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Ecmweb 23446 Ev Charging Gettyimages 187480076 2
Ecmweb 23446 Ev Charging Gettyimages 187480076 2
Ecmweb 23446 Ev Charging Gettyimages 187480076 2
Ecmweb 23446 Ev Charging Gettyimages 187480076 2
Ecmweb 23446 Ev Charging Gettyimages 187480076 2

Some Considerations for Electric Vehicle Charging Outlets

Jan. 15, 2019
Where do you put the outlet?

The NEC does not directly address one important consideration: where to put the outlet. Have you ever pulled a rental car up to a gas pump, only to realize the filler cap is on the opposite side from where it is on your car? Correctly making the location decision requires knowing the location of the car’s charging port, how the car will be parked, and where the ventilation (if required) will be installed. With one exception, the maximum cord length is 25 ft [Sec. 625.17(C)].

The NEC does directly address knowing what the load is. Different electric vehicles can present wildly different loads. The charging system must be of sufficient rating to supply the load served [Sec. 625.42].

The charging circuit must be on its own branch circuit [Sec. 625.40]. Size the OCPD for the feeder and branch circuit for continuous duty. Size the branch circuit OCPD to at least 125% of the maximum load of the equipment. Size the feeder OCPD to at least the sum of the noncontinuous loads and 125% of the continuous loads [Sec. 625.41].

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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