Queensland drops the active device and 20A limit for EV chargers
If you install EV chargers in Queensland, this is for you. Energex and Ergon Energy Network have removed a piece of red tape for single-phase EVSE installations, and from our perspective it's a welcome change for both installers and EV drivers.
From 1 October 2026, you can install a single-phase 32A EV charger in Queensland without a network management device. The requirement to restrict chargers without a Type 2 or Type 3 active device management to 20A has also been removed. The change applies across both Energex and Ergon Energy Network areas.
What's changed
Network managed devices no longer required
The requirement outlined in QECM clause 8.14.4(b) has been withdrawn, so EV chargers no longer have to meet its switched load requirements.
This means:
EV chargers are exempt from the switching load limits in QECM clause 8.14.2 (8.14.2.2 on the Energy Queensland website). This applies to three-phase as well as single-phase.
A single-phase 32A charger can be installed without Type 2 or Type 3 active device management.
The withdrawal will be written into the next release of the QECM.
This change to the QECM means all single-phase Evnex installations no longer need to be limited to 20A. Please click here to ensure you have the latest version of the installation app downloaded before your next install.
What this means for Network Management Devices
Pending Electrical Work Requests (EWRs). Energy Queensland has said EWRs already lodged for a basic active management device will be processed under the old rules, and the network device will be installed. If you have jobs pending, cancel the EWR and rewire the charger behind the primary main switch, keeping the number of main switches to a minimum.
Electrical Partners Portal. Until the portal is updated later in the year, answer "No" under the EVSE heading when asked whether the load requires connection to a Network Device.
Existing network management devices. Energy Queensland says existing Type 2 and Type 3 devices will continue to operate and be supported. It isn't clear whether that means they'll still switch the charger off at times of high demand. What they have made clear is that customers can choose to keep them or have them removed.
Become an Evnex Installer
Request an Evnex trade account to get trade pricing on our entire range of EV chargers.
All other installation, safety and connection requirements stay the same. Energex and Ergon Energy Network have made it clear that:
An EV charger adds to the premises' total load, so maximum demand should be recalculated under AS/NZS 3000:2018 and any protection changes made
If total load exceeds the DNSP's service fuse rating, network augmentation and a new connection agreement may be needed, and call-out and upgrade charges may apply
The homeowner still has to tell the network about material changes to their demand, under QECM v4 section 1.5.2.6(g)
Phase balancing under QECM clause 8.4 still applies
Maximum demand
The active device requirement is gone, but maximum demand obligations are not. The networks have called this out specifically.
The good news is an Evnex charger with its CT clamp at the main switchboard reads total premises current and holds site import below the limit you set at commissioning. It only draws the headroom that exists. That means you can comply with maximum demand requirements by assessment in accordance with AS/NZS 3000:2018 clause 2.2.2, all without a costly mains upgrade in most cases.
If installing a non-Evnex charger that doesn't have overload protection, you’ll have to consider the maximum demand requirements and comply via other methods outlined in AS/NZS 3000:2018 section 2.2.2.
Commissioning at 32A
We've removed the Queensland 20A limit declaration from the Evnex Installation app. Evnex’s E2 range of single-phase chargers in Queensland now commission at the full 32A, the same as everywhere else, because that's now compliant. There's no change to X22 commissioning, as three-phase chargers were already exempt.
Uplifting existing Evnex chargers from 20A
We can increase Evnex chargers to 32A remotely, but a charger set to 20A may be on a circuit that was never designed for more. Safety comes first here, every time. Even if a homeowner requests it, we won't upgrade any charger to 32A until an electrician has confirmed it's safe to do so.
If you’ve completed a managed installation for us, or a homeowner requests an upgrade and you were the commissioning installer, we will be in touch. We will want to know whether you're comfortable verifying the installation(s) you completed.
That the subcircuit and its protection suit 32A continuous under AS/NZS 3000
That you've considered premises maximum demand at 32A
If you're not comfortable certifying for any reason (it's been a while since you were on site, other work may have been done since, or anything else), that's completely fine. Get in touch and we can talk about arranging a site visit instead.
