Charging EV via meter/main breaker

mswire · Nov 13, 2021

Hello,

I would like to install a 40 amp EVSE on the outside of our garage, immediately next to our main panel and meter. We have 200 amp service. The main panel has two 100 amp breakers. Each feeds a sub panel - one in the garage and the other farther into the house. The garage sub panel has a slot for a new breaker and could accommodate a new dedicated 50 amp circuit for the EV. Connecting to the garage sub panel will require a 25+' conduit run, however.

Is there a simple way to power the EVSE from the main/meter which is immediately adjacent? This would avoid the costly conduit run to the garage sub breaker. Note that the main panel doesn't have any open slots. The two slots are filled with breakers that feed the two sub panels.

Tx!

telectrix · Nov 13, 2021

need megawatt on this as it's US, butmy first thoughts would be to supply from panel breaker (of the correct rating).

James · Nov 13, 2021

I would be considering changing the main panel next to the meter from a 2 way panel up to a 4 way panel.

Megawatt · Nov 17, 2021

mswire said:
Hello,

I would like to install a 40 amp EVSE on the outside of our garage, immediately next to our main panel and meter. We have 200 amp service. The main panel has two 100 amp breakers. Each feeds a sub panel - one in the garage and the other farther into the house. The garage sub panel has a slot for a new breaker and could accommodate a new dedicated 50 amp circuit for the EV. Connecting to the garage sub panel will require a 25+' conduit run, however.

Is there a simple way to power the EVSE from the main/meter which is immediately adjacent? This would avoid the costly conduit run to the garage sub breaker. Note that the main panel doesn't have any open slots. The two slots are filled with breakers that feed the two sub panels.

Tx!

If you are talking about tapping in the meter base no. If you are going to do this job spend a little more money and do it the correct way. If you feed is 25+ feet and it will be underground then you can use direct burial wire with no conduit. It will also require a disconnect at the charger