Adding a Level 2 EV charger to your home is one of the most convenient upgrades for electric vehicle (EV) owners. However, many homeowners face challenges with their electrical panels being “at capacity” or lacking the amperage to handle the additional load. Traditional solutions often involve costly panel upgrades, but the Emporia Smart Charger with load management offers a more affordable and efficient alternative.
This guide explains how load management works, why the Emporia Smart Charger is the go-to solution for most homes, and what to do if you need an EV charger but want to avoid expensive service upgrades.
The Emporia Smart Charger: A Smarter, More Affordable Option
The Emporia Smart Charger is revolutionizing how homeowners install EV chargers, especially when electrical capacity is limited.
- Built-In Load Management: With load management technology, the Emporia Smart Charger monitors your home’s energy usage in real time and adjusts the EV charger’s power to avoid overloading your electrical system. This eliminates the need for a costly amperage upgrade.
- Easier Sub-Panel Installations: Unlike many other EV chargers, the Emporia Smart Charger’s load management system makes it easier to connect to a sub-panel. By dynamically balancing power usage, it ensures safe charging even when your sub-panel has limited amperage.
- Supports All EVs: The Emporia Smart Charger is compatible with Tesla and J1772-compatible vehicles, making it a versatile solution for almost any EV owner.
- Cost-Effective and Feature-Packed: Not only does the Emporia eliminate the need for a full panel upgrade, but it also includes features like WiFi-enabled monitoring and control, energy tracking, and customizable charging schedules—all at a competitive price point.
How Load Management Works
Load management dynamically adjusts your EV charger’s power draw based on your home’s real-time energy usage. For example:
- If your air conditioner or electric stove is running, the charger will reduce its power output to prevent overloading your panel.
- Once those appliances stop, the charger resumes full power.
This intelligent system allows you to safely charge your EV without upgrading your electrical panel’s amperage.
Why the Emporia Smart Charger Stands Out
- No Amperage Upgrade Needed: While you’ll still need breaker spaces in your panel or sub-panel, the Emporia’s load management eliminates the need for costly upgrades to your main service amperage.
- Ideal for Sub-Panels: Sub-panels often have limited capacity, but the Emporia Smart Charger’s load management makes it a perfect fit. By balancing energy usage, it allows you to install an EV charger where you need it most without overloading your system.
- WiFi-Enabled for Smarter Control: The Emporia app lets you monitor your energy usage, control charging remotely, and schedule charging during off-peak hours—all from your smartphone.
- Safe and Reliable: Designed to meet rigorous safety standards, the Emporia Smart Charger ensures compliance with local codes and provides peace of mind.
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When Other Load Management Options Might Be Necessary
While the Emporia Smart Charger is ideal for most residential installations, more complex setups may require additional load management solutions.
- PSP (Power Sharing Products): PSP and similar high-end devices provide advanced load management for homes with multiple EV chargers, solar panels, or heavy energy demands. These systems are effective but often cost significantly more than the Emporia Smart Charger.
- Dedicated Load Management Devices: Options like the DCC-10 Energy Management System work with your panel to manage power distribution, ensuring your EV charger operates without overloading your electrical system.
- Time-of-Use or Shared Circuits: Programming your charger to run during off-peak hours or sharing a circuit with another appliance can also help balance energy demands, but these approaches may limit convenience.
What to Consider Before Installing an EV Charger
If you’re planning to install an EV charger, keep these factors in mind:
- Breaker Spaces Are Still Required: You’ll need available breaker spaces in your main panel or sub-panel for the Emporia Smart Charger, even with load management.
- WiFi Connectivity: Ensure the installation area has a reliable WiFi signal for smart features like monitoring and scheduling.
- Panel Age Matters: Panels over 30 years old may need to be replaced for safety reasons, even if they meet capacity requirements.
- Permits and Code Compliance: EV charger installations require permits and must adhere to local electrical codes, which is why hiring a licensed electrician is essential.
Why the Emporia Smart Charger Is the Best Choice for Most Homes
For most homeowners, the Emporia Smart Charger strikes the perfect balance of affordability, functionality, and safety.
- Save Thousands: Avoid costly amperage upgrades and service upgrades to your main panel.
- Adaptability: Perfect for homes with sub-panels or limited electrical capacity.
- Smart Features: Monitor and control your charger with ease through the WiFi-enabled app.
- Future-Ready: As EV adoption grows, the Emporia Smart Charger is designed to meet evolving energy needs.
Get Professional Installation
At A Team Home Services, we specialize in EV charger installations tailored to your home’s unique electrical setup. Our licensed electricians will:
- Evaluate your panel and sub-panel for breaker space and capacity.
- Install your Emporia Smart Charger or other load management system safely and efficiently.
- Ensure your system complies with all local codes and standards.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a Level 2 EV charger but are concerned about your home’s electrical capacity, the Emporia Smart Charger with load management is a game-changing solution. Its ability to connect to sub-panels and eliminate the need for costly amperage upgrades makes it the most practical and affordable choice for most homeowners.
Contact us today to learn more about our EV charger installation services and how we can help you power your EV at home.