Reviewed by Lee Gundenswager (Lead Electrician, Connex Lic #92217) and Darren Standring (Owner). Written for North Brisbane and Moreton Bay homeowners. Last updated 2026-07-25.
Quick answer: A standard home EV charger installation takes 2–4 hours — most straightforward jobs are done in a single morning or afternoon. Installs that need a long cable run, trenching, or a switchboard upgrade first can take most of a day, occasionally split across two visits. The one thing that can add calendar time (not labour time) is the Energex connection approval, which for most single-phase 7kW installs is straightforward. At Connex we confirm the timeframe up front so you know exactly what to expect.
I’m Lee, lead electrician at Connex Electrical. “How long will it take?” is a fair question — you want to know if it’s a quick job or a whole-day disruption. The honest answer for most North Brisbane homes: it’s quick. Here’s the realistic breakdown.
How long a standard EV charger install takes
For a typical single-phase 7kW wall charger, with the switchboard reasonably close to the charger location and a modern board, the physical install is 2–4 hours. That covers running the dedicated circuit, fitting RCD protection, mounting and wiring the charger, and testing and commissioning it. You’ll have it working the same visit.
What can make it take longer
Long cable run
If the charger is a long way from the switchboard — say the board’s at the front of the house and you charge at a rear carport — running and securing the extra cable adds time.
Trenching
Reaching a detached garage or carport across a yard or under a driveway means trenching, which can turn a half-day job into most of a day.
Switchboard upgrade first
If your board needs upgrading before the charger goes in, that’s added work — see do I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger. Combining both in one visit is efficient but makes for a fuller day.
Difficult access
Double-brick walls, a tricky roof cavity in a Queenslander, or a two-storey run can all add time versus a simple garage install.
The Energex step: connection vs installation
Installing an EV charger in Queensland involves an Energex Electrical Work Request (EWR). For most standard single-phase 7kW home installs this is a routine notification and doesn’t hold up your install. Larger loads or supply changes can require Energex approval before energising, which adds calendar time (waiting on the network) rather than labour time. We handle all of this for you and tell you upfront if your job is the routine kind or needs approval first.
A typical Connex install timeline
- Quote (day 0): often over the phone from a photo of your switchboard and charger location, or a quick site visit.
- Booking: standard installs frequently within a few days — same-day is often available across North Brisbane.
- Install day: 2–4 hours for a standard job; we test each function and walk you through the charger and app.
- Done: you receive your Certificate of Compliance and you’re charging that day.
Do I need to be home?
Yes, ideally — we’ll need access to your switchboard and the charger location, and we like to hand over and demonstrate the charger with you at the end. You don’t need to hover; once we’re set up you can get on with your day.
Booking your install
Send a photo of your switchboard and where you’d like the charger and we’ll confirm the price and the expected timeframe. Most North Brisbane homeowners are surprised how quick it is. Call 0474 207 609 or request a quote. For pricing see our cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
A standard single-phase 7kW home EV charger installation takes about 2 to 4 hours and is usually completed in a single visit. Jobs needing a long cable run, trenching, or a switchboard upgrade first can take most of a day, occasionally across two visits. Your electrician should confirm the expected timeframe when quoting.
The main factors are a long cable run between the switchboard and charger, trenching to reach a detached garage or carport, a switchboard upgrade needed before the charger can be added, and difficult access such as double-brick walls or a two-storey run. A simple garage install near the switchboard is the fastest, typically 2 to 4 hours.
For most standard single-phase 7kW home installs the Energex Electrical Work Request is a routine notification that doesn’t hold up the install. Larger loads or supply changes can require Energex approval before energising, which adds waiting time on the network rather than labour time. Connex handles the Energex paperwork and tells you upfront which type your job is.
Yes, ideally. The electrician needs access to your switchboard and the charger location, and it’s best to be there at the end for the handover and a demonstration of the charger and its app. You don’t need to supervise the whole time once access is sorted.
Book your EV charger installation in North Brisbane
Connex Electrical installs home EV chargers across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay — most standard jobs done in a single 2–4 hour visit, often same-day. QLD Electrical Contractor Licence #92217, $20M public liability, 5.0★ rated with 513 Google reviews. Call 0474 207 609 or see our EV charger installation North Brisbane service page.
Sources & references
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules
- AS/NZS 61851.1 Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging System
- Energex — Electrical Work Request (EWR) and connection requirements