Many residential EV charger installations start with the same question: does the home have enough electrical capacity to support the added load?
Across the US, limited electrical capacity can make it difficult for existing homes to support additional high-power loads, such as Level 2 EV charging. In fact, a recent National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) research highlights that 62% of homes face capacity constraints under a business-as-usual electrification scenario.
Insufficient electrical capacity can turn an EV charger installation into a costly electrical service upgrade that homeowners may not expect. By offering an alternative, electricians can address a common barrier to installing an EV charger at home and help keep more projects moving forward.
Schneider Charge offers that alternative. With SmartAmp built-in load management, it can help electricians complete Level 2 charger installations within a home’s available electrical capacity and avoid unnecessary service upgrades.
The challenges of EV charger installation
The infrastructure in homes has struggled to keep pace with EV charger demand. Nearly half of US residences rely on 200A or less of electrical service, complicating EV charger installation processes due to capacity constraints.
Without load management, electricians generally need to account for the EV charger’s full rated or configured load in the electrical load calculation. If calculations show that the home’s capacity is insufficient, the installation may trigger a need for panel or service upgrades. The added cost and complexity can broaden the scope of work and put the entire EV charger project at risk.
For electricians, this can mean additional coordination with utilities, permitting requirements, and inspections. For homeowners, it can create unexpected expenses and disruption, challenges they rarely foresee when purchasing an EV charger.
Built-in load management explained
Schneider Charge with built-in load management is designed to work within the limits of the home’s electrical capacity. It monitors the home’s total power consumption in real time and adjusts charging output accordingly.
As household demand approaches the panel’s limit, SmartAmp reduces the charging rate to help prevent an overload. Once other loads shut off, the charger automatically increases charging output without manual intervention. In many cases, this can help avoid service upgrades.
Schneider Charge’s UL 3141-certified load management can simplify load calculations and support a clearer permitting process where accepted by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
During installation, a pair of current transformers (CTs) is installed on the main utility feeders to monitor total home load. CT wires can be routed in the same conduit as the charger’s AC wiring, helping simplify installation.
Because SmartAmp operates without Wi-Fi, the load management function keeps working even when the home’s internet goes down. No separate energy monitoring hardware or breaker spaces are required.
Schneider Charge at a glance
Schneider Charge is a hardwired Level 2 AC residential EV charging station to streamline residential charger installations. Key features include:
- Up to 11.5 kW/48A charging output
- Hardwired power connection
- Available with J3400 (NACS) or J1772 connector options
- Included current transformers (CTs) for household load monitoring
- UL 3141-certified for managed-load installations where accepted by the local AHJ
- NEMA Type 4 enclosure for indoor and outdoor installations
- 25-foot charging cable for installation flexibility
- Commissioning through eSetup app
The key to hassle-free EV charging installations
A service upgrade can add cost, delays, and complexity that homeowners may not expect when planning an EV charger installation.
Schneider Charge with SmartAmp built-in load management gives electricians a practical alternative. By adapting charging output to the home’s available electrical capacity, it can help avoid unnecessary service upgrades and make more residential Level 2 charging projects viable. For electricians, that means more predictable installations and a better opportunity to turn customer inquiries into completed projects.
Unlock the benefits of easy EV charger installs here.
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