Code and Standards
Electric vehicles (EVs) are more than just a trend—they’re the future. But setting up their charging stations comes with a set of rules and standards to ensure everything works safely and smoothly.
At INTOCHARGE, we’ve gathered all the important codes and standards related to EV charging station design and installation. This way, everyone—from EV professionals to curious owners—can easily find and understand the guidelines that shape the world of EV charging.
Our goal is to make this information accessible to everyone, helping to grow a well-informed EV community. Whether you’re planning a new charging setup, studying about EVs, or just want to learn more about your car’s charger, we’ve got the information you need.
National Electrical Code (NEC) – NFPA 70
Established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the NEC, also known as NFPA 70, serves as the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection in the United States. Aimed at protecting people and property from potential electrical hazards, this code is regularly updated to incorporate the latest knowledge and technology developments. While its recommendations aren’t legally binding on their own, they are often adopted by local government agencies and thus become enforceable under local law. In the context of electric vehicle charging, the article 625 of NEC provides guidelines and standards for the safe installation and operation of charging equipment, ensuring both user safety and equipment reliability.
SAE J1772
SAE J1772 is a North American standard set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) conductive charge couplers. Serving as the de facto connector for most Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, the J1772 standard ensures interoperability across various EVs and charging equipment. The standard encompasses both the physical connector design and the electrical specifications required for safe and efficient EV charging. This ensures that vehicles from different manufacturers can utilize shared public charging infrastructure, simplifying the EV charging experience for users and promoting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
SAE J3068
SAE J3068 is a standard set by the Societv of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for three-phase AC conductive charging for electric vehicles in North America. Designed primarily for commercial and industrial vehicles, it facilitates higher power levels for quicker charging of large batteries. The standard specifies connector and inlet attributes, and essential electrical properties. It also emphasizes a communication protocol between the EV and the charging station for safe power management. Embracing SAE J3068 ensures compatibility and safety across various EVs and charging setups, especially beneficial for fleet operators and commercial vehicle manufacturers.
IEEE 1547
This is a standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) which defines the criteria and requirements for the interconnection of distributed energy resources (DER) with electrical power systems and associated interfaces. Originally established to ensure the safe and reliable integration of small-scale renewable energy systems like solar and wind into the broader electrical grid, the standard addresses various technical specifications related to performance, operation, testing, safety considerations, and maintenance of such interconnections. As distributed energy resources become more prevalent, including resources like EV charging stations, IEEE 1547 plays a crucial role in ensuring that these systems can connect to and coexist harmoniously with the larger grid without causing disruptions or safety hazards.
Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Part I
The Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Part I, published by the Canadian Standards Association (CA), sets the standard for electrical installations in Canada, similar to the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the U.S. It establishes safety guidelines for electrical setups, encompassing wiring methods, equipment requirements, and special installations, including electric vehicle charging. Updated regularly to incorporate emerging technologies and safety practices, its adoption may vary across provinces and territories. Adherence to the CEC Part I is essential for ensuring safety in Canadian electrical installations.
UL 2202 – Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment
UL 2202 – Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment is a standard issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This standard encompasses the specific requirements pertaining to the construction, performance, and testing of electric vehicle charging equipment. Its primary focus is to ensure that EV charging systems, whether they’re standalone or integrated units, meet rigorous safety and performance criteria. By complying with UL 2202, manufacturers can demonstrate that their EV charging equipment has undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to minimize potential electrical and fire risks.
UL 2231-1 and UL 2231-2
UL 2231-1 and UL 2231-2 are standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) related to the safety of electric vehicle charging systems. Specifically UL 2231-1 addresses the safety of personnel protection systems for electric vehicle supply equipment. It focuses on systems meant to reduce the risks of electric shock hazards to users and service personnel.
UL 2231-2 focuses on the particular requirements for protective devices meant to detect the presence of a foreign object and the loss of physical integrity of the electric vehicle supply equipment.
Together, these standards ensure that electric vehicle charging equipment provides robust safety measures, offering protection against potential hazards like electric shocks when interfacing with vehicles or the surrounding environment.
IEC 61851
This is an international standard that pertains to electric vehicle conductive charging systems. It specifies general requirements, as well as the specific requirements for AC supply. The standard ensures the uniformity and safety of interactions between electric vehicles and the electric grid during charging. It defines charging modes and connection configurations, ensuring interoperability and universal compatibility across different EV manufacturers and charging equipment providers.
IEC 62196
An international standard, IC 62196 pertains to the plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle inlets used for electric vehicle charging. It establishes specifications and requirements for different types of connectors, ensuring that they are interoperable and safe for use. The standard is essential for promoting uniformity across different electric vehicle charging equipment and manufacturers, facilitating easier and more consistent EV charging experiences worldwide.
Local and Municipal Codes
These codes are sets of regulations and standards established by local or municipal governing bodies to address specific concerns and conditions unique to their jurisdictions. While international and national standards provide broad guidelines, local and municipal codes can further refine or add to these rules based on regional needs, environments, and historical or cultural contexts. For electric vehicle charging infrastructure, such local codes might address installation specifics, zoning restrictions, safety precautions, or incentive programs. It’s imperative for project developers and installers to be aware of and comply with these local regulations to ensure the successful and legal implementation of their projects.