How to Wire Your Home for the Future of Electric Vehicles and Smart Devices

Assess Your Needs

Before wiring your home, it's important to assess what devices you plan to use now and in the future. This will determine the type of wiring and how much capacity you need. Here are some key things to consider:

• Electric vehicle charging - Will you install a level 1, level 2, or DC fast charging station? Level 2 EV chargers require 240V circuits and can draw up to 19.2kW. DC fast charging requires commercial equipment and can draw up to 350kW.

• Smart appliances - Appliances like smart refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers are becoming more common. These allow for scheduling, energy monitoring, and integration with other smart home devices. They don't require additional wiring but draw more electricity when in use.

• Smart lighting - LED and smart bulbs allow for dimming, automation, and color changing effects. Hardwired smart lighting may require neutral wires in switch boxes. Smart plugs can automate traditional lighting without rewiring.

• Home automation - Consider wiring for smart thermostats, security systems, cameras, locks, sensors, smoke alarms, and more. Some devices require low voltage wiring while others can operate wirelessly.

• Home entertainment - Whole home audio, outdoor speakers, networked AV distribution, and more may require wiring additional circuits and Ethernet cables.

• Energy generation - If you plan to install solar panels or other renewable energy sources, you'll need adequate panel capacity and the ability to tie into your main electrical panel safely.

Electrical Panel Considerations

Before any new wiring, make sure your main electrical panel has enough capacity and spaces for additional circuits. A panel upgrade may be required to support added loads from EVs, appliances, and electronics.

Key factors to consider:

• Panel amperage - 100A may be insufficient. 200A is common for larger homes and those with EVs.

• Number of available spaces - Each new circuit requires a breaker slot. Make sure your panel has room to grow.

• AFCI/GFCI breakers - Modern codes require advanced safety breakers. If your panel lacks them, an upgrade is recommended.

• Generator hookup - A whole home backup generator may be desired to power smart devices during outages. This requires a transfer switch.

• Smart panel compatibility - Some home automation systems integrate with smart electrical panels to monitor energy usage.

If a new panel is needed, the cost ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the capacity, features, and complexity of the installation.

Wiring for Electric Vehicle Chargers

Most EVs utilize a 240V level 2 charging station at home, which requires special wiring:

• Dedicated 50A circuit - Depending on your EV's onboard charger, a 40A or 50A 240V circuit is recommended, terminating at a NEMA 14-50 outlet.

• THHN wire gauge - 6 AWG for a 40A circuit, 4 AWG for 50A. Follow all local codes for wire sizing.

• Grounding - The circuit should be properly grounded for safety. GFCI protection may also be required.

The installation cost averages $900 for a basic 50A EV circuit up to 25 feet from the panel. Wall mounted 240V outlets should be placed conveniently near designated parking spots. For multiple EVs, install multiple charging circuits.

DC fast chargers have additional requirements:

• Higher capacity 208/480V 3-phase circuit - Ampacity over 100A is common.

• Commercial equipment - Hardware costs over $10,000. Permitting and inspection is required.

• Load management - Smart control of DC charging is needed to limit electrical load and demands.

Low Voltage Wiring for Smart Home Automation

Many smart home devices operate wirelessly using Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth and other protocols. However, key automation components work over low voltage wiring:

• Structured media enclosures - A central hub for wiring located near the broadband gateway.

• Cat 5e/6 ethernet - For wired network devices like security cameras and media servers. Runs terminate at wall jacks.

• HDMI - In-wall HDMI with Ethernet provides AV connectivity for smart TVs.

• Coax - RG6 coax cable for OTA HDTV antennas and traditional cable/satellite.

• Multi-conductor low voltage - For wired doorbells, thermostats, sensors, keypads and other devices.

• Lighting control wires - Low voltage lines control wired lighting switches, dimmers and automated fixtures.

A professional installer handles home-run wiring, terminations, structured wiring panels, and testing. This hardwired backbone ensures connectivity for both wired and wireless smart home technologies.

Whole Home Surge Protection

Smart electronic devices are vulnerable to electrical surges and spikes from lightning strikes or utility issues. While power strips provide some protection, whole home surge protection at the panel is ideal. This provides defense for hardwired devices like EV chargers, smart panels, and appliances.

Key factors for whole home surge protectors:

• Joule rating - Required energy absorption. Higher is better. Look for 4,000 joules or more.

• Response time - Faster response (about 1 nanosecond) ensures better protection.

• Indicator - Alerts you when the protector absorbs a surge.

• Warranty - $50,000 to $300,000 for connected equipment is common. Lifetime warranties on the protector itself.

Installation by an electrician averages $850. This is a smart investment for protecting your expensive connected home tech.

Prepare for Smart Power Monitoring

Home energy monitoring systems provide real-time tracking of energy usage and generation. This allows you to optimize the efficiency of smart appliances and lighting. There are two approaches:

• Whole home monitoring - Installed at the panel, a sensor monitors the mains. This provides usage for the entire home but has limited visibility per circuit.

• Circuit level monitoring - Sensors install at the breaker and provide detailed analytics on specific circuits. Costs more for whole home coverage.

For easy installation later, run 1⁄2 inch flexible conduit from the panel to points where sensors can be mounted conveniently. Outlets near the panel can provide power for monitoring systems.

Smart panels with built-in energy monitoring are now available. Budget $3,000 to $7,000 to upgrade your main panel and gain energy insight.

Create a Long-Term Wiring Plan

As you assess your needs, create a wiring plan that allows for future expansion:

• Leave panel spaces open for additional circuits
• Install larger conduits and junction boxes than required
• Run ethernet and coax to more locations than needed currently
• Use modular structured wiring panels that can add capacity
• Consider wiring "homeruns" that terminate in one central location

While it requires greater investment upfront, oversized wiring and conduits provide for easy expansion later. With a bit of planning, you can truly future proof your home!

Work With Qualified Electricians

Smart home wiring and electrical upgrades require professional trade skills. Don't attempt dangerous DIY electrical work! Be sure to:

• Hire licensed, insured electricians

• Check credentials and reviews

• Get multiple quotes for big jobs

• Apply for permits if required

• Schedule inspections for safety

The overall cost to upgrade home wiring ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the scope. Well executed wiring ensures your home's systems can smoothly integrate both today and years down the road. Your home becomes an adaptable platform ready for any technologies the future holds!