Coming Soon: Siemens Product Avoiding Panel Upgrades (in Q1 2023?)

[johnnyonetime]

Read an article this morning about a partnership between Siemens and ConnectDER. They are developing a meter collar that eliminates expensive electrical panel upgrades necessary for Level 2 charging.
This could be a game changer!

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[Maquis]

Read an article this morning about a partnership between Siemens and ConnectDER. They are developing a meter collar that eliminates expensive electrical panel upgrades necessary for Level 2 charging.
This could be a game changer!

I posted a link earlier to ConnectDER. I didn’t realize Siemens was in cahoots with them. These are already being sold in some areas. Since January.

 

[johnnyonetime]

I posted a link earlier to ConnectDER. I didn’t realize Siemens was in cahoots with them. These are already being sold in some areas. Since January.

 

[johnnyonetime]

Per the article this particular device is supposed to be available in early 2023. Thanks for the info.

 

[Maquis]

Per the article this particular device is supposed to be available in early 2023. Thanks for the info.

Edit - the ConnectDER website has links to order now if you are served by one of the utilities that approve its use. It looks like the order is directed to the utility.

 

[FlasherZ]

For lack of a better term, does this device appear to be 'taking advantage' of the way some utilities are willing to upgrade 200A service to 320A or 400A without installing new service cable? One of the last couple of Saratoga, NY episodes of This Old House, the utility allowed twin 200A service panels without any upgrade to the overhead service lines. I guess it looks more like a load monitoring/management device that uses the meter base load rating to avoid overloading a service panel rating.

Since it's on the meter pan, you'll have to call the PoCo anyway to break the seal, so they can give you their guidance.

The way this is done throughout the country varies widely. My co-op supplies the meter pan and puts the cable in the ground all the way to the transformer (underground install). Other investor-owned utilities spec it and your contractor puts it in the ground to the transformer. If it's aerial, it tends to be a demarc above the weatherhead - you're responsible for the mast & wiring, and the PoCo connects at the top of mast.

From what I have seen, 200A to 320/400 upgrade almost always requires a service conductor upgrade. For my house, it was a change from 2/0 to 350mcm and my 15 kVA transformer (dedicated to my home) was upgraded to a 37.5 kVA. The pan has to be changed out too, along with adding a new, 2nd service panel. I suppose there are some homes where they are oversized at construction, but I haven't observed that many.

 

[johnnyonetime]

Edit - the ConnectDER website has links to order now if you are served by one of the utilities that approve its use. It looks like the order is directed to the utility.

 

[johnnyonetime]

I’m in central FL, customer of Duke Energy. Thanks

 

[Maquis]

I’m in central FL, customer of Duke Energy. Thanks

Here’s the page showing utilities that have approved it. Duke is not one of them.

https://connectder.com/order-meter-collars/

 

[jefro]

Then you can get a 90 degree and attach one of these. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GenerLink-30-Amp-Meter-Mounted-Transfer-Switch-MA23-N/301961623

I meant and also add one of these.

 

[Maquis]

Then you can get a 90 degree and attach one of these. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GenerLink-30-Amp-Meter-Mounted-Transfer-Switch-MA23-N/301961623

Why?

 

[jefro]

Then you could have two adapters sticking out of your meter box.

Not sure if it is a good idea or not. Never has a meter box been tasked with holding on to such weight.

 

[cvalue13]

While researching a different topic, I came across a press release from late this July describing a new product from Seimens that is purported to hit market next quarter (Q1 2023) - and if so, seems it could be a game-changer for 80AMP EV chargers like the FCSP

Basically, this “meter collar” for EV chargers allows the charger to run not to the panel, but instead just “ahead” of the meter - copying the release below.

What do people think? If delivered in Q1 of next year, this seems to purport to seriously change things for those of us having panel limitations when it comes to an 80AMP charger like the FCSP


“WASHINGTON, July 27, 2022 –– ConnectDER, a company enabling consumers to decarbonize their homes by easily adding new electric service capacity, will supply Siemens with a proprietary plug-in adapter for electric vehicle chargers. The new device will enable electric vehicle (EV) owners to charge EVs by connecting chargers directly through the meter socket, a convenient and efficient location available on every home. By bypassing a home’s electric service panel, the adapter will save an estimated 60 to 80 percent of the charger installation cost by avoiding the need for electric panel upgrades.

Based on ConnectDER’s innovative sensing and controlling adapter platform, this wholly new EV home-charging technology will be designed and manufactured by ConnectDER exclusively for Siemens. By allowing for a simple, 15-minute EV charger install, the technology eliminates the need for complex and prohibitively expensive installations. Nearly half of US home panels would need upgrades to allow the installation of a typical Level 2 charger, typically a 7-11kW device requiring 40-60 Amps on a 240V line. This is a major roadblock for EV adoption, especially for low-and moderate-income homeowners. The adapter will be offered exclusively through Siemens.

“Siemens invests in initiatives that help the world embrace electrified transportation, and we are pleased to partner with ConnectDER on this important effort,” said Chris King, senior vice president of strategic partnerships, Siemens. “While the EV industry continues to show explosive growth, to meet critical net-zero carbon emission goals like we have at Siemens, we must remove obstacles to broader adoption. ConnectDER’s innovative solution to simplify home EV charging helps overcome these challenges and we are excited to work with its team to rapidly roll out this product.”

Whit Fulton, CEO of ConnectDER said: “We are very excited to partner with Siemens, obviously one of the strongest and most storied electrical infrastructure providers on the planet. If we’re going to meet ambitious decarbonization targets, we simply must accelerate the adoption of EVs — the installation of EV chargers is a huge part of that equation. This technology saves homeowners thousands of dollars in electrical costs and will help make the move to electric vehicles considerably easier.”

 

[hturnerfamily]

the premise here is a good idea to have the option of installing a 240v outlet as simply part of your existing meter base.

of course, it's not for everyone, most folks may have a meter that is not located in an accessible/close enough place to make this feasible. It's a great idea if your meter is just outside the place where you want to plug in your EVSE, but if it's over 20' or so, you'll have to use an extension cord, which is large and heavy, and would probably need to be underground if exposed, etc.

oh well, some will benefit from it, others will already have options.

 

[jefro]

At least it is something and gets past the over amp issue.

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