A Dip Switch Can Help Homeowners More Safely Use EV Chargers
Home EV chargers are quickly growing in popularity, particularly as more BC residents adopt electric vehicles and take advantage of the numerous incentives available for their purchase. However, EV chargers still carry significant power demands—and for homeowners with older or smaller electrical panels, it may be necessary to install safety measures to avoid tripping breakers while charging their EV.
EV Load Management Solution
We’ve previously discussed load management options here on the TCA Electric blog. One method of load management we haven’t highlighted, however, is the dip switch. Dip switches are a method for stepping down EV chargers’ power demands and can be a great option for homes with 100-amp panels who aren’t yet looking to upgrade to 200 amps. If you’re interested in an EV charger installation, here’s how a dip switch could make it possible.
What Is a Dip Switch?
Traditional load management typically involves devices that will switch off EV chargers while other electronics or appliances are in use throughout the home. A dip switch, however, is a bit different. Rather than toggling the charger off, a dip switch simply limits the amount of power that the EV charger can draw. This limit will depend on available capacity, but it can be a great measure to enable safe EV charging at all times.
How Does a Dip Switch Work?
Dip switches most frequently work in one of two ways. As the name implies, a dip switch may be a physical switch that is part of the EV charging unit. It will typically be located near the connections and simply needs to be toggled on or off to step down the power draw of the charger.
Dip switches may also be “soft” switches, toggled remotely via an app or similar method. This will require login credentials to use.
Compatible EV Charging Brands
Because dip switches are either physically part of the charger or a feature of specific charging apps, this method of load management is not available with every charger. Of the range of charging brands we install, two offer chargers with dip switches: Tesla and Grizzl-E.
Tesla owners will generally want Tesla brand chargers, as the compatibility and ease of use is much smoother. For those with EVs that aren’t Teslas, however, or homes with multiple EV brands, Grizzl-E is an excellent option that makes chargers with dip switch capabilities.
Advantages of Dip Switches
Dip switches provide a few perks that homeowners may enjoy.
First, they don’t require any additional equipment to install. For those already interested in chargers from brands like Tesla or Grizzl-E, they also don’t require making any different purchasing decisions.
In addition, a dip switch is relatively future-proof. Some homeowners choose to install EV chargers before completing a service upgrade, but may plan to upgrade their electrical panel down the line. If you do add extra power to your home later on, a dip switch can simply be toggled off to use at maximum capacity.
Potential Drawbacks
Dip switches may not be the right choice for every homeowner looking to install an EV charger. There are a few drawbacks to consider compared to other load management options.
- Dip switches are only featured on certain EV chargers, which can limit your options.
- Some municipal restrictions may limit their use. Certain municipalities may require electricians to offer the power the chargers offer, even if the home cannot handle the demand. In these cases, other load management methods will be needed to ensure the charger is safe to use.
- While soft dip switches do work, our team at TCA Electric generally prefers physical switches. Login credentials can sometimes create issues, leading to homeowners being unable to adjust settings without an electrician or other support.
Is a Dip Switch Right for Your Home? Talk to Vancouver’s EV Pros
At TCA Electric, we’re known as the go-to experts for all things EV charging in Vancouver. We’ve helped dozens of homeowners get the most from their electric vehicles with charging solutions tailored to their needs.
If your home lacks adequate power to safely support EV charging, load management options can make installation possible without the need for a service upgrade. Our experts will be happy to help you determine whether a dip switch is the right solution for you. Reach out to our team today to get started!