Before installing charging stations in condos and apartments, there are some obligations
that need to be fulfilled:
1. ENGINEER-APPROVED LOAD CALCULATION (MANDATORY)
When a charging station is directly connected to a co-owner's meter, either through a charging controller or not, a significant additional load is added to the building's electrical infrastructure (meter column, transformer, fuse switch, etc.). Therefore, a master electrician or a competent person in the field must perform a new load calculation each time a charging station is added to ensure that the operational safety of the electrical supply equipment is not compromised.
2. IDENTIFY THE ELECTRICITY SOURCE THAT WILL POWER YOUR CHARGING STATION
To install a charging station in a condo or apartment building, you must first identify the source that can power the charging station. Then, determine how the electricity it consumes will be billed. With this information, it will be easier to make a request to your condominium association.
3. REQUEST PERMISSION FROM YOUR CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION TO INSTALL A CHARGING STATION
Once the solution for supplying power to the charging station has been identified, it is necessary to request permission from the condominium association to proceed with the installation. If there is an existing electric vehicle charging policy in place for your complex, the steps to follow may be outlined in it.
4. HIRE AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR TO CARRY OUT THE WORK
Find out if your complex already has a designated contractor for the installation of charging stations. If not, hire an electrical contractor who holds the necessary licenses.
5. REQUEST AN EVALUATION FROM AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING FIRM FOR LARGE BUILDINGS (13 UNITS OR MORE)
For apartment buildings with 13 units or more, some projects may require a more detailed evaluation carried out by certified engineers.