Just 20 years ago, few could have envisioned the dramatic increase in the number and variety of electrical appliances and devices found in homes. With the rise of electric vehicle chargers, HVAC heat pumps, water heaters, and dryers, contemporary homes are witnessing energy demands that surpass any previous era. This trend is expected to continue expanding in the years to come.
The key to meeting these electrical needs is the home’s electrical panel, and millions of these will need upgrading to accommodate future large loads safely.
How can electrical contractors advise homeowners to prepare their homes for the anticipated energy demand? And what should be considered regarding the differences between 100A and 200A electrical panels?
Millions of homes require a panel upgrade
Home electrical systems across the United States have vast differences in their size and capabilities. Many newer homes have been built with 200A electrical service and panels, so they may already be capable of handling modern electrical demands.
However, older homes often have 100A electrical service and panels designed for the limited electrical loads of their day. When the home was built, 100A would have been more than sufficient. But this size panel is often now at capacity, and the older equipment may no longer be up to code.
A major catalyst for home electrification is EV charging; nationally 48m homes would require service upgrades to safely accommodate a typical Level 2 EV charger. Home solar and battery storage projects can also be limited by older 100A electrical panels, with breaker plus solar capped at 120% of the panel’s capacity. Older electrical panels may also not have sufficient physical space for the required circuit breakers needed for these installations.
Is upgrading from 100A panels inevitable?
The electrical demands in our homes will only increase, so we expect homes with 100A panels and electrical services to ultimately require a panel upgrade and a 200A electrical service upgrade to match. By modernizing with a 200A panel and service, homeowners will be in a good position to meet their growing energy needs. Increased electrical capacity allows homeowners to adopt more technologies, such as home energy storage systems, and heat pumps to help reduce their rising energy costs and reduce their overall consumption. And of course, they also make homes more sustainable.
Are there alternatives to upgrading utility services to 200A?
While a 200A electrical utility service and related panel upgrade is the ideal scenario, it’s not always affordable, feasible, or able to be completed in a timely enough manner.
Luckily there are some workarounds available to contractors, but it’s worth highlighting the compromises inherent with these solutions. While these alternatives can be lower cost, quicker to install, and allow for a similar quantity of electrical loads to be installed, there are limitations and tradeoffs your customer may not be willing to make.
One option is to bring smart technology like a home energy management system (HEMS) into the electrical panel. It will help the homeowner get the most out of their existing service. We talk more about this below.
A second option is to install a device that allows one circuit to supply power to two or more large appliances, with the device either manually or automatically switching between the various loads to ensure only one appliance can be powered at a single time. By preventing loads from running simultaneously, the device can ensure the single circuit is never overloaded.
For some customers, the upgrade from 100A to 200A is the preferred and necessary route. As a contractor, it is recommended to encourage customers to consider upgrading to 200A sooner rather than later.
For many, a costly service and panel upgrade is a barrier to adoption. Remember to tell homeowners about financial incentives like tax rebates, which can help offset many of the costs.
Modernizing old 200A panels with smart technology
Some properties have 200A panels that are over 40 years old. Are they able to support today’s increased electrical demands? And if not, what are the options? The same home energy management systems that help homes with 100A service can also help those with 200A services.
Contractors can help their customers get the most from their electrical service either by installing a smart panel equipped with a HEMS or an electrical panel that can be upgraded to have smart benefits in the future. These electrical panels can adapt to the evolving energy demands of the home cost-effectively, ensuring the energy supply remains adequate by minimizing the need for actual service upgrades.
Smart panels and HEMS enable homeowners to better manage their property’s energy loads and allow them to get the most out of the existing electrical service. They provide a real-time overview of their home’s energy usage, automatically balancing and shedding loads to prevent system overload. It is this intelligent load shifting that enables some smart panels to help prevent the need for a service-level upgrade.
A scalable solution using Square D QO panels offers a simple and cost-effective connected panel. Circuit control can be expanded when needed, which means costs are incurred in smaller increments, making the customer’s investment more manageable.
Even if the property doesn’t have an EV charger, heat pump or solar panels, fitting a suitable panel today will ensure their home is ready when that time comes, and it can even help to increase property value.
For homeowners looking to futureproof their HEMs and add more load-intensive technology to their property, contractors could recommend Schneider Pulse panel as a smart solution. These smart panels are easy to install, space-saving, and can intelligently integrate all of a home’s energy sources.
It is important to help homeowners understand and invest in infrastructure now to meet the needs of increased energy demand and technology in the future.
Moving with the times
The ripple effect of changes to our energy landscape is starting to be felt. Informed electrical contractors can help homeowners make educated decisions to safely meet their evolving electrical system needs.
The level of electrical demands on the average property is only going to increase. Ensuring that panels are up to code and able to accommodate the technological complexity to balance these loads will save time, money and inconvenience later down the line.
In my next blog, we will look at the pros and cons of 200A vs. 400A service for contractors and developers working on major home renovations and new developments.
To learn more about Schneider Electric’s range of smart electrical panels and more about simplifying home electrification, visit our Connected Home page.
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