EV Charging & Load Calculation in Los Angeles — Do You Really Need a Panel Upgrade?
Planning Level 2 EV charger installation in LA? Don’t jump straight to a 200A panel upgrade. At Farashi Electric, we start with a professional load calculation to see if your existing service can safely handle EV charging. Sometimes a tidy sub-panel upgrade or managed charging solves it; when you truly need a panel upgrade Los Angeles, we handle the permit & inspection and complete most upgrades in 1 day after approval.
Why load calculation comes before hardware choices
An EV charger is just one more load—albeit a chunky one. Without a load calculation, you’re guessing: you might overspend on a full service change or under-spec the circuit and trip breakers. We evaluate real-world demand in your home (HVAC, range, dryer, future circuits) and size the EV circuit—and your panel strategy—accordingly.
What you get from Farashi Electric:
- A clear, code-compliant plan based on NEC + local AHJ requirements
- The shortest, safest path to charging (no unnecessary work)
- A documented scope for permit & inspection the first time
Step-by-step: how Farashi Electric evaluates your EV charging
- Discovery call (5–10 min) — EV model, daily mileage, parking location, existing symptoms (trips, flicker), and any remodel plans.
- On-site assessment — We check breaker spaces, panel condition, grounding/bonding, meter-main arrangement, sub-panels, and conduit routes.
- Professional load calculation — We account for present and near-term loads (kitchen upgrades, mini-splits, workshop tools) and your EV charging habits.
- Right-size the solution — From a dedicated Level-2 circuit to managed charging, sub-panel upgrade, or a 200A service only when warranted.
- Permit & inspection — We file with your AHJ (e.g., LADBS) and schedule inspection; you get labeled circuits and a clean, documented install.
Ready for a precise plan? Get a Free On-Site Estimate (24–48h)
Level-2 options
- NEMA 14-50 receptacle (plug-in Level-2): Flexible and popular. Needs correct conductor, breaker sizing, and GFCI/AFCI where required. Great for many homeowners who value device portability.
- Hardwired Level-2 charger (e.g., wall connector): Cleaner look, often higher continuous rating and better cable management. Excellent when you want a dedicated, permanent solution.
- Managed charging / current limiting: Your charger or energy management device can cap current so you charge overnight without overloading the panel. This often avoids full service upgrades.
- Sub-panel near the parking area: Reduces long conduit runs, organizes present/future circuits (gate opener, lights, tools), and keeps the main panel neat.
Want to compare capacity paths? See 200A panel upgrade and panel upgrade Los Angeles.
Do I need 200 amps for an EV?
Not always. The answer lives in your load calculation, not a rule of thumb. Many homes charge reliably on a correctly sized circuit or with managed charging. When your calculation shows you’re at the limit—or you’re planning multiple EVs or heavy electrification—then a main service/panel upgrade becomes smart. Final approval always comes from your local AHJ.
Safety & code points most owners miss
- Continuous load & conductor sizing: EV charging is a long, steady draw; wiring/breakers must match the continuous rating—not just a momentary peak.
- GFCI/AFCI nuances: Depending on circuit location and device, protection requirements apply. We design to code and to your actual layout.
- Clearances & working space: Chargers near panels, water sources, or vehicles require careful placement; inspectors check this.
- Labeling matters: A fully labeled panel isn’t cosmetic; it speeds inspections, future maintenance, and emergency shutoffs.
Where a sub-panel shines (and saves)
If the main is crowded or far from the garage/driveway, a sub-panel upgrade near the parking spot keeps runs short, future-proofs for tools/outlets/lighting, and keeps your main panel tidy. It also prevents overfilling the main with tandem breakers that can confuse standby loads and inspectors.
What’s included with Farashi Electric
- Permit filing & inspection scheduling with your AHJ
- Clean, code-compliant installation (Siemens/Eaton/Square D components)
- Circuit labeling & documentation for easy service down the line
- Site protection & full cleanup
- Written warranty on workmanship and approved equipment
Prefer to start remotely? Send Panel Photos (panel door open/closed, main breaker rating, labels, meter, and the route to your parking spot).
Our Completed Panel Upgrade Projects
Ready for a precise EV plan? We start with a professional load calculation, handle the permit & inspection, and complete most panel upgrades in 1 day after approval.
FAQs
We don’t recommend it. Permits/inspections protect your home and insurance; we handle them for you.
No. Many homes pass the load calculation. We only recommend 200A panel upgrade when it’s truly justified.
It depends on usage, placement, and panel capacity. We’ll design the circuit that fits your home and future plans.
For EV-only installs, outages are minimal. If a panel upgrade is needed, we aim for a same-day cut-over after permit approval.
Yes—see Level 2 EV charger installation for options and prep.
Yes. We can configure current limits and explain how/when to use them to stay within capacity while meeting your daily driving needs.