Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: tom baker, Location: Bremerton, Washington
Asked on: Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 3:51 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:01 am EDT
Question: Scenario: Electric Vehicle charger installed outside, about 25 ft from its source (a building) next to a parking stall.The charger is fed with a 40 amp branch circuit, 240 volt single phase. These devices are about 1 ft square, 4 ft tall, with about a 15 ft supply cord for the EV chargingDoes this charger require a disconnect (and grounding electrodes)?Consider:It meets the Art 100 definition of a structure225.31 and 32 require a disconnect )disconnect then requires a grounding system per 250.30225.32 gives us exception 3 for lighting poles, that the disconnect can be located elsewhere.Soon thousands of these chargers will be installed by cities and businesses.Being installed by parking stalls they become a bumper magnet and if damaged, how do we access the disconnecting means? How do we turn off the power if the charging cord is cut and stolen?
Does this charger require a disconnect?
Yes. The EV charger is considered a structure as per the definition in Article 100, and it is also permanently connected to the electrical system. Therefore, it requires a disconnect switch as per 225.31 and 225.
32.
Does this charger require grounding electrodes?
Yes. Since the disconnect is required, a grounding system is also required as per 250.30.
Exception 3 for lighting poles
The exception 3 in 225.32 for lighting poles does not apply to EV chargers. This exception is specific to lighting poles and does not extend to other types of structures.
Practical considerations
The practical concerns raised by the installer are valid. EV chargers are often installed in exposed locations and may be subject to damage or theft. However, the NEC does not provide any specific requirements for addressing these concerns. It is up to the installer to determine the best way to protect the disconnect and charging cord, such as by installing it in a secure location or using tamper-resistant devices.
Possible solutions
One possible solution is to install the disconnect in a separate enclosure, such as a locked cabinet or panel, which can be mounted on the building or in a nearby location. This would provide protection from damage or theft and allow for easy access to the disconnect if needed.Another possible solution is to use a smart EV charger that has built-in safety features, such as a remote disconnect or a charging cord that can be locked in place. These features can provide additional protection and convenience for the user.Ultimately, the decision on how to address these practical concerns is left to the installer and should be based on the specific conditions of the installation. Flag for review