Trying to figure out how to install a Rivian wall charger? Welp, you’re in the right spot!
While you can have the Rivian wall charger installation rolled into your original purchase, there are several reasons to attempt the project on your own.
If you’re in this position, Rivian has released instructions for installation for your use.
Key Takeaways:
Quick Steps to install a Rivian wall charger:
- Assess your experience and comfort with the project
- Understand the safety concerns of installation
- Gather the necessary materials
- Determine where you’ll install the charger
- Attach the mounting plate
- Attach the wall charter to the mounting plate
- Set the operating current
- Connect the conductors
- Connect the faceplate
This isn’t an ideal project for everyone, and you should have a clear understanding of the process and involved systems before attempting it. Keep reading for a rundown on what you’re in for.
As a general rule, follow this PDF Rivian Wall Charger Install Guide as well.
What to Consider Before Installing the Rivian Wall Charger
Before you install a Rivian wall charger on your own, you need to consider your experience, how comfortable you are working with electrical systems, and any safety concerns involved.
There’s no shame in hiring an electrician or bundling installation in your purchase. This is arguably the safest way to install the charger for yourself, your home, and potentially your wallet.
The installation involves many risks, including:
- Electric shock
- Personal injury
- Damage to equipment
- Damage to your home’s electrical system
This means that the slightest mistake can easily snowball into a major repair or medical bill. You can save yourself some money on installation, but you run a greater risk in the long run.
You can also hire an electrician to do parts that you lack confidence with, such as pulling wires, and save a bit on the parts you know you can do.
Prep Work
The Rivian wall charger comes with most of the items that you need for installation, but you’re still on the hook for the tools.
Check out this table on what’s included, what you need on hand, and some unnecessary items it’s still nice to have.
| Included | Tools Needed | Optional Tools |
| Wall charger | #2 Phillips screwdriver | Hole saw |
| Mounting plate | Security T20 Torx screwdriver | Stud finder |
| 4 x T20 anchor screws | Flathead screwdriver (7/32 in.) | Level |
| 2 x 13mm M4 Phillips screws | Adjustable torque screwdriver (10 in-lb to 40 in-lb) | |
| T20 security bit | Multimeter |
Choosing a Install location for your Rivian Wall Charger
You want to install your charger around the height of your chest where the cable can easily reach your vehicle’s charge port.
You need at least 12 inches of clearance on the right for your coupler docking and cable management.
When inside, the bottom of the charger should be at least 18 inches from the ground. This jumps to 24 inches for outdoor installation.
You should have enough room to cut a hole for your wall charger and run the wires safely.
Attaching the Mounting Plate
When attaching to a concrete wall, put the flat side against it with the large hole in the lower-left corner. Ensure the plate is level, then fasten it to the wall with your anchor screws.
If installing on a finished wall with wooden studs, locate the studs first. This determines where you run your anchor screws.
- Vertical stud: attach using the three center holes
- Horizontal stud: find where the horizontal and vertical studs meet; position the plate centered on the vertical and with the top three in line with the horizontal stud; anchor with the two outer holes in the upper third of the mounting plate, then a third in the lower center location
Make sure you tighten your screws without damaging them or the plate during the installation.
Attaching the Wall Charger to the Mounting Plate
Your wall charger comes with two wire entry points, and you need to determine which one you will use to remove that cover.
- Indoor installations (wire running inside the wall): Use the rear wire entry cover
- Outdoor installations/indoor installations on concrete: Use the bottom wire entry cover; you need to knock it out
You then hang your wall charger on your mounting plate and use your Phillips screwdriver to attach the 13 mm M4 screws through the charger and into the mounting plate. Torque each screw to 12 in-lb.
Setting the Operating Current
You’ll need to configure the DIP switches to set the operating current of your wall charger. This is where things start to get more technical. The Rivian wall charger defaults to 48 amps with all the switches on, but if you find you need a lower current you can turn some off to get the current you need.
This usually depends on your circuit breaker specifications. This table explains what current you should use per circuit breaker specification, your conductor specification (only use copper conductors), and how you should have your switches turned on (+) and off (-).
| Current | Circuit Breaker Specification | Conductor Specification | Switch Configuration |
| 6 A | 7.5 A | 12-14 AWG | -, -, – |
| 12 A | 15 A | 12-14 AWG | -, -, + |
| 16 A | 20 A | 12-10 AWG | -, +, – |
| 20 A | 25 A | 10 AWG | -, +, + |
| 24 A | 30 A | 10 AWG | +, -, – |
| 32 A | 40 A | 8 AWG | +, -, + |
| 40 A | 50 A | 8 AWG | +, +, – |
| 48 A | 60 A | 6 AWG | +, +, + |
Connecting Conductors
When connecting your conductors, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician for conductor size appropriate to your breaker and maximum current set.
Depending on how you installed your wall charger, you’ll either thread the conductor fittings or conduit through the rear or bottom. Make sure the fittings are compatible with your conductor type and size.
Strip the ends by .4 inches, then insert the conductors to their corresponding terminals (L1, Ground, and L2). Torque each terminal to 10.6 in-lb, taking care not to overdo it, then energize your charger.
Finally, test the voltages using a multimeter.
Finishing Up
To finish up your installation, connect the network board on the faceplate to the wall charger, then slide it down to lock it in place. Install your security screws, torquing them to 12 in-lb.
At this point, all you need to do is wrap the cable around the charger and store the coupler in its dock.
