top of page
Search

How EV Chargers Share a Circuit: 3 Real-World Load Balancing Configurations

  • Writer: Grace @ Plugzio
    Grace @ Plugzio
  • 6 hours ago
  • 3 min read

In our previous post, we took a closer look into  load management, specifically how load balancing helps  properties maximize existing electrical capacity, making it possible to install more EV chargers without expensive service or infrastructure upgrades.


But how does that translate into a real world installation?


The answer depends on your property’s electrical infrastructure. 


From shared circuits, to prioritized charging configurations, load balancing provides the flexibility to safely maximize the available capacity of an existing breaker system, helping prevent overloaded circuits, keep chargers online and deliver a reliable charging experience for residents and drivers.


Let's explore some of the most common circuit-level configurations we’ve come across at Plugzio, and how they enable properties to deploy more EV chargers while making the most of their existing electrical infrastructure.


  1. Shared Circuit (1:1 Power Allocation)


In many older apartment buildings and retrofit projects, available electrical capacity can be limited making it impractical or costly to install a dedicated circuit for their EV chargers.


With a shared circuit configuration, multiple EV chargers share the available capacity of a single electrical circuit. Plugzio dynamically distributes  power between chargers ensuring the circuit’s maximum available capacity is never exceeded, while allowing multiple EVs to charge simultaneously.



Take this example:


  • Rather than installing a dedicated circuit for every EV charger, 2 chargers can share an existing 40A circuit, providing up to 32A of continuous charging  capacity under the 80% continuous load rule.

  • When both chargers are in use, the available power is split evenly between them (1:1). This is one of the most common shared circuit configurations, offering a simple, balanced approach that provides each charger with equal access to the available power.

  • As charging demand changes, for example when one vehicle finishes charging  - Plugzio automatically reallocates the available capacity allowing the remaining active charger to access the full 32A.




  1. Prioritized Charging (2:1 Power Allocation)


Not every parking stall requires the same charging requirements.

Some properties may reserve certain spaces for maintenance, security or facility  vehicles, accessible parking, staff or for premium/reserved stalls who benefit from faster charging.


Instead of splitting capacity evenly, Plugzio can prioritize one charger over another while ensuring the maximum available capacity is never exceeded


Take this example:


  • 2 EV chargers share an existing 60A circuit, providing up to 48A of continuous charging capacity.

  • Rather than an equal 1:1 split, Plugzio distributes power using a 2:1 ratio, providing up to 32A (7.7 kW) to the primary charger and 16A (3.8 kW) to the secondary charger while both are in use.




  1. Universal+ Load Management



Rather than dynamically reducing  charging current, each Universal + operates at a fixed power output of 16A.


Plugzio simply determines which outlets can charge based on the available capacity of the shared circuit, automatically turning chargers on or off as capacity becomes available.


Take this example: 

  • 3 Universal+ smart outlets share a 40A circuit with 32A of continuous charging.

  • Because each outlet operates at a  fixed current, 2 outlets can charge simultaneously while the 3rd remains temporarily unavailable. 

  • As soon as one charging session ends, Plugzio automatically makes the remaining capacity available for the remaining outlets and allows either the 2nd or 3rd outlet to turn on.




Implementing Load Balancing in Plugzio


For Plugzio managers looking for further guidance on how to get set up in the management dashboard, we’ve rounded up a few comprehensive resources to support you through your setup process.


Explore our step by step articles or connect with Plugzio Support Team for Guidance:


Heading 3

bottom of page