The Electrical Capacity Challenge: New Tech Solutions for Your Property's Charging Needs
Equipping your property with efficient EV chargers has become increasingly important for attracting tenants.
While expert guidance is crucial for creating a charging infrastructure that is compatible with your electrical capacity and supports your present and future charging needs, we’ll briefly explore the elements of electric capacity and how you can increase charging capacity without making costly upgrades to your existing system.
Understanding Electrical Capacity
The electrical service panel (also commonly known as the “breaker box”) divides the power feed from a central power source (i.e. your local power company) into subsidiary circuits that are then distributed throughout the property to meet various electricity needs.
The capacity of this panel is measured in amps, indicating the maximum electrical load it can manage. Just as a bucket can only hold so much water, your service panel can only support a certain amount of electrical usage before it overloads.
This includes the everyday electrical needs of the property (lights, A/C, etc.) plus the additional load from EV chargers. Overloading this system can lead to tripped circuit breakers (mechanisms that shut down the power grid if too much power is drawn) or, in severe cases, lead to electrical fires.
Given the complexities involved, including adherence to building codes and ensuring system reliability, consulting with professionals who specialize in EV charging infrastructure is recommended. They can provide a comprehensive analysis of your electrical system, suggest necessary upgrades, and help implement a charging solution that aligns with your property’s capacity and future growth.
Code Compliance: Essential Electrical Guidelines for EV Chargers
Crafting an EV charging solution that aligns with safety protocols is fundamental. Here are key restrictions to consider:
- Electrical Panel Capacity — Overloading your electrical panel capacity can compromise your entire electric system and is severely dangerous.
- The 80% Rule — This guideline stipulates that the continuous load on any circuit should not exceed 80% of the breaker’s rated capacity. For example, a 20-amp breaker should not support a continuous load greater than 16 amps. This is to prevent overheating and ensure the longevity of electrical components.
- Independent Breakers for Each Charger — To ensure the reliability and safety of your EV charging infrastructure, each charger should be connected to its own circuit breaker. This prevents potential issues of one charger from affecting others, and allows for easier troubleshooting and maintenance.
Expanding Your Electrical Capacity: Smart Charging Solutions
CityVitae’s Smart Charging Technology enables the system to handle up to twice as many drivers as standard charging solutions, without making costly upgrades to the property’s electrical capacity.
This is done by analyzing charger usage variables across the property and intelligently prioritizing power allocation to where it is needed most. These variables include immediacy of need, current battery capacity, charge duration, and historical grid demand.
When the electrical capacity is constrained, instead of sending 100% of what is available to every single car, we can save some energy by sending more energy to those who need it the most and reducing power to those who do not need it as much. For example, if one car is at 90% charge and an EV with 15% charge plugs into the charging network, some power will be shifted from the EV with 90% charge to the EV with 15% charge. The result is that we can charge more cars with less.
Additionally, during times of peak demand, Smart Charging can temporarily pause or reduce charging to vehicles that will remain parked into the off-peak period.
Partnering with CityVitae not only streamlines the process, but guarantees a solution that’s both effective and forward-thinking. Schedule a free consultation with us to explore how our smart charging solutions can unlock the full potential of your property’s EV charging capacity, readying you for the wave of EV adoption.
