Charging ahead: EV chargers in apartment buildings

Navigating the integration of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in apartment buildings requires careful planning and collaboration. Master Electricians’ Ben Brock explores key considerations, from assessing electrical capacity and fire safety to engaging with the body corporate, ensuring a smooth transition to sustainable living.

The rise of EVs is undeniable, and with it comes the growing need for EV charging infrastructure.

For apartment buildings, this transition presents unique challenges factoring existing infrastructure and load capacities. As the NCC 2022 Volume One J9D4 stipulates requirements for new developments, existing buildings face their own set of hurdles.

This guide aims to navigate the complexities and provide practical solutions for implementing EV chargers in apartment buildings.

Assessing supply and demand
Introducing EV chargers into an existing apartment building requires a thorough assessment of the building’s electrical capacity. While one or two chargers might not strain the system, a higher demand necessitates a careful evaluation. AS/NZS 3000 2.2.2 outlines four methods for this assessment:

1. Calculation: Utilising Appendix C in AS/NZS 3000, this conservative approach requires detailed information on the existing infrastructure, which can be time-consuming to gather.
2. Assessment: This method involves understanding the current installation’s operating conditions and loading variations to estimate probable consumption.
3. Measurement: By using energy-logging equipment over time, this method provides real-time data on the installation’s peak consumption, offering the most accurate insights into spare capacity.
4. Limitation: Limiting supply to EV charging circuits based on available capacity. While protecting the entire installation this way can be impractical, it can effectively manage the EV charging load specifically.

Solutions for upgrading electrical capacity
To accommodate the additional load from EV chargers, two solutions are available:

1. Upgrading the building’s supply:
This option, while potentially costly, ensures sustainability and reliability. It allows for a full implementation of any size or number of EV Chargers, and it also paves the way for future upgrades, such as solar installations or air conditioning.

2. Centrally managed EV charging systems:
These systems offer features beyond your basic standalone home chargers, providing extra flexibility and efficiency. By monitoring load fluctuations with CT monitors, these systems prevent the installation from exceeding its supply capacity, especially during peak times. Additionally, they often include billing capabilities, simplifying management of the system for the body corporate.

Fire safety considerations
Fire safety is paramount when installing EV chargers in apartment buildings. Even a simple standalone system in a basement poses significant risks. Consulting a fire systems professional ensures appropriate detection and suppression systems are in place.

Key implementations might include:

• Detection and suppression systems: Tailored for high-risk environments like apartment buildings.
• Master isolation points: For emergency situations.
• Pre-incident plans and comprehensive documentation: Detailed evacuation procedures and emergency services information.

Engaging with the body corporate
Engagement with the body corporate is crucial. They may have existing procedures or approval processes, particularly for installing standalone chargers. If they already have provisions for centrally managed systems, it’s essential to adhere to these guidelines.

In older installations, allocated parking spots might lack suitable outlets for high loads. Initiating a conversation with the body corporate can lead to an assessment of the electrical installation, enabling the development of a comprehensive plan. This collaboration can result in the most appropriate design and products for the installation.

As the demand for EVs continues to grow, so does the need for robust charging infrastructure. For apartment buildings, this involves careful planning, assessment, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

By addressing supply capacity, exploring viable solutions, prioritising fire safety, and engaging with the body corporate, apartment buildings can successfully integrate EV chargers, paving the way for a sustainable and future-proof living environment.

By navigating these complexities, electricians can carefully guide customers seeking EV solutions in apartment buildings, leading the charge in the EV revolution and ensuring residents are ready for a greener future.

Key takeaways