Everything you need to know about installing a wall charger

A wall charger is a fixed-installation charging device for electric cars. It is usually mounted on a wall in the garage or the carport and offers you an economical and convenient way to charge your electric vehicle at home. 

• Faster charging times: Charging capacities of 3.7 to 22 kW ensure that your electric car is charged significantly faster than via a conventional household socket. 
• Cost-effective charging: With an average electricity price of CHF 0.32, charging at home is much more attractive than at a public charging station. 
• Security: Wall chargers are specially designed for charging electric cars and protect against overloading, short circuits and other risks.
• Independence: Instead of waiting at a public charging station, you can charge your electric car from the comfort of your own home – even while you sleep. 
• Comfort: Functions such as programmable charging times, integrated cable holders and smart home integration make charging simple and convenient.

The purchase costs for a wall charger vary between CHF 500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the model and functions. According to Ktipp, good devices are available from around CHF 650. In addition to the charging capacity, other functions such as programmable charging times, smart home integration and the brand influence the costs. Furthermore, there are costs for installation and commissioning by a qualified specialist, which can range from CHF 500 to CHF 1,500 depending on the adjustments to the existing electrical installation. You can expect to pay around CHF 200 for annual maintenance by a specialist. 

Tip: Check whether there are subsidies for private charging stations in your municipality. You can find all the funding programs at www.energiefranken.ch: Simply enter your zip code and move the slider to Mobility to find out more.

In order to install a wall charger safely and efficiently, there are a few important aspects to consider during planning and preparation:

• Choose a suitable location: A garage or carport is ideal to protect the wall charger from the weather. Protective measures against the weather and vandalism are necessary for outdoor installations. 
• Check the technical requirements: Have the electrical installation checked by a specialist. Additional fuses or the installation of a load management system may be required.
• Obtain consent: In multi-family buildings, coordination with the building management or with the other owners is required.
• Registration with network operator: If the charging power exceeds 3.7 kW, additional registration with the grid operator is required. 

Tip: In multi-family buildings, it makes sense to look for joint solutions in order to share costs and effort. Talk to the building management or the other residents!

For efficient and long-lasting use of your wall charger, you should observe the following tips for use and maintenance.

• Programming the charging times: Charge your vehicle when electricity rates are most favorable.
• Optimization through energy management: Use solar power if you have a photovoltaic system.
• Battery conservation: Keep the charge level between 20% and 80%.
• Regular inspections: Have the wall charger checked every one to two years.
• Software updates: Update the wall charger firmware regularly.
• Cleaning and protection: Avoid damage caused by the weather, e.g. with a protective cover.

Zurich Electric Car Insurance and the charging station and accessories protection module cover theft of and damage to charging stations and charging accessories as well as damage caused by overvoltage, short circuiting, operating errors and malfunctions, impact, overturning, vandalism, fire, lightning, flooding, etc. Zurich will cover the costs for the repair or replacement of an equivalent item up to the agreed sum insured. For charging stations, starting from the fifth year of operation the compensation is reduced according to the operating duration. 

To be eligible for cover, the charging station must be professionally installed by a qualified company. In addition, the charging station and the charging accessories must comply with the manufacturer's requirements and must be certified for the respective place of use (in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein). 

And if you do need to charge your electric car on the road: With Z Volt, you benefit from an attractive unit price at over 3,700 charging stations operated by our partners. Simply download the app and save.