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Can Your Home’s Electrical System Handle New Appliances—Like an EV Charger?

Adding a new appliance to your home—whether it’s a high-efficiency oven, central air system, or an electric vehicle (EV) charger—means adding new demands to your electrical system. If your panel is outdated or already near capacity, that shiny new upgrade could lead to flickering lights, tripped breakers, or worse.

Before you install something like a Level 2 EV charger in your Reno home, it’s important to ask:

Can your electrical system handle it?

What Are the Signs of an Overloaded Electrical System?

Many homeowners don’t think twice about plugging in a new appliance—until the lights start dimming or the breaker keeps tripping. If you notice:

  • Frequent breaker trips

  • Lights that flicker or dim when large appliances run

  • Warm or buzzing outlets

  • Older wiring or fuse boxes

These are signs your system may be at capacity.

In Reno and other parts of northern Nevada, many homes were built decades ago—long before electric vehicles or high-powered kitchen appliances became the norm. That means your current setup might not be equipped to handle something like an EV charger without an upgrade.

Planning for a Reno EV Charger Installation

EV chargers, especially Level 2 models, draw a significant amount of power. Most require a dedicated 240V circuit and a panel that can support the additional load. If your panel is outdated or maxed out, attempting to install an EV charger without an upgrade can lead to performance issues—or safety risks.

That’s why every EV charger installation in Reno should start with a full electrical assessment. A licensed electrician can determine whether your panel needs an upgrade, whether your wiring is up to code, and how best to safely integrate the charger into your system.

 

Future-Proof Your Home

Upgrading your electrical panel isn’t just about supporting today’s technology—it’s about preparing for tomorrow. As more households in Reno adopt energy-intensive devices like smart appliances, solar panels, and EV chargers, your electrical system needs to keep pace.

Whether you’re planning a Reno EV charger installation or simply want to ensure your home is ready for new tech, Have Lights Will Travel can help. Our licensed electricians provide expert assessments, panel upgrades, and safe, code-compliant installations that are built to last.

Ready to Upgrade?

If you're installing an EV charger or adding new appliances to your home, don’t leave your electrical system to chance. Contact Have Lights Will Travel today to schedule a professional assessment and find out if your system is ready for the load.

Let’s make sure your home can keep up—with convenience, safety, and power to spare.

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