Do I Need an Electrician to Install an EV Charger?
In Washington State, yes. It's stricter here than in most states. Washington doesn't allow homeowner DIY on permanent wiring circuits. A licensed electrical contractor is required, full stop.
You need a licensed electrician for a Level 2 EV charger installation in Spokane. Washington State law is stricter than most states here. Homeowners cannot perform their own permanent wiring work. The permit requirement exists on top of that. The City of Spokane issues electrical permits to licensed contractors only. A licensed Spokane electrician handles the permit, the installation, and the inspection as a standard package.
Washington State Law
Washington State requires a licensed electrical contractor (EL01 or similar license from the Department of Labor and Industries) for any permanent 240V circuit work in a residence. Unlike states that allow homeowner owner-builder permits, Washington closes that door for most residential wiring. Your electrician must hold a valid Washington State electrical contractor license, and they must pull the permit before work starts.
This applies whether you're in the City of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, or Spokane County. Washington law covers all of it. Coeur d'Alene is in Idaho, which has different rules.
What the Licensed Electrician Does
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1
Panel assessment
The electrician checks your panel for available capacity and open breaker slots. Most Spokane homes built after 1990 are fine. Older homes in Browne's Addition, Cliff-Cannon, and lower South Hill sometimes need a panel upgrade before the EV circuit can be added.
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2
Permit pulled
The electrician files the permit with the City of Spokane Building Services before work starts. This is the step that makes the installation legal under Washington State law.
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3
Circuit run and charger installed
A dedicated 240V, 50-amp circuit runs from your panel to the garage. The charger is mounted and wired. For an attached garage, this is 2 to 4 hours of work.
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4
Inspection scheduled
After installation, the electrician contacts the City of Spokane to schedule the inspection. The inspector verifies the work meets Washington electrical code. Your electrician handles all of this.
Why a Licensed Install Matters Beyond the Law
- Homeowner's insurance: Damage from unpermitted electrical work is typically excluded. A properly permitted install protects your coverage.
- Avista programs: Any current Avista EV program would require a properly installed charger. Contact electrictransportation@avistacorp.com to confirm current requirements.
- Home resale: Unpermitted electrical work in Washington is a disclosure item that complicates home sales and can require remediation at buyer demand.
- Safety: 50-amp, 240V wiring done wrong is a fire hazard. The inspection is there for a reason.
Finding a Licensed Spokane Electrician
Ask for the contractor's Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) electrical contractor license number and verify it at lni.wa.gov. A legitimate licensed contractor provides this without hesitation. Look for experience with EV charger installations specifically and familiarity with City of Spokane Building Services permits.
You can also request a free quote through this site and we'll connect you with vetted Spokane electricians who do EV installs regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Washington requires a Washington State electrical contractor license to pull a permit and do work in WA. An Idaho-licensed electrician can work in Idaho (including Coeur d'Alene) but would need a separate Washington license to work in Spokane.
Typically you purchase the charger separately so you choose the model. Some electricians supply chargers, so ask when getting quotes. Contact Avista at electrictransportation@avistacorp.com to confirm if any current programs have specific charger requirements before buying.
Use the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries license lookup at lni.wa.gov. Search by contractor name or license number. The license should be active and in good standing. Check both.
Labor for a standard attached garage install runs $300 to $600. Detached garages and panel upgrades cost more. See the full Spokane cost guide.
Want the full picture from start to finish? See our complete installation roadmap.