A Load Management System May Be an Option to Avoid a Service Upgrade
As more and more EV drivers hit the road, new EV owners are finding that charging at home is simply more convenient and affordable than relying on third-party chargers. This has led to increased interest in home EV charger installation. However, installing an EV charger brings increased power demands, and depending on the amount of electrical service to your home, the demand may be too high. Luckily, a load management system may be an option for homeowners that are close to the limit of their home’s electrical service.
At TCA Electric, our goal is to help make EV ownership and EV charging as accessible as possible to everyone. We’ve installed numerous EV chargers in homes throughout Vancouver, and we frequently help clients troubleshoot difficult challenges including electrical demands, charging locations, and more. Here’s how a load management system may enable you to install an EV charger at home.
What Is a Load Management System?
A load management system is a device that helps to regulate power usage from an electrical panel. Rather than adjusting the amount of power from the source—that is, the utility company—load management entails balancing electrical demands at the user end.
While power usage is generally capped at 80% of your electrical service (so 160 amps for a 200 amp panel, or 80 amps for a 100 amp panel), not all devices in your home will typically be demanding electricity at the same time. A load management system works by constantly monitoring the power usage in your home and optimizing usage, while also preventing overloads. Devices connected through the load management system may be turned off when usage gets too high, preventing overloads or tripped circuit breakers.
How a Load Management System Can Help with a Home EV Charger
Load management systems typically connect to devices and appliances that are only used intermittently. In other words, rather than connecting to your lights, water heater, refrigerator, or similar appliances, they may connect to your clothes dryer or oven.
Similarly, EV chargers may be connected through a load management system, only drawing power as long as the total electrical usage in your home is below the 80% threshold. For instance, when you go to use an electric oven, your EV charger may be automatically switched off for the duration—then, when everyone goes to bed and power demands are lower, it may resume charging your vehicle.
Not a Substitute for a Needed Panel Replacement or Service Upgrade
A load management system can help homeowners avoid the significant cost of upgrading their electrical service and replacing their electrical panel. Load management will likely be needed in homes that still use a 100 amp panel. However, if you’re already experiencing issues with power demands, you’re likely in need of an electrical service upgrade anyway.
For example, if you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to replace and upgrade your electrical panel anyway:
- Dimming or flickering lights when other devices are turned on
- Circuit breakers constantly tripping
- An electrical panel that still uses fuses
- Visible damage to your electrical panel
Check out our blog post for more information on why you may want to upgrade to 200 amp service.
Not Available with All EV Chargers
In addition to the notes above, installing a load management system will only work as a solution if your preferred EV charging device supports it. For example, Tesla wall chargers support load management, and GRIZZL-E sells devices that do as well. But this is not a universal feature, so it’s important to understand the specifications of your charging device before completing your installation.
TCA Electric: Your EV Charging Experts
At TCA Electric, we’re Vancouver’s top experts when it comes to EV charger installation. Our licensed, qualified, and friendly electricians love to solve new electrical challenges, and we’re particularly skilled at identifying the right charging solutions for our clients’ needs.
If your electrical service doesn’t have room to support a new EV charger, or if you aren’t sure, we’ll be happy to help you! Book a consultation with TCA today to start planning your EV charger installation and enjoy the convenience of at-home charging.