Last weekend, I found myself in a familiar scenario—helping my friend Jason settle into his new Layton home. As we unpacked boxes in his garage, he gestured to a corner and asked, “That’s where I want my EV charger. But my electrical panel is in the basement on the opposite side of the house. Is that too far?”
If you’re a Layton resident considering an EV charger installation, you’ve likely wondered the same thing. Let’s break down what every homeowner needs to know about distance, safety, and practical solutions.
Schedule Your Installation Now (801) 218-3359The National Electrical Code Myth
Jason’s first assumption mirrored what many believe: “Is there a maximum distance rule?”
The truth: The National Electrical Code (NEC) doesn’t specify a strict limit. However, distance indirectly affects your installation through voltage drop—the loss of electrical power over long wire runs.
- Why it matters: Excessive voltage drop can:
- Slow charging speeds
- Overheat wiring
- Damage your EV charger or vehicle
The 50-Foot Rule of Thumb
When Jason measured his proposed 60-foot wiring path, I explained a key guideline we use in Layton installations:
“For runs over 50 feet, adjustments are usually needed.”
Here’s why:
| Distance | Typical Solution |
|---|---|
| <50 feet | Standard wire sizing (e.g., 10-gauge for 30-amp circuits) |
| 50-100 feet | Upsized wiring (e.g., 8-gauge or 6-gauge) |
| >100 feet | Sub-panel installation recommended |
Real-World Layton Example
We recently helped a homeowner in Layton’s East Bench neighborhood with a 70-foot run between their panel and garage. While technically feasible to stretch standard wiring, we advised:
- Upgraded wiring: Jumped from 10-gauge to 8-gauge copper ($2.50/ft → $4.20/ft)
- Dedicated conduit: Protected wires from Utah’s temperature swings
- Future-proofing: Added capacity for their planned workshop
Result: 11% faster charging speeds vs. using undersized wiring.
Jason’s Solution: The Sub-Panel Advantage
For Jason’s 60-foot challenge, we proposed two options:
- Option 1: 6-gauge wiring ($1,200-$1,600)
- Option 2: Sub-panel + standard wiring ($1,800-$2,200)
Why he chose Option 2:
- Accommodates future garage workshop circuits
- Easier maintenance access
- Avoided voltage drop entirely
3 Critical Safety Tips for Layton Homes
- Never DIY long runs: Utah’s clay-rich soil requires specific conduit burial depths (18″+).
- Watch for “Band-Aid” solutions: Undersized wiring can melt insulation in our summer heat.
- Permit smart: Davis County requires inspections for all new 240V circuits.
The Professional Assessment Difference
Two weeks post-installation, Jason reported:
“My Model Y charges from 20% to 80% in 6 hours flat—no more late-night trips to the Farmington Station!”
A proper assessment by certified installers:
✅ Calculated exact voltage drop for his home
✅ Identified unused capacity in his existing panel
✅ Planned conduit routing around natural gas lines
Key Takeaway for Layton Residents
While EV charger distance matters, it’s not a dealbreaker. With proper planning and professional installation, even homes with:
- Basement panels
- Detached garages
- Long ranch-style layouts
…can enjoy safe, efficient home charging.
Ready to Power Up?
If you’re considering an EV charger installation in Layton, request a free site assessment with our certified team. We’ll:
- Measure exact distances
- Calculate wire sizing needs
- Provide code-compliant options
Bonus: Ask about Utah’s Rocky Mountain Power rebates—up to $1,200 for qualified installations!
Read More:
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