?
Monday, June 28, 2021
Question:
Hello CQD,
Is a dedicated circuit required for an electric vehicle charger in a home. I recently purchased the vehicle and it came with a cord and plug charger. I noticed a few times that when charging during the day, the circuit breaker for the garage trip and had to be reset. Thanks for any help.
Tim Compton
A
Answer:
Hi Tim,
The NEC requires an individual branch circuit for each outlet installed electric vehicle supply equipment and this outlet must not supply other loads. The load profile for this type of equipment (including Level 1 types) is typically high and the load is continuous duty, by definition. This requirement applies whether the equipment is portable EVSE, or direct wired to the branch circuit. See NEC Section 625.40. This equipment is required to be listed (Section 625.5) so there should be requirements in the installation instructions that specify an individual branch circuit. Connecting the EV to a general purpose branch circuit, rather than an individual branch circuit, could result in the load exceeding the rating of the branch circuit overcurrent device, and result in tripping. Hope this is helpful.