Stepwise Tap: dynamic load management for California EV chargers and other resistive loads — electrical panels up to 200A
UL 916 listed. Compatible with EV chargers, electric ranges, electric water heaters, dryers, and other 240V resistive loads — one load per Tap. Single-family + some multifamily. Install in under 30 minutes.
At a glance
| Panel | Up to 200A |
| Loads | One compatible resistive load per Tap (EV charger, electric water heater, electric range, or dryer) |
| Home | Single-family + some multifamily |
| Install | Under 30 min |
| Utility coordination | Not required |
| Pricing | Contact us for a personalized quote — far less than a panel upgrade |
| Built | USA |
| Certifications | UL 916 |
What it does
Stepwise Tap uses current transformers (CTs) at your main breaker panel to monitor total household demand in real time. When demand approaches 80% of your service rating, Tap throttles or pauses the load it controls — your EV charger reduces power, or your electric water heater pauses — then automatically resumes as load drops.
Unlike simple on/off load managers, Stepwise uses dynamic load management on supported chargers (Wallbox, Tesla, Grizzl-E and others), which means smooth uninterrupted charging that just adjusts to available capacity rather than stopping and starting.
When it fits
Stepwise is the right choice when:
- Any single-family home or eligible multifamily application
- Electrical panel size up to 200A
- You’re adding an EV charger or a non-EV resistive load (electric water heater, range, or dryer)
- You want same-day install with no utility coordination
If your electrical panel is 100A or 125A and you’re only adding a Level 2 EV charger, the ConnectDER EV MSA → is usually a slightly faster, cheaper path.
For homeowners
Add an EV charger — or a non-EV resistive load like an electric water heater, range, or dryer — without a panel upgrade. No utility queue. No service work. Install in 30 minutes.
California has an active mix of CCA, utility, and state rebates for EV charger installs and load management devices. Eligibility for any specific program depends on its current qualified-equipment list. The federal 30C tax credit (30% up to $1,000) applies to eligible EV charger installations through June 30, 2026.
See the full California rebate guide → for what’s available in your area, then call (858) 367-3617 to talk through your install.
For contractors
- 2–3× higher profit per hour vs. an MPU per Stepwise’s published installer data
- No utility queue, no service application
- Trade discount through Stepwise store with code ConnectCA
- Bulk pricing available — call (858) 367-3617
Compatible chargers and loads
A single Tap is installed for one load. It manages that load in one of two ways depending on the load type:
Dynamic load management (smooth, continuous power adjustment) — supported on these EV chargers:
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus, Pulsar Max
- Tesla Wall Connector
- Grizzl-E Smart
- Additional chargers being added
Load shedding (on/off interruption) — works with any 240V resistive load:
- Any other Level 2 EV charger
- Electric (resistance) water heaters
- Electric ranges and ovens
- Electric clothes dryers
- Pool heaters
- Most 240V resistive loads
Multifamily applications
Stepwise works for some California multifamily installs — a meaningful differentiator (the ConnectDER EV MSA is single-family only). Common multifamily scenarios: small apartment buildings adding shared EV charging, condos with individual electrical service, ADU additions. Several California programs target multifamily directly:
- CleanPowerSF EV Charge SF (up to $120,000 per project for buildings 5+ units)
- BayREN multifamily rebates
- Sonoma Clean Power multifamily ($500/unit panel rebate, $5K central panel rebate)
- San José Clean Energy multifamily track
- 3CE (Central Coast Community Energy) Electrify Your Home multifamily tier
- Several CCAs launching multifamily EV programs in 2026
Call us before quoting a multifamily job — sizing and program eligibility vary.
Stepwise vs. ConnectDER EV MSA — which fits?
| Factor | Stepwise Tap | ConnectDER EV MSA |
|---|---|---|
| Panel size | Up to 200A | 100A or 125A only |
| Loads supported | One compatible resistive load per Tap — EV charger, electric water heater, range, dryer, or other 240V resistive load | EV chargers only |
| Multifamily | Yes (some applications) | No |
| Utility coordination | Not required | Required (meter pull) |
| Install time | Under 30 min | ~15 min after meter pull |
| Pricing | Contact for quote | Contact for quote |
Frequently asked questions
What chargers does Stepwise support?
Dynamic load management is currently supported with Wallbox, Tesla, and Grizzl-E Smart chargers; additional chargers are being added. Any other Level 2 charger or 240V outlet can be controlled via load shedding (on/off).
Will my California utility approve Stepwise?
Stepwise installs behind your main breaker panel and is not a service-side device. It does not require utility approval. Your contractor pulls a standard electrical permit through your local building department.
Does a single Tap manage multiple loads at once?
No. Each Stepwise Tap is installed for one load. The Tap monitors total household demand and acts on that single load — dynamically managing a compatible EV charger or interrupting a 240V resistive load like an electric water heater, range, or dryer.
What happens when I exceed my service capacity?
You don’t. That’s the whole point — Stepwise throttles or pauses controlled loads to keep total demand under your service rating (typically at the NEC 80% threshold). Charging or appliance use resumes automatically as load drops.
How fast is the install?
Under 30 minutes for most single-family installs. No utility coordination required, so a contractor can quote, install, and energize the same day or within the week.
Are California rebates available for Stepwise?
Several California rebate programs cover load-management and circuit-pauser devices, with eligibility tied to each program’s current qualified-equipment list. The federal 30C tax credit applies to eligible EV charger installations through June 30, 2026. See the California rebate guide → for what’s available in your area, then call (858) 367-3617.
What’s the difference vs. ConnectDER EV MSA?
Stepwise works on any electrical panel up to 200A and is compatible with a variety of resistive loads (EV chargers, electric water heaters, ranges, dryers — one load per Tap). ConnectDER EV MSA is limited to EV chargers on 100A or 125A breaker panels only and is single-family only. For non-EV loads or multifamily, Stepwise is the right choice.
Does it work for multifamily?
Yes, for some multifamily applications. Call us at (858) 367-3617 before quoting — we can confirm fit and identify multifamily-eligible rebates in your area.
Does Stepwise manage heat pumps or HVAC compressors?
Heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and HVAC compressors are inductive loads and are not the best fit for Stepwise’s load management. Stepwise is designed for resistive loads (EV chargers, electric resistance water heaters, electric ranges, dryers). If your install includes heat pumps, call us at (858) 367-3617 to discuss the right approach.
