Recommendation for Electrician to Satisfy HOA

I own a condo in San Mateo (Lauridale) and have my own covered parking space. I have been trickle charging my Leaf using the outlet in my space and I got a nasty, threatening letter from the HOA telling me to stop charging or else.

Can anyone recommend a good electrician in the area who can succeed with a recalcitrant HOA? I need to submit detailed plans in writing. Thankfully, California law doesn't allow the HOA to deny installation of an EV charger as long as it is professionally installed and non-intrusive. So I guess the trick is getting someone who can do this and document it well enough.

Thank you Leafers

Sorry to hear your plight.

I recommend you look at Clipper Creek EVSE's. Give those guys a call and see if they have any electricians they work with in your area. They are based out of Auburn CA and have been involved with hundreds of installs in CA

See http://www.clippercreek.com/reconnect-ca-program.html

My guess is they work with electrical contractors all the time in CA. They could advise which unit is best suited to the install as well I'm sure.

I'm so glad I don't have to answer to an HOA. Why on earth send a nasty letter rather than approach you in a friendly manner to address any concerns they have? Little Hitlers.

Thanks JPWhite,

They look great and prices seem very good.

Sure wish I didn't have an HOA. If only they were on our side, helping us make progress, rather than striking a mean tone, even mentioning that the police had warned the HOA before about extension cord charging. Something I wasn't even using. Hard to believe the police would get involved. Such a shame.

Cornellio said:

Thanks JPWhite,

They look great and prices seem very good.

Sure wish I didn't have an HOA. If only they were on our side, helping us make progress, rather than striking a mean tone, even mentioning that the police had warned the HOA before about extension cord charging. Something I wasn't even using. Hard to believe the police would get involved. Such a shame.

Click to expand...

I would consider educating them on the fact that you do not use an extension cord, and that you use the OEM UL listed charger as intended. Also try to find out what their actual concern is and see if you can allay their fears. I have not heard of Extension Cord Police , but maybe the fire prevention/inspector has made a note of extension cord usage in the past, though you are not using an extension cord...

Firetruck41 said:

Cornellio said:

Thanks JPWhite,

They look great and prices seem very good.

Sure wish I didn't have an HOA. If only they were on our side, helping us make progress, rather than striking a mean tone, even mentioning that the police had warned the HOA before about extension cord charging. Something I wasn't even using. Hard to believe the police would get involved. Such a shame.

Click to expand...

I would consider educating them on the fact that you do not use an extension cord, and that you use the OEM UL listed charger as intended. Also try to find out what their actual concern is and see if you can allay their fears. I have not heard of Extension Cord Police , but maybe the fire prevention/inspector has made a note of extension cord usage in the past, though you are not using an extension cord...

Click to expand...

In the eyes of the ignorant a portable EVSE may look like an extension cord.

There are codes with regard to extensions cords and property managers love to pull out the rule book. Extension cords (even UL approved) are only allowed for temporary use of 90 days or less.

http://rmehs.fullerton.edu/_documents/policiesandguidelines/ExtensioncordsSafetyInformation.pdf

Even if the OP educates the property manager or HOA that an EVSE isn't an extension cord, they will probably say it looks like one and will make other tenants think it's OK to use extension cords and outlaw it on the basis it will encourage indiscriminate extension cord use.

I think a properly installed EVSE will eliminate the concern the EVSE looks like an extension cord.

The bit about Police is baloney IMHO. Fire Marshall? Different story.

California is a right to charge state. Be civil polite and try and find a path to you charging your ev in harmony with the law and your co-owners.

http://driveclean.ca.gov/pev/Charging/Home_Charging/Multi-unit_Dwellings.php

http://www.hoalawblog.com/2012/03/governor_brown_signs_sb_880_de.html