Installing an EV charger pedestal means planning the location, pulling a permit, trenching from the power source, laying conduit, pouring or setting a concrete base, anchoring the post and then wiring and mounting the charger. The electrical work, including the circuit, conductors and final connection, should be done by a licensed electrician. Most projects also need a permit and an inspection.
Step 1: Plan the Location and the Power Supply
Start with where cars actually park. The pedestal should let the cable reach the charge port without crossing walkways. Then work back to the power source.
- Measure the distance from the panel or switchboard to the pedestal. Longer runs mean more trenching and may need larger wire.
- Confirm the panel has spare capacity. A load calculation tells you whether you need an upgrade; see load calculation basics.
- Check for buried utilities before any digging. Call your local utility locating service.
- Think about future spaces. Laying extra conduit now is cheaper than trenching again later.
Step 2: Size the Circuit
Under the National Electrical Code, EV charging is a continuous load, so the breaker must be rated at 125% of the charger’s current. Typical pairings are shown below. Your electrician will choose the wire size, conduit type and burial method that local code requires.
| Charger current | Minimum breaker |
|---|---|
| 32 A | 40 A |
| 40 A | 50 A |
| 48 A | 60 A |
For more detail on conductors, read what size wire you need for an EV charger.
Step 3: Permits, Trenching and Conduit
Most jurisdictions require an electrical permit for a new EV circuit, and some also need a site or zoning review for commercial lots. Once the permit is approved:
- Cut and remove asphalt or concrete if needed, or trench through soil.
- Lay conduit at the depth your local code requires for that conduit type.
- Add a pull string and leave spare conduit for future chargers or data cables.
- Have the trench inspected before backfilling, if your inspector requires it.
Step 4: Build the Base and Mount the Pedestal
The pedestal manufacturer’s instructions set the foundation size and anchor pattern. A common method is a poured concrete footing with anchor bolts set in a template, or a precast base. The conduit should stub up inside the pedestal footprint so no wiring is exposed.
- Let the concrete cure as specified before loading the post.
- Level the pedestal and torque anchors to the manufacturer’s values.
- Add wheel stops or bollards if vehicles could strike the post.
- Keep the connector holster at a height that is easy to reach; our mounting height guide explains the trade-offs.
Step 5: Wire, Test and Commission
The electrician pulls conductors, terminates them in the charger, and sets the charger’s current limit to match the breaker. Networked chargers then need setup: connecting to the network, linking to the OCPP back end and adding RFID cards. Finally, the inspector signs off and you test a full charging session.
Choosing a Charger for Your Pedestal
Pick a charger rated for outdoor use and confirm its pedestal mounting options with the manufacturer. The EV-AC03201T dual-gun AC station serves two spaces from one post with two Type 2 guns, up to 43 kW shared, OCPP 1.6J and RFID. In North America, the EV-ACT5006T 48A Level 2 charger supports hard-wired installation, has a NACS connector and a 25 ft cable, and is rated IP65/IP66.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a charger pedestal myself?
You may be able to do some civil work, such as setting the base, where local rules allow it. The electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician, and most areas require a permit and inspection.
How deep should the conduit be buried?
It depends on the conduit type, the surface above it and local code. Your electrician and inspector will confirm the required depth.
How long does a pedestal installation take?
It varies with permits, trench length, concrete curing time and inspection scheduling. Ask your contractor for a timeline after the site survey.
Related Reading
- How Is an EV Charger Wired? A Plain-English Overview
- How Much Does It Cost to Install a Commercial EV Charging Station?
- Where to Install an EV Charging Station: Site Selection Guide
- What Size Breaker Do I Need for an EV Charger?
Key Takeaways
- Plan parking position and power source first, then trench, set the base and wire.
- The breaker must be 125% of the charger’s current under the NEC.
- Use a licensed electrician and pull the required permit.
- Lay spare conduit now to make future chargers cheaper.