Transformer Sizing Calculator for Florida

NEC 2020 transformer sizing math for EV charger installers working in Florida.

DCFC and large workplace EV deployments in Florida typically need a dedicated 480 V three-phase service, which means sizing a pad-mount or dry-type transformer against the connected charger load plus the NEC 2020 continuous-load multiplier.

Worked example for Florida

A 150 kW DC fast charger draws roughly 180 A at 480 V three-phase. Applying the 125% continuous-load factor (150 × 1.25 ≈ 188 kVA), then rounding up to the next standard transformer rating gives a 200 kVA minimum. Florida's 92°F summer ambient does not directly derate the transformer, but it does push the secondary feeder ampacity down by 0.88× — so the secondary copper has to be sized accordingly.

Code & Utilities

Florida currently enforces the NEC 2020 edition, adopted in 2023. That includes Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) requirements: 125% continuous-load sizing on EVSE branch circuits, GFCI protection at outdoor receptacles, and provisions for energy management systems on shared circuits.

Florida's primary EV-relevant utilities are Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, Florida Public Utilities. Always verify the applicable tariff and any utility-specific requirements (CT cabinets, metering enclosures, demand limiters) at design time.

Climate & Ampacity

In Florida, the 92°F summer ambient drives a 0.88× 75°C ampacity correction. Bake this into every Level 2 and DCFC conductor pick before you commit to a wire size. Because the correction is below 0.9, conductors that "look fine" on a 30°C ampacity table will not carry their nameplate current here — always derate explicitly.

Florida takeaway

Coordinate primary-side voltage, impedance, and fault-current specs with Florida Power & Light early — interconnection lead times for new pad-mounts in Florida can run 6-12 months on commercial DCFC sites.