Transformer Sizing Calculator for Texas
NEC 2020 transformer sizing math for EV charger installers working in Texas.
DCFC and large workplace EV deployments in Texas 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 Texas
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. Texas's 101°F summer ambient does not directly derate the transformer, but it does push the secondary feeder ampacity down by 0.82× — so the secondary copper has to be sized accordingly.
Code & Utilities
The applicable code in Texas is the NEC 2020, which the state 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.
In Texas, you'll most often interconnect with Oncor Electric Delivery, CenterPoint Energy, AEP Texas, Austin Energy, CPS Energy. Their make-ready, time-of-use, and demand-charge structures vary widely; pull the specific tariff before sizing service equipment.
Climate & Ampacity
Texas's representative summer design ambient is around 101°F, which yields a 0.82× ampacity correction factor at 75°C terminations per NEC 310.15(B)(1). 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.
Texas takeaway
Coordinate primary-side voltage, impedance, and fault-current specs with Oncor Electric Delivery early — interconnection lead times for new pad-mounts in Texas can run 6-12 months on commercial DCFC sites.