Electric vehicle charger installations require specialized electrical expertise and strict code compliance. When contractors cut corners, use undersized wiring, skip permits, or fail to follow NEC Article 625, they create fire and shock hazards. This guide helps you document defects and demand proper remediation.
Common EV Charger Installation Defects
Defect Type
Safety Risk
Code Reference
Undersized wiring
Overheating, fire hazard, tripped breakers
NEC 625.40, Table 310.16
Improper grounding
Shock hazard, equipment damage
NEC 625.54, 250.134
Wrong breaker size
Fire risk from overcurrent
NEC 625.41, 625.42
No GFCI protection
Electrocution risk
NEC 625.54 (outdoor installations)
Improper mounting
Physical damage, water intrusion
NEC 625.44, manufacturer specs
No load calculation
Panel overload, whole-house fire risk
NEC 220.87, 625.42
Why EV Charger Defects Are Common
High demand for EV chargers brings unqualified installers
Level 2 chargers draw 30-50 amps requiring heavy wiring
Many homes have older panels with insufficient capacity
Installers skip permits to avoid inspection scrutiny
Rebate programs create rush to complete installations
Demand Letter Objectives
Document specific code violations and safety hazards
Demand complete remediation by licensed contractor
Recover costs of inspections and engineering reports
Seek reimbursement for any vehicle damage
Obtain permit compliance and final inspection approval
Safety First: If you suspect your EV charger was improperly installed, do not use it until a licensed electrician inspects it. Defective installations can cause fires, electrical shock, or damage to your vehicle's charging system.
Legal Framework for EV Charger Defect Claims
California CSLB Licensing Requirements
EV charger installation requires a C-10 Electrical Contractor license in California. The C-10 license authorizes work involving electrical systems over 100 volt-amperes.
Under Business and Professions Code Section 7031, an unlicensed contractor cannot recover payment for work performed and must return all compensation received.
The CSLB can impose administrative penalties, license suspension, and criminal charges for unlicensed contracting.
All electrical work requires permits from the local building department under California Building Code Section 105.1.
National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 625
625.40 Branch Circuit: EV charging equipment must be supplied by a dedicated branch circuit with proper ampacity.
625.41 Overcurrent Protection: Branch circuit overcurrent protection must not exceed the maximum rating marked on the EVSE.
625.42 Rating: Continuous load calculations require wiring and breakers rated at 125% of the charger's maximum current.
625.44 Installation: Equipment must be installed per manufacturer instructions and secured properly.
625.54 GFCI Protection: Outdoor installations and certain indoor locations require ground fault protection.
California Consumer Protection Laws
Statute
Protection
Remedies
Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA)
Prohibits deceptive practices in consumer transactions
Actual damages, punitive damages, attorney fees
Unfair Competition Law (UCL)
Prohibits unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices
Restitution, injunctive relief
Business and Professions Code 7031
Unlicensed contractor cannot enforce contract
Disgorgement of all payments
Civil Code 896 (SB 800)
Construction defect standards for residential work
Repair or damages for code violations
Permit Violations: If the contractor failed to obtain required permits, you may be entitled to rescind the contract entirely and recover all payments. The building department can require removal of unpermitted work.
Documentation Checklist
Contract & Payment Records
Signed installation contract or proposal
Payment receipts, invoices, and credit card statements
Warranty documents for charger and installation
Email and text communications with contractor
Contractor's license number and business information
Permit & Inspection Records
Electrical permit (or evidence none was pulled)
Inspection reports from building department
Failed inspection notices with cited violations
Correction notices and re-inspection results
Certificate of completion (if any)
Technical Documentation
Independent inspection: Hire a licensed electrician or electrical engineer to inspect and document all defects with specific code citations.
Photos and videos: Document the installation including wiring connections, breaker panel, mounting, and any visible defects.
Equipment specifications: Obtain the EV charger's installation manual showing required wire gauge, breaker size, and grounding requirements.
Panel documentation: Photo of electrical panel showing breaker configuration, available capacity, and any modifications made.
Damage Evidence
Vehicle charging records showing errors or failures
Vehicle diagnostic reports indicating charging system damage
Photos of any burn marks, melted components, or scorch damage
Repair estimates from licensed electricians
CSLB License Check: Verify the contractor's license at the California Contractors State License Board website (www.cslb.ca.gov). Document the license status, classification, bond information, and any disciplinary history.
Letter Strategy
Core Legal Arguments
Breach of contract: The contractor failed to perform work in a workmanlike manner and in compliance with applicable codes, which are implied terms in all construction contracts.
Negligence: The contractor owed a duty of care to perform electrical work safely and breached that duty by violating the NEC and local codes.
Licensing violations: If unlicensed or working outside license scope, the contract is voidable and all payments must be returned under B&P Code 7031.
Consumer protection violations: Representing that work would be code-compliant when it was not violates the CLRA and UCL.
Failure to obtain permits: Performing electrical work without required permits violates building codes and contractor licensing laws.
Specific Demands
Immediate remediation: Complete repair of all defects by a properly licensed contractor, at the original contractor's expense.
Permit compliance: Obtain all required permits and pass final inspection from the building department.
Damage compensation: Reimburse for any vehicle damage, property damage, or consequential losses.
Inspection costs: Repay the cost of independent electrical inspections and engineering reports.
Alternative: Full refund: If remediation is not feasible, return all payments and remove the defective installation.
Leverage Points
Threat of CSLB complaint can result in license suspension or revocation
Building department can issue stop work orders and require removal of unpermitted work
Consumer protection claims allow recovery of attorney fees, making litigation viable
Public safety concerns may warrant report to local fire marshal
Documentation of systemic issues can support class action if pattern of defects exists
Statute of Limitations: In California, breach of written contract claims have a 4-year limitation period, while negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Construction defect claims under SB 800 have specific notice requirements before litigation.
Sample EV Charger Defect Demand Letter
[Date]
Via Certified Mail and Email
[Contractor Name/Company]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Re: Demand for Remediation - Defective EV Charger Installation
Property: [Your Address]
Contract Date: [Date]
Amount Paid: $[Amount]
Dear [Contractor]:
I represent [Homeowner Name] regarding the electric vehicle charger installation you performed at the above property. An independent inspection by a licensed electrical engineer has identified serious code violations that create fire and shock hazards. This letter demands immediate remediation.
BACKGROUND
On [Date], you contracted to install a Level 2 EV charger (240V, [40/50] amp) at my client's residence for $[Amount]. You represented that you were a licensed electrical contractor and that the installation would comply with all applicable codes.
DEFECTS IDENTIFIED
An inspection by [Licensed Electrician/Engineer Name], California License No. [Number], on [Date] identified the following code violations:
1. UNDERSIZED WIRING: The installation uses 8 AWG copper wiring for a 50-amp circuit. NEC Table 310.16 requires 6 AWG copper for this application. The undersized wiring creates an overheating and fire hazard.
2. IMPROPER BREAKER: A 60-amp breaker was installed, exceeding the charger's 50-amp maximum rating, violating NEC 625.41 and creating overcurrent risk.
3. NO LOAD CALCULATION: No panel load calculation was performed before installation. The existing panel may be overloaded, violating NEC 220.87.
4. MISSING GFCI PROTECTION: The outdoor installation lacks required ground fault protection per NEC 625.54.
5. NO PERMIT: No electrical permit was obtained for this work. [City/County] Building Department confirms no permit on record.
LEGAL VIOLATIONS
These defects violate:
- California Business and Professions Code Section 7110 (failure to comply with building laws)
- California Business and Professions Code Section 7109 (departure from accepted trade standards)
- NEC Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Charging System requirements)
- [Local jurisdiction] Building Code Section [XX] (permit requirements)
[If unlicensed: Additionally, CSLB records indicate you are not licensed as a C-10 Electrical Contractor. Under Business and Professions Code Section 7031, you have no right to retain payment for unlicensed work.]
DEMANDS
Within fourteen (14) days, you must:
1. Remediate all identified defects to comply with NEC Article 625 and local codes, using properly licensed subcontractors if necessary;
2. Obtain the required electrical permit and schedule inspection with [City/County] Building Department;
3. Provide certification that the installation passes final inspection;
4. Reimburse my client $[Amount] for the cost of the independent electrical inspection;
5. Provide proof of contractor's license and insurance.
ALTERNATIVELY, if you cannot or will not perform proper remediation:
6. Refund the full contract price of $[Amount];
7. Remove the defective installation and restore the property to its original condition.
If you fail to respond or remedy this matter, my client will file complaints with the California Contractors State License Board, [City/County] Building Department, and [City/County] District Attorney's office for unlicensed contracting. We will also pursue all civil remedies including actual damages, statutory penalties, and attorney fees under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act.
Contact me immediately at [phone/email] to discuss resolution.
Sincerely,
[Attorney Name]
[Firm Name]
[Address]
[Phone]
[Email]
cc: California Contractors State License Board
[City/County] Building Department
If unlicensed, you may recover all payments under B&P Code 7031. If the contractor is out of business, check if they had a contractor's bond (required for licensed contractors) that may still be valid for claims. You may also have claims against the charger manufacturer if they authorized or recommended the installer.
Yes, you can apply for a permit as the homeowner and request inspection. However, unpermitted work that fails inspection may need to be removed entirely. Some jurisdictions allow "as-built" permits for existing work, but the installation must meet current code requirements. Consult your local building department about their process.
Attorney Services & Contact
EV Charger Defect Representation
I represent homeowners dealing with defective EV charger installations, electrical code violations, and unlicensed contractor work. Cases involving clear code violations and documented safety hazards are strong candidates for full remediation or refund.
Email owner@terms.law or use Calendly for a paid strategy session.