User: NoahsArc, Location: Illinois
Asked on: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 2:44 pm EDT
Answered on: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 2:44 pm EDT
Question: I have a job to bid:Detached garage, residential.Existing 1x 15A circuitAdd 60A EVSELooking here:225.30 Number of Supplies.A building or other structure that is served by a branch circuit or feeder on the load side of a service disconnecting means shall be supplied by only one feeder or branch circuit unless permitted in 225.30(A) through (F).A) Special Conditions.Additional feeders or branch circuits shall be permitted to supply the following:(7)Electric vehicle power transfer systems listed, labeled, and identified for more than a single branch circuit or feederSo is a typical 240V evse included? I am finding the wording a bit ambiguous/confusing.Would the resulting job be:Run underground raceway to a switch/DC adjacent to existing circuit's then to evse. Ignore existing circuit otherwise. Check there is GEC for structure.?Or do I need to include existing circuit in raceway and repull to a subpanel?
You're right, 225.30 can be confusing. Let's break it down: 225.30 General Rule
You can only have one feeder or branch circuit supplying a detached structure.
225.30(A)(7) Exception
Listed, labeled, and identified electric vehicle power transfer systems that require more than one circuit are allowed to have more than one.
Is a typical 240V EVSE included in the exception?No, a typical 240V EVSE is not included in the exception 225.30(A)(7). This exception is meant for specialized EV charging systems that are designed and listed to require multiple branch circuits or feeders (typically for high-power DC fast charging). Standard Level 2 EVSEs that use a single 240V circuit do not fall under this exception.
Therefore, you cannot simply add a separate 60A circuit for the EVSE while keeping the existing 15A circuit completely separate.What are your options, and what is the most compliant solution?
The most code-compliant solution is to run a single feeder to a subpanel in the garage. Here's a breakdown of how that would look:1. Feeder to Subpanel
Run a new feeder (e.g., 4-wire, 60A or higher) from the main panel in the house to a new subpanel in the garage. Size the feeder based on the total load of the garage (EVSE + existing loads).2.
Subpanel
Install a subpanel in the garage. This subpanel will house the breakers for the EVSE and the existing garage circuit.
Crucially, you'll need to move the existing 15A circuit (or replace it with a new circuit from the subpanel).3. EVSE Circuit
Install a dedicated 60A (or whatever the EVSE requires) circuit from the new subpanel to the EVSE location.4.
Existing Circuit
Re-feed the existing garage loads from a 15A breaker in the new subpanel. You might want to consider upgrading this to a 20A circuit if the load permits and the wiring is rated accordingly.5.
Grounding
Ensure proper grounding for the subpanel in the garage. This generally involves a grounding electrode system (ground rod or similar) at the garage, bonded to the subpanel's grounding bar. You also need a 4-wire feeder (with separate neutral and ground) from the house to the garage subpanel.
Your Job Scope Would Now Include
Trenching and Raceway
Dig a trench and install a suitable underground raceway (e.g., PVC conduit) from the house to the garage. The depth will depend on your local codes (typically 18" for PVC).
Feeder Installation
Pull the appropriate-sized conductors (with a separate ground wire) through the raceway from the main panel to the location of the new subpanel in the garage.
Subpanel Installation
Mount and wire the subpanel in the garage.
EVSE Circuit Installation
Run the appropriate-sized conductors (and ground wire) from the subpanel to the EVSE location. Install the receptacle or hardwire the EVSE as required.
Existing Circuit Re-feed/Upgrade
Disconnect the existing garage circuit from its current source. Run new wiring from the subpanel to the existing garage outlets/lights. Potentially upgrade the circuit to 20A if appropriate.
Grounding Electrode System
Install a grounding electrode system (ground rod) at the garage and connect it to the subpanel's grounding bar.
Bonding
Ensure proper bonding of all metallic parts in the garage (e.g., metal conduit, metal boxes).
Permitting and Inspection
Obtain the necessary permits and schedule inspections for the electrical work.
Why this is the Correct Approach
Code Compliance
This approach adheres to 225.30 by having only one feeder supplying the garage.
Safety
Separating the neutral and ground provides a safer system.
Future Proofing
Having a subpanel in the garage allows for future expansion if you need to add more circuits.
Important Considerations
Load Calculation
Do a proper load calculation for the garage to ensure the feeder and subpanel are sized appropriately. Don't just assume a 60A feeder is sufficient. Consider the EVSE load, lighting, outlets, and any other potential loads.
Wire Size
Use the correct wire size for the feeder and branch circuits, based on the ampacity requirements and voltage drop calculations.
Overcurrent Protection
Use the correct size breakers for each circuit.
Local Codes
Always check your local electrical codes and regulations, as they may have additional requirements beyond the NEC.
Professional Advice: If you're not comfortable with this type of electrical work, it's best to hire a qualified electrician. It's better to be safe and compliant.In summary, the correct approach is to install a subpanel in the garage, fed by a single feeder from the house. This allows you to power both the EVSE and the existing garage loads in a code-compliant and safe manner. Flag for review