Western Power reminder about electric vehicle chargers

Western Power would like to remind all electrical contractors that when installing electric vehicle charging stations they should ensure that they do not exceed the capacity of the supply and connection arrangement. 

Specific attention is required for residential and small commercial connections that have a standard connection service, to ensure the connection remains safe and compliant. 

The Western Australian Service and Installation Requirements (WASIR) defines standard supply as 240 volt single-phase (+/- 6%) or 415 volt three-phase (+/- 6%) for

Perth metropolitan and major regional centres within the SWIS:

• 63 amps single-phase (240 volts); or 
• 32 amps per phase, three-phase (415 volts); and 
  

Rural centres and connections within the SWIS (Note 1): 

• 32 amps single-phase (240 volts); or
• 16 amps per phase, multi-phase (480 volts); and 
• maximum size of consumer mains cable shall not exceed 35^mm2

The Western Australian Electrical Requirements (WAER) also stipulates minimum sized consumer mains cable for domestic premises to be in accordance with clause 9.2:

• single-phase: 10 square millimetres, copper conductors; or
• three-phase: 6 square millimetres, copper conductors. 
  

To determine the maximum demand, refer to AS/NZS 3000:2018, specifically:

• clause 2.2.2 maximum demand, and
• appendix C, circuit arrangements and clause C2 maximum demand (with reference to tables C1 and C2 for single and multiple domestic and commercial electrical installations).  
  

The consumers main switch must be upgraded to a circuit breaker rated for a standard connection service if:

• the capacity exceeds the supply arrangement rating;
• is unknown;
• or the connection is to a network mini pillar or pit.
  

In all cases, an application must be made to Western Power to accommodate any requested additional load above a standard connection service. Click here for further information on this process.

Please contact WA Electrical Inspectors if you have any queries.

Note 1: Subject to service availability