NFPA Journal - Fall 2022 - 55

during charging. Typically, this is
achieved by manufacturers designing
the internal circuitry of the EV charger
to meet UL 2231-1 and UL 2232-2 standards.
The other requirement provides
ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI)
protection for all receptacles that
supply power to EV chargers. Because
EV chargers are often located in areas
that are subject to moisture, it is crucial
to have GFCI protection in place to
protect against electric shock. Testing
of any GFCI protection, at minimum
based on manufacturers' recommendations,
is a means of ensuring it is
working properly and ready to protect
any individual who is using the EV
charger when moisture is present.
While code requirements can define
what must be incorporated into an
installation to keep people safe, actions
of the individuals utilizing EV chargers
also weighs heavily on safety.
In May, during National Electrical
Safety Month, the Electrical Safety
Foundation International (ESFi) highlighted
EVs as part of its " Energy
Resilience " theme and offered some
safety tips for EV charger users. First,
it is recommended that the newly
purchased EV charging equipment
has been tested and listed by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory, such
as UL or Intertek. It is also necessary
to ensure the charger is installed by
a qualified electrician who performs
the installation based on NEC requirements.
Additionally, it is important
to be sure all charging of an electric
vehicle is done in accordance with
the charging equipment instructions.
Look for physical damage to equipment,
such as wear or damage to the
charging cord or plugs. Pay special
attention to public EV chargers where
there is a high level of usage by multiple
handlers, where excessive wear
may take place faster than with private
EV chargers at a home or business.
Never use an EV charging cord that
appears to be damaged or is showing
exposed wiring.
As technology continues to advance,
it is likely that EV charging will as well,
in turn requiring a continued reevaluation
of safety protocols. For example,
in recent cycles the NEC has begun
to incorporate interactive systems
and bidirectional power where EVs
themselves can be utilized to supply
power to the premises wiring system.
Wireless power transfer (WPT) has
also been addressed within the NEC as
a means of charging EVs. While wireless
charging eliminates the need to
plug in, which standard EV chargers
require, it may pose additional safety
concerns, such as the wireless interactivity
between the charge station and
the vehicle. Ongoing development of
wireless-charging technology-such as
the in-road wireless charging system
currently being installed in Michigan-
will likely require additional NEC
modifications to ensure that these
installations can be done safely.
Whatever roads EVs take us down
moving forward, it remains paramount
that we keep charging safety in the
high-beams.
Corey Hannahs is senior electrical content specialist
at NFPA. NFPA members and AHJs can use the
Technical Questions tab to post queries on NFPA 70 at
nfpa.org/70. To follow the progress on the upcoming
edition of the code, visit nfpa.org/70next.
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NFPA Journal - Fall 2022

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