excited to announce that Cove Power was voted the North Shore’s Favourite Electrician for the fifth year in a row! This milestone is especially meaningful to us as it reflects the continued trust and support of our community, which has been the foundation of our success.

Since our first win in 2021, we’ve had the privilege of being recognized in consecutive years, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve this amazing place we call home.

With over 8,000 ballots cast this year (a new record!), the Readers Choice Awards continue to be an important way for North Shore residents to highlight businesses that make a difference.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Everyone Who Voted for Cove Power

Winning this award five times in a row is not something we take for granted. It’s a testament to the strong relationships we’ve built with our clients, who continuously inspire us to improve and evolve. We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who voted, recommended us, and supported us over the years. Your trust means the world to us!

Each year, we challenge ourselves to raise the bar even higher. We don’t just want to be your go-to electrician—we want to create an experience that people remember and recommend to others. This commitment to excellence drives us every day.

Celebrating Excellence Our Local Clients Shine in the 2025 North Shore Readers Choice Awards!

From Humble Beginnings to Local Leaders

Looking back, Cove Power has come a long way in 15 years. One electrician began assembling a skilled team of personable and professional electricians who were committed to making every job a success. That team changed, evolved and grew over time but jump ahead to 2025 and Cove Power continues to follow that proven model, providing great experiences and leading the field.

What’s Next for Cove Power?

While we’re thrilled with this year’s win, our work doesn’t stop here. We’re focused on continuing to push the boundaries of what we can offer. We’re exploring new ways to improve the customer experience and enhance the services we provide. We’ll keep working hard to make sure that Cove Power remains the name you trust for all your electrical needs.

With our EV charger offerings and construction/renovation teams well established we believe it’s time to go back to our roots and focus on what kickstarted everything; service calls. That’s right, all the little stuff that we never stopped doing but isn’t as exciting to broadcast. Changing fixtures, troubleshooting circuit issues, replacing bathroom fans, adding/moving plugs, lighting upgrades, service upgrades… the list goes on and on. Don’t sweat the small stuff, if you need a service electrician we can help.

Contact Us

Why the North Shore is the Best Place to Live and Work

From the scenic mountains to the bustling neighbourhoods, the North Shore is a place where people support one another and local businesses thrive. It’s a privilege to be part of such an incredible community, and we’re thankful every day that we get to work and live here.

We also want to congratulate all the other nominees and finalists in this year’s Readers Choice Awards. It’s an honour to be in such great company, and we look forward to seeing how we can all continue to grow and contribute to our wonderful community. A big thank you again to everyone who voted for Cove Power as your Favourite Electrician. We can’t wait to continue serving you and working together to make the North Shore even better!

September 12 2024

Smoke Detector Replacement, Instillation, And Repair

Dave Clauson Smoke Detectors home smoke detector, replacement detectors, smoke alarm, smoke alarms, smoke and carbon monoxide, smoke detector, smoke detector repair, smoke detector replacement

Smoke detectors are one of the most important, and possibly most neglected, devices in the home.
Keeping them up to date, check them regularly, and having them replaced is an important part of home and business maintenance and care.

The maintenance of a sensitive and effective smoke detection system allows for the early detection of any kind of fire threat so that people can be moved to safety as quickly as possible.

While most public awareness campaigns usually focus on residential smoke alarm maintenance, it is equally important to ensure that businesses, large and small, also maintain this essential notification system. Various factors can impact the effectiveness of a smoke alarm and impact its ability to function at optimal level:

Dust and dirt buildup,
Vandalism or tampering,
Lack of monitoring of system connectivity
Improper installation
Environmental exposures to temperature, humidity and voltage
System aging

These factors can pose a serious risk to the integrity of a smoke alarm system and require close and careful attention.

Do your smoke detectors work?

A bit of history and importance of smoke detector maintenance and smoke alarm fire safety to help you and your family stay safe. Over thirty years ago, laws were enacted to make smoke detectors mandatory in all inhabited buildings. These new laws lead to a wave of smoke detector installations. Since then, many smoke detectors haven’t been replaced and require replacement. This is an issue because smoke detectors become less effective ten years after installation. So having faulty smoke detectors is an accident waiting to happen.

Ageing smoke alarms have a 30% failure rate within the first decade. This means your family’s safety has a one in three chance of being compromised in the case of a fire. To the majority of homeowners, this is an unacceptable statistic. Be sure to test your smoke detector to see if it is operational and find out whether your home requires smoke alarms to be replaced.

Which replacement detectors do I need?

Which replacement model you need depends partly on whether the existing detector wires are wired independently or are interconnected. If you aren’t sure what you have, press the test button on one. If all devices go off, they are interconnected, typically linked with a red or orange wire to carry a direct current signal in addition to regular alternating current wires for power. If only one sounds, they are wired independently. If you have interconnected alarms, check the specifications to ensure you get a compatible replacement — or replace all the devices in your home with a single model.

Where Should Smoke Alarms be Installed?

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.

A smoke alarm should be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When installing a smoke alarm, many factors influence where you will place the alarm, including how many are to be installed. Consider placing alarms along your escape path to assist in egress in limited-visibility conditions. In general, you should place alarms in the center of a ceiling or, if you place them on a wall, they should be near the ceiling.

Do I need to hire an electrician?

While some tasks, such as monthly testing and changing the battery, can easily be completed by yourself, we believe that installation should always be completed by a professional. There are many reasons to invest in this service.

Electricians can recommend the dest devices

Not every smoke detector is equal in quality and effectiveness. While it may not matter if you buy store-brand bread instead of an expensive loaf, it matters greatly which smoke detector you choose. Electricians know which models are reliable, safe, and up to code.

Electricians can save you money

Although you will pay a service fee in addition to the cost of the smoke detector when hiring an electrician, having a professional do the job can save you a lot of money. Installing a smoke detector can involve some delicate electrical work which can be dangerous and also expensive to get wrong. Faulty wiring can lead to expensive repairs, and depending on where you live, incorrect wiring can even involve some pretty hefty fines for code violations.

Improper installation can also lead to malfunctioning of the device which could mean either dealing with constant repairs or having to purchase a new smoke detector before 10 years has passed. You may be able to save money on labor by doing it yourself, but the cost could be high.

Electricians can fix other problems at the same time

Perhaps you have a light that keeps flickering, an outlet that goes in and out, or a breaker that is continually tripping. These problems, along with many others, can signal a deeper problem with your electrical system. While you are getting your smoke detector replaced, it is a good idea to have your electrician take a look at any other problems and concerns that you have noticed in your home’s electrical system. Having multiple tasks completed at the same time can help save money on labor, and can prevent small problems from turning into larger ones that are more expensive to fix.

Your electrician will be happy to take a look at other areas of your electrical system while performing smoke detector installations. They can check to make sure that everything is functioning optimally and that your electrical system is safe. In addition, they can check for any code infractions that need to be dealt with.

Cove Power performs smoke detector replacement and smoke detector repair. We have years of experience in the field of electrical wiring. If you have broken smoke alarms in your home, you run the risk of property damage and the safety of loved ones. If you believe your families safety might be at risk, call Cove Power today for information regarding the safety of your home.

September 12 2023

North Shore News Readers Choice Awards 2023

Dave Clauson Awards award-winning business, electrical services, local business, North Shore, North Shore News, North Shore News Readers Choice Award, NSN Readers Choice Award, Vancouver

Cove Power voted Favourite Electrician for 3rd straight year!

The votes are in and once again Cove Power is the North Shore’s Favourite Electrician! This follows up our first ever nomination and win in 2021 followed by 2022. We are so happy to take the top spot again in 2023!

The annual Readers Choice Awards showcase great local businesses across the North Shore. The community chooses the winners in over 175 categories. More than 7,500 ballots were cast this year, the most ever!

Thank you to everyone who supported Cove Power and helped make this possible!

Our first win inspired us to be even better this year. Once you claim the title you don’t want to give it up! So we made it a mission to improve our services and strengthen relationships. We wanted every client interaction to not only be positive but also memorable. An experience people would share with their friends and family.

Cove Power has come a long way since we opened the doors in December 2009. What started as one electrician and a single van has grown to a team of 12 incredible individuals. Our electricians are professional and personable. We’re committed to training apprentices and local students interested in the trade. And we continue to promote EV charging, solar panels, and alternative energy solutions.

What’s next?

Of course capturing another Readers Choice Award in 2024 will be top of mind! We’ve got a few ideas cooking to make this year even better than the last. But rest assured we’ll always be here for our North Shore community.

Thinking big though, what if Cove Power could really help propel the EV revolution? At least at the charging level, what if we could build up charging infrastructure on a bigger scale? Get more chargers to more people…

Well, we’re already working on that. Multi-residential buildings need chargers in their parkades before everyone starts buying electric vehicles. An EV charger in every stall? Yup! It’s doable and it’s a passion project for us. So if you live in a strata give us a call and we’ll show you what’s possible.

The North Shore is awesome

The mountains, the water, and endless trails linking it all together. Not to mention amazing families and great local businesses. The North Shore truly has it all and we’re so proud to live and work in this beautiful community. We support each other.

Congratulations to all the nominees and finalists in the 2023 Readers Choice Awards! And a special thank you for reaffirming Cove Power is your favourite electrician!

Service Solutions

Service solutions are the bread and butter of our business. We love helping frustrated clients solve their everyday electrical problems and get their busy days back on course. Our team of electricians is ready for your call.

Not sure whether your problem warrants a service solution? Check out some common service-related solutions or schedule a service call today. We’re happy to help!

Troubleshooting
Power loss
Building maintenance
Replacing fixtures
Changing lamps (isn’t it a bulb?)
Upgrading devices
Replacing smoke detectors
Installing fans
Safety checks

North Shore News Readers Choice Awards scaled 1

February 15 2021

North Shore News Readers Choice Awards 2021

Dave Clauson Awards award-winning business, electrical services, local business, North Shore, North Shore News, North Shore News Readers Choice Award, NSN Readers Choice Award, Vancouver

Thank you to our fellow North Shore residents who voted Cove Power as their favorite electrical company for 2021! It’s truly an honor to be chosen!

The North Shore News Readers Choice Awards highlight local businesses in 180 different categories annually. Everything from restaurants and hair salons to realtors, book stores, and golf courses is up for grabs. This year more than 6000 votes were cast and set a new record!

We are so grateful to all the readers who voted us their favorite electrician. We love living on the North Shore and serving this amazing, supportive community. Your recognition means a lot!

From everyone at Cove Power, THANK YOU!

Service Solutions

Not sure whether your problem warrants a service solution? Check out some common service-related solutions or schedule a service call today. We’re happy to help!

Troubleshooting
Power loss
Building maintenance
Replacing fixtures
Changing lamps (isn’t it a bulb?)
Upgrading devices
Replacing smoke detectors
Installing fans
Safety checks

Boost AllRecipients Collage Facebook Twitter

February 12 2021

Boost by Jobber 2021 Recipient

Dave Clauson Awards Boost by Jobber, business, careers, community, electrical services, Jobber

COVE POWER WINS BOOST BY JOBBER 2021

Cove Power, 1 of 30 businesses across North America to receive a grant of $5,000.

We are so excited to announce that Cove Power has officially been selected as one of 30 businesses across North America receiving a grant of $5,000 from Boost by Jobber, a program that rewards great work in home service.

We are recognized for our positive role in keeping our community’s home and offices safe and running, helping hardworking people build meaningful careers, and giving back to the community where we live and work.

These funds will help us keep doing what we’re doing and we’re so excited to continue supporting our employees, customer and community.

Service Solutions

Not sure whether your problem warrants a service solution? Check out some common service-related solutions or schedule a service call today. We’re happy to help!

Troubleshooting
Power loss
Building maintenance
Replacing fixtures
Changing lamps (isn’t it a bulb?)
Upgrading devices
Replacing smoke detectors
Installing fans
Safety checks

September 12 2020

EV Charging at Home: 101

Dave Clauson EV Charging 20 amps, 30 amps, 40 amps, dc super charger, electric install, Electrify Canada, ev charging 101, ev charging station, ev charging station rebates, free consultation, Go Electric BC, J-1772, level 1 charging, level 2 charging, outlets, plugin BC, ZEVs

So you’ve just purchased an electric vehicle, or you’re thinking about it.
And now you’re wondering how you are going to charge it!

Sure, there’s plenty of public EV charging stations around town, and setting up an account for those is easy; you just pay a small fee per use. Or maybe there’s a DC super charger location somewhere along your regular commute, those things provide crazy fast charging. But let’s be honest, the ability to charge your EV from home is what it’s all about. Plugging into your own charging station at home and knowing the next time you drive away the batteries will be fully charged is a simple joy only an EV owner can appreciate.

In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about EV charging, the different EV charging stations available, and how to have the best charging experience.

Level 1 Charging

Your EV can draw power from any regular outlet, like the ones for charging your phone or running the vacuum. And you probably have one of those plugs in the garage already. That’s considered Level 1 charging. But the charge rate – think: speed of charging – from those is tiny and it will take many, many hours to top up your vehicle’s batteries. And pretty simply, the higher the charge on the batteries the more range you’ll get on the road.

Level 2 Charging

The real deal at home is Level 2 charging. (Those DC super-duper chargers I mentioned earlier are Level 3, but you won’t get that at home.) Level 2 essentially means it’s 240 volts, whereas those general outlets around the house are 120 volts. So right away Level 2 is double the voltage. If you need a fast charging solution at home, plug into a level 2 charging station.

The sweet spot for EV charging is around 30 or 40 amps, which is like the power available for your clothes drier or kitchen oven. It’s easy to see the difference now between that old outlet and a circuit like your oven: one can cook a turkey… that’s the one you want charging your electric vehicle!

Important to note: smaller electric vehicles may get sufficient charging from a 20 amp level 2 circuit, or even that 120 volt plug. If you drive very infrequently or only a limited distance between charging this may be all you need.

How to Determine If you Need a Level 1 or Level 2 EV Charger

Consider the following when determining if you need a level 1 or level 2 EV charger:

The length of charging session that you’ll need (speed)
If you intend to charge more than one electric vehicle now or in the future (capacity)

Electric Vehicle Chargers vs Outlets

Now you know the basics and you’re excited to get a level 2 charger. Or do you want an outlet? Most electric vehicles will ship from the manufacturer with a cord that can be connected to a 14-50 outlet, which is like the plug for your kitchen oven. So which one is best for you: a charger or an outlet?

Level 2 outlets (of any amperage: 20A, 30A, 40A, etc) are just what you’d expect: a receptacle that accepts a cord with a plug end. Sometimes an adapter is needed to match the configuration of the outlet, but generally that’s all there is to it. You can leave the cord plugged in while not connected to the vehicle, but a lot of drivers will take their cord in the vehicle in case they need to plug in while away from home.

Level 2 chargers are devices that have a permanently connected cord, ready when you pull up to plug into your EV. (Much like when you fill your gas car at the pump, you don’t bring your own hose to the gas station!) Different models may have additional features such as network capabilities, an app to connect your smartphone, load sharing/expandability, cord management, and most, if not all, are rated to be installed outdoors. A charger is not required to charge an electric vehicle, but it can create a better experience.

One last thing in terms of connection, is the configuration of the socket on the vehicle itself. The standard type used by most manufacturers is called J-1772. Unless you have a Tesla, which has its own spacial configuration.

Consult a Licensed Electrician

When you’re ready to get the wheels turning so to speak, the next step is to consult an electrician with plenty of experience in EV charging stations. There is a lot that goes into safely planning your home charging station and ensuring everything meets code.

In a perfect world your breaker panel is in the garage, with lots of available capacity, and it’s right beside where you want the charger. But if not don’t stress! Even if your panel is maxed out, or the garage is detached from the house, there’s lots of ways to make home charging work for you. It’s even possible to share a circuit like your drier and toggle between the two.

Our team are leading experts on electric vehicle charging stations. Consult with one of our certified electricians to learn more about electric vehicle chargers today.

Looking Down the Road

Armed with all this knowledge for charging your electric vechile at home, don’t forget to look at what the road ahead may hold. It’s inevitable that EV’s (and ZEV’s in general – zero emission vehicles) will replace gas-powered vehicles at some point. Adoption of electric vehicles is already strong and steadily increasing. If you’re replacing one gas vehicle now with an EV, your next one will surely be an EV as well. Factors like this may influence whether you install a charger versus an outlet, or what size circuit you’ll need.

EV Charging Station Rebates

If you’re ready to purchase an electric vehicle or install an EV charging station, there are often rebate programs available to help offset new vehicle purchases and home charger installation costs. Check out these resources to learn more:

Start Driving on Electricity

Hopefully this crash course on EV charging helps steer you in the right direction. If you have any questions or need assistance, give Cove Power a call. We’re happy to provide a free consultation and work with you to design your home charging installation.

Owning an EV already makes a lot of sense compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. And electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is easier to add to your home or building than you might think. If you’re ready for an electric vehicle we will make sure you can charge it.

We can install chargers for any make and model of EV. And we know our stuff. Call us for all your electric vehicle charging needs.

Home charging stations
Workplace charging stations
Dedicated circuits
System design
Power upgrades
Load sharing and management
Consultation