CEC Part I · Section 8 & 86 (EV Charging Equipment)

EV Charger Load Calculator

Size the breaker and wire for a Level 2 home EV charger, with the 125% continuous-load rule built in.

1. Charger Details

Charger Rated Current

Run Length from Panel (ft, optional — for voltage drop awareness)

2. Required Circuit

125% continuous-load rule

MINIMUM BREAKER SIZE

— A

MINIMUM COPPER NMD90 WIRE

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EV charging circuits require an ESA permit and a Licensed Electrical Contractor — this is a continuous, high-draw load run for hours at a time, and undersized wiring here is a genuine fire risk. Also confirm your panel actually has this much spare capacity with our Panel Upgrade Calculator before buying a charger.

Why EV chargers get sized at 125%

An EV charger is a "continuous load" — running at or near full draw for 3+ hours at a stretch.
The CEC requires continuous loads to be sized at 125% of their rated current for both the breaker and the conductor.
This is the same rule our Breaker Size calculator applies — EV charging is one of the most common places it actually matters in a home.