Hi there! If you‘ve invested in an amazing Tesla electric vehicle, you likely want to power it as effortlessly and rapidly as possible. Let‘s explore how installing Tesla‘s Wall Connector provides the ultimate home charging solution tailored precisely to your EV‘s needs.
Why a Home Charger? The Rise of EV Adoption
You probably noticed surging EV popularity on roads lately – EV sales accelerated over 80% last year in the US as more drivers embrace emission-free transportation.
In fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reports over 30 million electric cars globally traveled roads in 2022. Tesla continues market domination capturing nearly 80% of the US EV market.
Rapid rise of US EV adoption from 2016-2021 – IEA
This electric shift means effectively powering all these EVs emerges as crucial. While public charging stations provide options for topping batteries on trips, home charging enables conveniently waking to a full charge daily.
Tesla‘s Charging Advantage
As the EV market leader, Tesla recognizes reliable charging proves essential to the overall consumer experience. They purpose-built an entire end-to-end charging ecosystem specifically for their vehicles including both Supercharger fast charging networks and Level 2 AC home charging solutions.
While all North American EVs utilize the universal J1772 standard for AC charging, Tesla vehicles require an adapter to interface. Tesla‘s bundled Mobile Connector adapts to this protocol while limiting charge current to 32 amps.
The Tesla Wall Connector directly integrates charging hardware with the vehicle‘s battery system to deliver optimum 44 amp performance. Installed beside your parking space, this dedicated smart charger provides the fastest Level 2 charging streamlined for Tesla vehicles.
| Charger | Power Rating | Max Miles/Hour Added |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Connector | 11.5 kW (32 amps) | 29 miles |
| Wall Connector | 11.5 kW (44 amps) | 44 miles |
Let‘s examine why installing a Wall Connector should be every Tesla owner‘s first charging upgrade.
Benefits of Adding a Tesla Wall Connector
Beyond doubled charging speed over Mobile Connector use, several advantages position the Tesla Wall Connector as the premier home charging option:
Fastest AC charging – Specifically designed for Tesla battery charging profile without adapters limiting current flow like universal connectors
Full overnight charging – 44 mph rate restores 200+ mile range while you sleep
Compact aesthetic design – Sleek low-profile styling discreetly mounts on garage wall
Dynamic power sharing – With multiple Wall Connectors, charging rates intelligently split among vehicles to maximize overall fleet charging speed
Internet connectivity – Phone app and vehicle display monitor progress and notify when complete
Over-the-air updates – Firmware upgrades add functionality keeping your hardware current
Energy efficiency – Latest Generation 3 units score 98% efficiency minimizing waste
Incentive eligibility – Qualifies for some state/federal EV purchase incentives
Let‘s dig into installation steps to mount your Tesla‘s premier charging partner!
How to Install Tesla Wall Charger in 9 Steps
I‘ll walk you through key phases to safely install your Wall Connector like a pro. We‘ll tackle:
- Pre-Planning Checks
- Picking an Install Site
- Sizing Electrical Service Needs
- Securing Components/Tools
- Mounting the Cable Box
- Running Conduit and Wires
- Connecting the Charger
- Configuring Settings
- Performing Inspections
scary electrical work! By methodically following these guidelines, you can install this transformer safely. Let‘s get started!
Step 1 – Pre-Planning Checks
Research Permits and Regulations
Most localities require permits for electrical system modifications ensured to meet governing safety codes. Contact your city permitting office to learn requirements for homeowners upgrading charging capacity.
Some key questions to ask:
- What permit applications are needed to install a Wall Connector?
- Will the installation require an inspection once completed?
Quote permit fees upfront and determine whether inspections apply for your situation. Submit materials early as understaffed offices may involve longer delays.
Assess Insurance and HOA Rules
Notify your home insurance carrier regarding plans to install EV charging equipment. Premium discounts are sometimes available for green home improvements. Ensure no clauses prohibit electrical upgrades by homeowners before proceeding.
If part of a homeowner‘s association (HOA), check for restrictions against charger equipment installations visible from curbside. Wall Connectors mount discretely so complications here are less likely but still worth confirming.
Getting the green light from governance authorities first helps this project go smoothly!
Step 2 – Pick Ideal Install Site
Start by identifying your garage parking spot positioning the vehicle‘s charge port 3-5 feet from the wall you‘ll mount the Cable Box. Check opening clearance to ensure full driver door access.
Use colored tape to denote a level mounting area about 4 feet up – the Cable Box fits 16" tall there without obstructing hood clearance.
[Suggest the reader take picture of parking layout and markings to submit for permits/inspections]Check behind the drywall for available studs or blocking to anchor lag screws into. Wall Connectors require mounting on rigid structures rather than just drywall alone. Use a stud finder to map structural members.
With structures marked, decide on the Cable Box orientation and conduit routing you‘ll send wires through later. Top conduit accessreaching up into the attic proves simplest for most garages.
Photograph the final positioning to share with your electrician once you turn over the complex wiring tasks.
Step 3 – Size Electrical Service Needs
The included 10-50 charging tether limits Wall Connector current to 40 amps (9.6 kW). Most homeowners won‘t initially need capacities beyond this.
Upgrading to a thicker 6 AWG, 50 amp tether future-proofs drastically faster charging aligned with most Tesla battery architectures averaging:
- 44 mph (11.5 kW) for Long Range models
- 29 mph (7.7 kW) for Standard Range Plus
Consult this wire size table confirming conductors suit 50 amp circuits spanning your garage to the main panel.
Wire ampacity by gauge – Southwire Tools
Have an electrician assess your current panel bandwidth for supporting another 50 amp circuit. Upgrades here may involve swapping in a larger enclosure and breakers involving city inspections.
With electrical plans aligned to vehicle requirements, let‘s continue physical installation!
Step 4 – Secure Components and Tools
The Wall Connector package includes the charger unit itself alongside several mounting and wiring elements:
- Cable Box housing wiring terminals
- Mounting bracket fitting cable box
- Wall mounting hardware
- Conduit knockout seals
- Wiring cable ties
- Quick start documentation
You‘ll need to locally source:
Electrical
- 50 amp breaker
- 6 AWG copper wiring
- 1" conduit with fittings
Tools
- Safety glasses
- Drywall saw
- Stud finder
- Marker
- Level
- Drill + bits
- 1&1/8" hole saw
- Wire stripper
- Voltmeter
- Torque wrench
With gear in hand, let‘s commence physical install!
Step 5 – Mounting the Cable Box
Align the bracket centered across available studs or blocking at your predetermined height. Level and anchor firmly through the backplate into structural members using provided lag screws.
Drill conduit access holes using a hole saw matched to your conduit size – most prefer 1" PVC. With openings complete, feed conduit ends from panel area through the wall then link inside box with couplers.
Mount the Wall Connector Cable Box onto the now secured bracket by aligning the rear hooks to hang. Lightly pre-mark the exact position.
Temporarily detach the box to complete major wiring tasks next before permanently mounting here after.
Step 6 – Running Conduit and Wires
Have your electrician route the following conductors through conduit from the main panel out to the Cable Box:
- Ground wire (10 AWG typical)
- Line 1 wire (6 AWG for 40-50A capacity)
- Line 2 wire (matching 6 AWG)
- Optional upstream 60A breaker with thick 4 AWG feed
Leave 18-24" of wire length from conduit tips inside box for connecting.
Inside the Cable Box, distinctly tag and terminate wire ends at their labeled destinations:
- Ground to the ground lug
- Line 1 to the L1 terminal
- Line 2 to L2
Keep wires neatly bundled using included cable ties to prevent straining connections by accidental pulling.
Double check conductor fixings are torque tightened to spec across terminals. Miswired connections pose serious hazards!
Step 7 – Connecting the Charger
With the Cable Box anchored and wired, mount the decorative Wall Connector cover piece. Built-in quick connectors streamline linking without exposed conductors.
Simply hang the charger components over the Cable Box backplate. Align the upper keyholes first for top screws then insert bottom cleats into their receivers.
Snug the wall charger down firmly but avoid overtightening screws. The final fit should sit nearly flush against the wall. If loose, try shimming any gaps behind to improve aesthetic appearance once finished.
That completes physical mounting! On to connectivity.
Step 8 – Configuring Settings
With the system mechanically sound, have your electrician switch on the new circuit breaker energizing the Wall Connector.
The unit enters a self-test mode for 60 seconds indicated by cycling LEDs before idling awaiting configuration.
On your smartphone, connect to the Wall Connector‘s temporary WiFi access point shown on its display. The network and default password are provided in the included Quick Start guide.
A browser interface displays to begin out of box setup. Follow the settings wizard to:
- Align charging current to your breaker size
- Enable optional power sharing mode
- Connect the Wall Connector to your home WiFi network for connectivity
Once linked online, the charger checks for any available firmware updates to install for latest functionality and performance.
Finally, initiate a GFCI self-check following the GUI to validate ground fault protection before use. Your Wall Connector enters standby ready for action!
Step 9 – Performing Inspections
Prior to actually charging, complete any final safety validations required in your region:
Electrical inspection – If permitting was necessary, schedule an inspector to validate work quality and code compliance just as with any home electrical project. They will check basics like polarity correctness, torqued terminals, and ground continuity.
Operational test – Plug your Tesla vehicle into the Wall Connector to pilot an initial charge cycle. Monitor current flow or charging rate metrics on the vehicle‘s dashboard or phone app to verify satisfactory performance free of faults and at expected speeds.
Assuming all checks out, you now have a long-term Level 2 charging workhorse ready for reliable daily refueling!
Gen 2 vs Gen 3 Tesla Wall Connectors Compared
Tesla has produced their Wall Connector in successive generational models with the latest Gen 3 emerging in 2021. Here‘s how they size up:
| Feature | Gen 2 | Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Max power | 11.5 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Hardware rating | 80A | 48A |
| Energy efficiency | 92% | 98% |
| WiFi connectivity | Yes | Enhanced |
| Mobile app access | Yes | Improved |
| Color options | 1 | 4 |
| Price | $500 | $500 |
For most homeowners, Gen 3‘s small edge in efficiency and smarter remote monitoring merit choosing the latest model when purchasing. But you can expect reliable charging from either equipment generation paired with Tesla vehicles.
Wall Connector Electrical Cost Breakdown
Installing a dedicated EV charger represents a notable home upgrade investment over mobile solutions. Consider both purchase and installation costs in your budgeting:
Hardware
- Tesla Wall Connector – $500 MSRP
- 50 amp breaker – ~$20
- 6 AWG copper wiring (50 ft) – ~$90
Labor
- Electrician – $40-$100 per hour (5 hours average)
- City permits/inspections – $100-500+ depending location
Typical total projects range from $1200-2500+ for parts, professional wiring help, and bureaucratic processes depending on site complexity and regional expenses.
Offset portions through federal EV tax credits up to 30% of equipment and install costs where applicable.
While denoting a major home upgrade, Wall Connectors deliver substantial daily value through ultra convenient high-speed charging that pays you back continually in time savings and mobility freedom.
Conclusion
I hope this guide served you well demystifying Tesla Wall Connector installation intricacies while underscoring the immense benefits of home charging capabilities.
While permitting, regulations, electrical complexities intimidate some DIYers, carefully understanding phases helps make an informed choice on self-install feasibility even delegating certain advanced tasks to electricians.Safety remains paramount working with hazardous voltages hence seeking professional assistance proves wise for portions beyond comfort zones.
But the process itself follows simple mounting, wiring and configuration steps once power-related infrastructure gets appropriately handled.Ambitious homeowners can absolutely tackle the majority of physicalcharger assembly with proper diligence.
For Tesla owners especially, committing to a Wall Connector upgrade earns back dividends daily in charging velocities up to 4 times faster than makeshift alternatives. Paired with the included Mobile Connector for trips, staying consistently topped off endorses carefree driving whenever opportunity calls.
Here‘s to many happy electrified adventures ahead behind the wheel!
Additional Resources
Tesla Wall Connector User Manual
