Guides
Straight answers about your panel, with the numbers and the code sections behind them.
- Comparison120V vs. 240V Heat Pump Water HeatersA 120V heat pump water heater can plug into an outlet and skip a panel upgrade. Compare it with 240V hybrids on recovery, circuits and cost.
- AnswerHow Many Amps Does a Heat Pump Use?How many amps a heat pump uses depends on its size and backup heat. How to read MCA and MOCP on the nameplate, and what it means for your panel.
- How-toHow to Find Your Main Breaker SizeFind your main breaker size in five minutes — where to look, what the number means, and why the panel label can mislead you.
- ExplainerNEC 2023 vs. 2026: What Changed for Existing HomesThe NEC® 2026 moved load calculations and changed the method for existing homes. What's different for heat pumps and EV chargers, and what to ask.
- ComparisonPanel Upgrade vs. Load Management: Costs and Trade-offsPanel upgrade alternatives compared — smaller chargers and load management devices vs. a new panel, with costs, trade-offs and when each fits.
- ExplainerResidential Load Calculation: NEC 220.83 in Plain EnglishHow the residential load calculation for existing homes works under NEC® 220.83, step by step, with a worked example you can follow.
- AnswerWhat Size EV Charger Do You Actually Need?What size EV charger you need depends on daily miles, not the car's maximum. Match charger amps to your driving and keep your panel happy.
- How-toWhy Adding Up Your Breakers Gives the Wrong AnswerAdding up breakers to judge panel capacity overstates your load several times over. Here's what the NEC® load calculation does instead.
Free download
Panel Capacity Worksheet
A printable sheet to map your panel, list your big appliances and ask an electrician the 10 questions that matter before a quote.