RumRunner
Senior Member
- Location
- SCV Ca, USA
- Occupation
- Retired EE
I am contemplating installing a Tesla charging station that will tie-in to my existing service panel. I’m thinking a charger for a Tesla Type 3 Model. . . the smaller Tesla compared to the sporty type.
I think (at least that’s what I intend to do) of just adding a Triplex Murray plug-in double pole 40 Amp breaker. The reason for the Triplex is, I want to keep the two 15 Amp single pole CB and provide space for my intended 40 Amp 2 pole CB.
My service is 150 Amp and equipped with a 125 Amp Main CB. It has a 2/0 underground service conductor to the meter. NEC says 2/0 aluminum copper clad is good for 150 Amps.
My guess is the electrician undersized the main breaker when the house was built.
The Tesla Type 3 charger draws 32 Amps. Will take at least three hours to charge for completely discharged battery.
I did crunch some numbers that include my existing load and I came up with numbers that will put me within a safe range of my service capability.
I’ve seen in my neighborhood with Tesla chargers, but they are served with 200 Amps service.
Maybe the homeowner is thinking of plugging-in two or three Teslas at a time. . . I don’t know.
I don’t want surprises from AHJ telling me I need 200 Amps simply because the neighbors have 200 Amps.
From your experience, have you ever encountered something like this?
I really hate to spend the money upgrading if I can get by with what I already have.
BTW:
Not a DIY. . .will get a sparky to do this because of some wiring involved..
I think (at least that’s what I intend to do) of just adding a Triplex Murray plug-in double pole 40 Amp breaker. The reason for the Triplex is, I want to keep the two 15 Amp single pole CB and provide space for my intended 40 Amp 2 pole CB.
My service is 150 Amp and equipped with a 125 Amp Main CB. It has a 2/0 underground service conductor to the meter. NEC says 2/0 aluminum copper clad is good for 150 Amps.
My guess is the electrician undersized the main breaker when the house was built.
The Tesla Type 3 charger draws 32 Amps. Will take at least three hours to charge for completely discharged battery.
I did crunch some numbers that include my existing load and I came up with numbers that will put me within a safe range of my service capability.
I’ve seen in my neighborhood with Tesla chargers, but they are served with 200 Amps service.
Maybe the homeowner is thinking of plugging-in two or three Teslas at a time. . . I don’t know.
I don’t want surprises from AHJ telling me I need 200 Amps simply because the neighbors have 200 Amps.
From your experience, have you ever encountered something like this?
I really hate to spend the money upgrading if I can get by with what I already have.
BTW:
Not a DIY. . .will get a sparky to do this because of some wiring involved..