Disconnects for large EV chargers
EV chargers and wireless charging equipment rated more than 60 A or more than 150 V to ground need a readily accessible disconnect that can be locked open. A remote disconnect needs a location plaque on the charger.
What the code requires
Electric vehicle supply equipment and wireless power transfer equipment rated more than 60 A or more than 150 V to ground must have a disconnecting means in a readily accessible location. The disconnect must be lockable in the open position, as 110.25 requires.
The disconnect may be remote from the charger, such as a breaker in the panel. In that case a plaque on the charger must say where the disconnect is. Equipment at or below both thresholds is not covered by this section.
On the job
- A typical home Level 2 charger rated 48 A on a 120/240-V circuit is 120 V to ground, so this section does not apply to it.
- An 80-A charger, or charging equipment on a 277/480-V system, does need the disconnect.
- When the panel breaker serves as the remote disconnect, the location plaque on the charger is still required.
- Proposed TIA 1767, which would add an emergency shutoff for DC fast chargers, closed for comment January 22, 2024, and was not among the TIAs issued for the 2023 NEC. The 2026 NEC adds a similar shutoff. Confirm with your building department.
What changed in 2023
The 2023 edition spelled out that the disconnect for EV supply equipment and wireless power transfer equipment may be remote, as long as a plaque on the equipment shows where it is.
Related sections
- NEC 110.25
- NEC 625.42: EV charger ratings and load management
- NEC 625.48
- NEC 625.49
- NEC 230.85: Outdoor emergency disconnect for homes
Where this comes from
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Kyle Robert Anderson KBC Electric · CSLB #1073066 · C-10 Electrical · Licensed since 2021