Do you install home batteries or EV chargers?

We have noticed an increasing number of residential customers adding electrical vehicle (EV) charging or battery charging, or both, to their other loads and overloading their service fuse. This is particularly evident for customers who are shifting their load to the middle of the day and is exacerbated by cloudy days when PV generation reduces.

The resulting outage impacts the customer, our crews and potentially you as their electrical contractor. However, by working together we can mitigate the risks.

When installing batteries, EV chargers or other large loads, electrical contractors should consider the impact on the premises’ maximum demand:

• As per the requirements of AS/NZS 3000,
• Against the Distribution Network Service Provider’s (DNSP’s) service fuse,
• In the context of your customer’s obligation under their network connection contract to inform us of material changes to their electricity demand, and
• As required under QECM v4, section 1.5.2.6(g): The Electrical Contractor shall: advise the DNSP when a proposed installation of addition electrical load at a Proponent’s premises would increase the maximum demand above the DNSP service fuses rating or above the approved demand for the premises.

Many residential service fuses in Queensland networks are 50A or 63A. If you are an Authorised Person, you can physically check the service fuse rating by taking the service fuse out.

If you assess that the new maximum demand will exceed the rating of the DNSP’s service fuse, you should:

• Limit demand of one or more devices as per AS/NZS 3000 to avoid exceeding the service fuse rating, and/or
• Submit a ‘Primary Fuse Upgrade' Electrical Work Request (EWR) via our Electrical Partners Portal.

Please note: If the service or supply required is not already available, a supply upgrade connection application and EWR will need to be submitted.