Dedicated circuits for EV chargers
An EV charger rated more than 16 A or more than 120 V needs its own individual branch circuit, unless an energy management system or a restricted adjustable setting lets several chargers share one.
What the code requires
Each outlet that supplies electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) rated more than 16 A or more than 120 V must be on an individual branch circuit. That covers typical Level 2 chargers. One circuit may feed several chargers only when they are managed under 625.42(A), an energy management system, or 625.42(B), adjustable current settings.
The code treats EV charging as a continuous load. Under 625.41 the breaker or fuse must be at least 125% of the charger's rating. For example, a charger rated 40 A needs a 50-A overcurrent device, with 8 AWG copper conductors at their 75°C ampacity or 6 AWG NM cable at its 60°C ampacity.
In the service and feeder load calculation, 220.57 counts each charger at 7,200 W (VA) or its nameplate rating, whichever is larger. That rule is not limited to homes.
On the job
- A Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 15- or 20-A garage receptacle no longer needs its own circuit under the 2023 NEC.
- A Level 2 charger still needs an individual circuit unless an energy management system or an adjustable setting is used.
- Your electrician should run a load calculation, counting the charger as 220.57 requires, before it goes in, to confirm the service can carry it.
Exceptions that matter
- Several chargers may share one branch circuit when an energy management system under 625.42(A), or restricted-access adjustable settings under 625.42(B), limit the load.
What changed in 2023
The 2020 NEC required an individual circuit for every EV charging outlet; the 2023 edition applies the rule only above 16 A or 120 V and allows shared circuits under 625.42.
In California
For new construction, California's 625.1.1 adds the CALGreen EV requirements on top of this rule.
Related sections
- NEC 625.41
- NEC 625.42: EV charger ratings and load management
- NEC 625.1.1: California EV-ready rules for new construction
- NEC 220.57
- NEC 220.70
- NEC 750.30
Where this comes from
- Leviton Captain Code 2023: Article 625 text (reprinted with NFPA permission)
- Mike Holt: Understanding 2023 NEC Requirements for Solar PV and ESS, Article 625 (625.41 example)
- Leviton Captain Code 2023: 220.57 EV load
- EC&M: Domitrovich, Five Ways the 2023 NEC is Impacting the Electrified Home
- Read the official NEC free at NFPA
Send a photo. Get a real answer.
Text is fastest. If you smell something burning or see smoke, call 911 first and keep away from the panel.
Kyle Robert Anderson KBC Electric · CSLB #1073066 · C-10 Electrical · Licensed since 2021