- Versatile and adaptable to any home electrical system, ReliaHome Flex enables homeowners to add high-demand appliances without costly service upgrades
- ReliaHome app delivers real-time visibility, custom automations, and intelligent control of connected circuits
- ReliaHome Flex expands ABB’s residential portfolio with smarter, more accessible home electrification across North America
ABB today announced the launch of ReliaHome™ Flex, a new modular energy management system which empowers homeowners and builders to add electric appliances without costly service upgrades. Designed to work with any brand of load center, ReliaHome Flex installs in minutes and scales easily for retrofits or new construction. Managed through the intuitive ReliaHome app, it delivers real-time insights and customizable automations, giving homeowners confidence and control over their energy use.
With electricity accounting for 44 percent of U.S. residential energy use1 – and set to rise by up to 22 percent by 20502 – demand for flexible energy management solutions is growing. For many households, adding even a single high-demand appliance can require a service upgrade costing anywhere from $3,000–$5,000 for a panel upgrade, to $5,000–$8,000 or more if the utility must upgrade transformers or trench service lines. ReliaHome Flex addresses this need by allowing homeowners the ability to add EV chargers, water heaters, HVAC systems, or induction cooktops without costly service upgrades.
ReliaHome Flex is built around two core components: the Hub and the Controller. The Hub acts as the central intelligence of the system, connecting to the home’s router via Ethernet for simple commissioning and managing wireless communication with all Controllers and the ReliaHome app. Each Controller manages single-pole or dual-pole loads up to 60 A, using information from the Hub to intelligently balance demand and prevent overloads.
The Hub and Controllers communicate through a built-in secure mesh network, ensuring reliable, seamless coordination between modules – fully independent of the home’s WiFi. This means the system continues functioning even if the WiFi signal is weak or the home temporarily loses internet connectivity.
Controllers can be installed in as little as 10 minutes and can be placed anywhere along the branch circuit without accessing the main panel, allowing for greater flexibility when managing loads that are not colocated or near the main panel. Through the ReliaHome app, homeowners gain real-time and historical energy insights, along with proactive notifications when appliances are turned on or off for load management.
“ABB is committed to shaping the future of electrification across North America,” said Adam Mease, Business Line Leader, Energy Distribution NEMA at ABB. “With ReliaHome Flex, we’re removing one of the biggest barriers to electrification: costly and time-consuming service upgrades. By providing a simple, modular solution that works in both existing homes and new construction, ABB is making smarter, electric-ready homes accessible to more people.”
Building on the award-winning ReliaHome™ Smart Panel introduced in early 2025, ReliaHome Flex expands ABB’s residential portfolio with a universally compatible, modular solution that supports both retrofit and new construction applications.
In retrofit applications, paired controllers enable homeowners to add new appliances without upgrading their load center or utility service. In new construction, builders can optimize service sizing, reduce costs, and work within utility constraints while ensuring homes are energy-ready.
Owners of EVs and battery systems will also benefit from the integration capabilities of ReliaHome Flex, which will allow them to better control their EV charging output and optimize the runtime of their battery backup.
From circuit protection to surge protection – and now energy management – the ABB ReliaHome portfolio delivers trusted, future-ready solutions for today’s connected homes.
Available to order now in North America, the ReliaHome Flex will be showcased at the NAHB International Builders' Show® (IBS), Feb 17-19 in Orlando, Florida, as well as Intersolar & Energy Storage North America, Feb 18-20 in San Diego, California.
For more information on the ABB ReliaHome Flex, visit our website or contact our experts.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
