Chart

Major home load triage map

Map the first service and panel checks before adding EV charging, heat pump equipment, hot tubs, suites, or other major dwelling loads.

Chart boundary

Does not approve a branch circuit, service size, panel capacity, permit, or inspection result.

decision flow

Major load triage

The map is a routing layer: use it to decide which calculation, table, or guide to open next.

Scoperesidential load planningX-axisproposed load dataY-axispanel/service constraintReviewAnnualNextCheck panel capacity before adding a major load
Major load triageproposed load datapanel/service constraint1Proposed load ...EV / heat pump / ...2Nameplate datakW, MCA/MOCP, amps3Service size100 A / 125 A / 2...4Capacity bandspare / tight / u...5Panel spacesspace is not capa...EVSE pathcurrent + EVEMS checkHVAC pathnameplate + backup ...Known load pathhot tub / suite / w...Stop pathunknown capacity
The map is a routing layer: use it to decide which calculation, table, or guide to open next.
proposed load datapanel/service constraint
  1. 1
    Proposed load typeEV / heat pump / hot tub / suite

    The load family decides the next source.

  2. 2
    Nameplate datakW, MCA/MOCP, amps

    Known equipment data beats assumptions.

  3. 3
    Service size100 A / 125 A / 200 A

    Service rating is only the starting boundary.

  4. 4
    Capacity bandspare / tight / unknown

    Choose calculator or professional review accordingly.

  5. 5
    Panel spacesspace is not capacity

    Physical breaker spaces and load capacity are separate.

EVSE pathcurrent + EVEMS check

Route charger projects to EVSE current, overnight recovery, and load-management review.

HVAC pathnameplate + backup heat

Separate compressor MCA/MOCP from resistance backup heat before service screening.

Known load pathhot tub / suite / workshop

Use nameplate and the load-list calculator before treating the panel as available.

Stop pathunknown capacity

When service size, load data, or authority path is unclear, pause for qualified review.

Decision reference

Show the visual triage path for deciding which calculator, table, or guide to open before adding a major load.

Reference basis: BC Hydro home electrical capacity information, ESA EV guidance, and residential load planning references.
ConditionChart readingNext checkBoundary
EV charger addedCompare current setting and EVEMS pathEV panel decision chartNo EVSE approval
Heat pump or backup heatSeparate compressor load from resistance heatBackup heat impact chartNo HVAC approval
Suite or large applianceDemand and known-load rules may matterResidential load tableNo permit decision
Panel physically fullSpaces and capacity are different questionsLoadcentre referencesNo panel modification approval

Use notes

  • Use this chart as a planning and conversation aid only.
  • Confirm current utility requirements, product markings, manufacturer instructions, and local authority requirements before field work.
  • Use the linked calculator or table when the task needs project-specific arithmetic.

Reference sources

Open the underlying public references before treating the chart as project guidance.