Top Mistakes Stratas Make When Installing EV Chargers—and How to Avoid Them
Understanding the most common mistakes stratas make when installing EV chargers can help avoid safety issues, reduce future expenses, and ensure the system is built to support long-term demand.
Top Mistakes Stratas Make When Installing EV Chargers—and How to Avoid Them
As electric vehicle ownership continues to grow across British Columbia, more strata councils are looking to install EV chargers in condos and multi-unit residential buildings. While adding EV charging is a smart long-term investment, many stratas encounter unexpected costs, delays, and electrical limitations due to poor planning or improper installation.
Understanding the most common mistakes stratas make when installing EV chargers can help avoid safety issues, reduce future expenses, and ensure the system is built to support long-term demand.
Why EV Charger Installations Are More Complex for Stratas
Installing EV chargers in a strata building is very different from installing a single charger in a detached home. Shared electrical infrastructure, multiple users, and future capacity planning all need to be considered.
A successful installation typically requires:
- A detailed electrical load assessment
- Coordination with the strata council and property management
- Compliance with BC Electrical Code and utility requirements
- Planning for future EV adoption—not just current demand
Working with a licensed electrician experienced in multi-unit buildings is critical. Learn more about Western Summit Electric’s Electrical Services.
Common Mistakes Stratas Make When Installing EV Chargers
Skipping an Electrical Load Assessment
One of the most common mistakes is installing EV chargers without first confirming whether the building’s electrical system can handle the additional load.
Without a proper assessment, EV chargers may:
- Overload the main electrical service
- Cause frequent breaker trips
- Limit how many chargers can be used at one time
Installing Chargers Without Planning for Future Demand
Some stratas install EV chargers for only a small number of current users, without considering how quickly EV adoption is increasing. This can result in:
- Insufficient capacity for additional chargers
- Costly retrofits
- Repeated construction and electrical work
Planning for scalable infrastructure from the start helps avoid unnecessary upgrades later.
Choosing the Wrong Charger Type or System Design
Not all EV charging equipment is well-suited for shared residential buildings. Choosing the wrong charger type or layout can lead to:
- Uneven power distribution
- User conflicts
- Higher maintenance and operational costs
A properly designed system ensures fair access, efficient power use, and long-term reliability.
Overlooking Metering and Billing Considerations
Failing to plan for how charging will be monitored and billed is another common issue. Without proper tracking, stratas may struggle with fairness and cost recovery.
Common solutions include:
- Individual user metering
- Networked charging systems
- Usage-based billing
Addressing this early prevents disputes and administrative challenges down the road.
Hiring an Electrician Without Strata Experience
EV chargers introduce high electrical loads and shared infrastructure concerns. Hiring a contractor without strata experience can lead to:
- Code compliance issues
- Safety risks
- Insurance or inspection complications
Western Summit Electric provides professional Electrical Troubleshooting and Repair Services and works closely with strata councils to ensure installations are done correctly from the start.
How Stratas Can Avoid These EV Charger Installation Issues
Strata councils can reduce risk and control costs by:
- Conducting a full electrical capacity assessment
- Designing systems with future expansion in mind
- Selecting EV charging equipment suited for multi-unit buildings
- Working with licensed electricians experienced in strata projects
Taking a proactive approach leads to safer installations and fewer long-term issues.
EV Charger Support for Stratas in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver
Western Summit Electric works with strata councils, property managers, and building owners throughout the Fraser Valley and Vancouver to deliver safe, code-compliant electrical solutions for multi-unit residential properties.
You can learn more about our local electrical services here:
We also provide full Residential Electrical Services, including assessments, upgrades, and system planning for strata buildings.
Planning an EV Charger Installation for Your Strata?
Avoid costly mistakes by working with an experienced electrical contractor from the beginning. Proper planning and professional installation ensure your EV charging infrastructure is safe, scalable, and ready for future demand.
If your strata is located in the Fraser Valley or Vancouver, contact Western Summit Electric to discuss EV charger installation planning and electrical assessments.