Key takeaways:
- Most Brevard County homes have a 100-amp panel. These panels can struggle to handle EV charging.
- Powering an EV charger, an AC unit, and other applications on a 100-amp panel can cause overloading and overheating.
- EVPlugz can perform an electrical assessment of your home and recommend the right upgrades to safely power an EV charger.
Many Brevard County homes were built before electric vehicles were common. So your home might not be ready to handle EV charging on top of other applications like lighting, appliances, or running your AC in the summer.
But, updating your electrical infrastructure is a simple process (with the help of the right local EV charger installer). Here’s what you need to know about electrical upgrades for EV charging.
Most Older Panels Were Never Designed for Continuous High Load
Charging your EV at home is a great way to save money because residential electric rates are much lower than those at public charging stations.
However, to charge your EV relatively fast, you’ll need to install a Level 2 charger. These chargers draw more amperage compared to most household applications, and your panel might struggle to keep up.
For instance, a Level 2 charger can draw 40 amps for 4 to 10 hours to fully charge your EV (the exact duration depends on your battery’s capacity).
If you have a 100-amp panel, which is common in Brevard County homes, your charger would use 40% of your panel’s capacity for hours at a time. This can limit other applications, including cooling off your home during the hot summer months.
The Warning Signs Your Panel Is Overloaded
Technically speaking, you can run a 40-amp Level 2 charger on a 100-amp panel. However, you’ll quickly run into some problems:
- Breakers might trip when charging begins.
- Your charger might shut off randomly.
- Lights might flicker and dim when EV charging starts.
- Your panel feels hot to the touch.
- You notice a burning smell near your panel.
All these signs indicate your panel is overloaded and struggles to distribute power between your EV charger and other circuits.
It’s a major issue because panels and circuits that run hot are more likely to fail. If you notice any of these signs on a current EV charger installation, EVPlugz can diagnose the issue and recommend a solution.
100-Amp Vs 200 Panels: Why It Matters for EV Charging
Many Brevard County homes have a 100-amp panel, even those built not too long ago in the 2000s.
A 100-amp panel can safely handle basic household needs, including your lights, kitchen appliances, and your AC. If you add an EV charger on top of that, you’re looking at a dangerously overloaded panel.
Upgrading to a 200-amp panel is the best way to safely handle EV charging along with other applications. Getting a 150-amp panel can seem like a good compromise, but the truth is you’ll quickly outgrow it if you add a second EV or a heat pump in the future.
Because the price difference between a 150-amp and 200-amp panel is minimal, it makes more sense to invest in a 200-amp model now.
Can Load Management Solve the Problem Without a Full Upgrade?
In some cases, a load management solution can be an alternative to a full panel upgrade. These systems monitor your home’s electrical usage and automatically balance power between your EV charger and other high-demand appliances. For example, the system can temporarily reduce charging speed when your AC comes on, then resume full power when EV charging is done.
Load management is a good option if you have a fairly recent panel and can’t justify the cost of replacing it now.
Why Brevard County Homes Need Professional Evaluation
Because every household has different power needs, it’s best to have a professional do an evaluation before moving forward with an EV charger installation.
You can have a qualified electrician perform a load calculation to determine whether your panel can handle EV charging. An electrician like EVPlugz can also assess the condition of your panel and electrical infrastructure to advise you on any upgrades.
Plan Your EV Charger Installation in Brevard County With EVPlugz
An EV charger shouldn’t push your electrical system to its limit. If your panel wasn’t designed for today’s energy demands, upgrading now prevents long-term damage and safety risks.
EVPlugz is a veteran-owned business serving Brevard County and surrounding areas. We provide high-quality EV charger installation services to homes and businesses, as well as customized electrical upgrades for infrastructures that can safely power EV charging.
Give us a call at +1 (321) 549 7002 or contact us today to schedule an electrical assessment.
FAQ
Why does my EV charger breaker keep tripping?
A breaker that trips during EV charging usually means your system is overloaded. It happens when your total electrical use exceeds your panel’s capacity. A licensed electrician in Brevard County can inspect the issue and recommend whether a load management system or panel upgrade is needed.
Do I really need an electrical upgrade for EV charging?
If your home has a 100-amp panel, an electrical upgrade for EV charging is often recommended. Most older Brevard County homes weren’t built to handle the continuous high load from modern EV chargers, especially when appliances and air conditioning are also running.
Who should I contact for EV charger installation in Brevard County?
Reach out to EVPlugz, a local veteran-owned business specializing in safe and reliable EV charger installation in Brevard County. We’ll inspect your existing setup, perform load calculations, and handle any necessary panel upgrades in Brevard County to make your home EV-ready.
