What inspectors and insurers check on a home EV charger
Short answer: Under NEC 625, EV charging is treated as a continuous load, so the circuit must be sized at 125% of the charger's rating, and receptacles for EV chargers need GFCI protection. Insurers like State Farm say a required permit you skipped can cause problems with a claim.
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What does the electrical code require?
| Item | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit sizing (625.42) | All EV charging loads count as continuous. Conductors are rated at 125% of the equipment's full-load amps. | ECmag |
| GFCI (625.54) | Receptacles installed to plug in EV chargers must be GFCI-protected. | Mike Holt |
| Hardwired GFCI (2026 NEC) | NFPA's Standards Council rejected the proposed expansion of 625.54 to require special-purpose GFCI protection on hardwired chargers. | NFPA |
Your city adopts a specific NEC edition, and the permit inspector applies that edition.
What do home inspectors look at?
InterNACHI's training for home inspectors covers inspecting EV charging equipment installed at home, power-sharing equipment that lets large vehicles charge on small circuits, the 2023 NEC section on energy management systems, and photos of real failures of EV charger circuits. (InterNACHI)
What do insurers ask about?
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Hire a qualified, licensed electrician, especially for Level 2. | State Farm |
| Pull permits when required. Skipping them "could create problems with an insurance claim." | State Farm |
| A hardwired or wall-mounted unit may be treated as part of the dwelling. Coverage varies, so ask your insurer. | State Farm |
| Keep the charger model and cost, the electrician's invoice, permits, inspection documents and photos. | Freeway Insurance |
Put those details on one page with the free EV charger installation record.
All sources accessed 2026-10-25.
Does an EV charger need GFCI protection?
Receptacles installed for EV chargers do, under NEC 625.54. NFPA rejected extending a special-purpose GFCI requirement to hardwired chargers in the 2026 NEC.
What breaker size does a charger need?
Size the circuit at 125% of the charger's rated amps, because NEC 625.42 treats EV charging as a continuous load. Your electrician and permit inspector confirm the details.
Will an unpermitted charger affect insurance?
State Farm says skipping a required permit could create problems with a claim. Ask your insurer about your policy.