A Level 2 home charger is a charging unit that runs on a 208–240 V AC supply and delivers 7 to 19 kW to your car. The U.S. DOT puts that at about 10 to 20 miles of range added per hour, so a typical EV refills comfortably overnight. It is the standard step up from the Level 1 cord that plugs into an ordinary household outlet.
Key Takeaways
- A Level 2 home charger is a 240 V AC unit delivering 7 to 19 kW, or 10 to 20 miles of range per hour.
- It needs a dedicated circuit with a breaker at 125% of the charger’s current.
- Wall-mounted hard-wired and plug-in forms charge the same way; installation differs.
- A licensed electrician and a panel capacity check are part of almost every installation.
The Key Specs
| Item | Level 2 at home |
|---|---|
| Supply | 208–240 V AC, dedicated circuit |
| Power | 7–19 kW (U.S. DOT typical range) |
| Range added | About 10–20 miles per hour |
| Circuit breaker | 125% of charger current: 32 A → 40 A, 40 A → 50 A, 48 A → 60 A |
| Connectors | J1772 or NACS on North American models |
| Forms | Wall-mounted hard-wired unit, or plug-in unit on a 240 V outlet |
The breaker rule comes from the National Electrical Code: EV charging counts as a continuous load, so the circuit is sized above the charger’s draw. A licensed electrician confirms the rating during installation, along with whether your panel has spare capacity; our guide to what size EV charger your home can support explains that check.
Wall-Mounted or Plug-In?
Both forms deliver the same kind of power. A hard-wired wallbox is fixed to the wall and connected directly to the circuit; it suits a permanent parking spot and the highest current settings. A plug-in model connects to a 240 V outlet, most often a NEMA 14-50, and can move with you. Our comparison of hardwired vs plug-in EV chargers covers the trade-offs, and how home EV chargers work explains the handshake between charger and car. Note that the charger supplies AC; the car’s onboard charger converts it to DC for the battery, which is why the car’s own limit can cap your speed.
What Your Home Needs
- A dedicated 240 V circuit sized at 125% of the charger’s current, installed to code.
- Enough spare panel capacity, confirmed by a load calculation.
- A licensed electrician for hard-wired work, plus a permit and inspection where your area requires them.
- A listed charger: look for a recognised certification mark, as covered by the OSHA NRTL program.
Two EVDANCE examples cover both forms: the EV-ACT5006T is a 48 A wall charger for hard-wired or NEMA 14-50P connection, with a 25 ft cable and ETL, FCC and CE listings; the EV-ACS4005T is a 40 A portable that plugs into the same outlet type and adjusts from 16 to 40 A. Full details are on our residential charging page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Level 2 home charger AC or DC?
AC. It feeds alternating current to the car, and the car’s onboard charger converts it to DC. Our article Are EV Chargers AC or DC? explains where DC enters the picture, at fast-charging stations.
How much faster is Level 2 than Level 1?
Level 1 delivers about 1 kW and 2 to 5 miles per hour. Level 2 delivers 7 to 19 kW and 10 to 20 miles per hour, roughly five to ten times the pace. The full three-way picture is in Level 1 vs Level 2 vs DC fast charging.
Can I install a Level 2 charger myself?
A plug-in model on an existing, suitable outlet is a simple connection. Anything involving new wiring, a new outlet, or a hard-wired unit is electrician work in most areas, and permits may apply. When in doubt, have a licensed electrician do it.
Related Reading
- Level 1 vs Level 2 vs DC Fast Charging: A Practical Comparison
- EV Charger Hardwired vs Plug-In: Which Should You Choose?
- What Size Breaker Do I Need for an EV Charger?
- What Size EV Charger Can I Have at Home? Panel Capacity Explained
Sources & Standards
- U.S. DOT — Charger Types and Speeds
- U.S. DOE AFDC — Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
- NFPA 70 — National Electrical Code
Read next: Level 2 Home Charger: Sizes, Features and How to Choose
