625 Electric Vehicle Charging System.

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) uses induction to transfer electrical energy from the power source to the vehicle.
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Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) uses induction to transfer electrical energy from the power source to the vehicle.

Code Change Summary: Article 625 for electric vehicle charging was revised significantly.

Many changes occurred in Article 625 due to electric vehicle charging technology advancing faster than the NEC®.

New definitions were added and new code sections were inserted to address cutting edge concepts like wireless vehicle charging.

Wireless vehicle charging and wireless power transfer equipment allows the driver to simply park the car in the garage over a primary pad and charge the vehicle through induction instead of using a cord connection.

Note: TIA (Tentative Interim Amendment) 17-2 has amended Article 625 and below is the revised code language not present in the actual 2017 NEC:

1. Revise 625.44(A) to read as follows:

625.44(A) Portable Equipment. Portable equipment shall be connected to the premises wiring systems by one or more of the following methods:

(1) A nonlocking, 2-pole, 3-wire grounding-type receptacle outlet rated at 125 volts, single phase, 15 or 20 amperes

(2) A nonlocking, 2-pole, 3-wire grounding-type receptacle outlet rated at 250 volts, single phase, 15 or 20 amperes

(3) A nonlocking, 2-pole, 3-wire or 3-pole, 4-wire grounding-type receptacle outlet rated at 250 volts, single phase, 30 or 50 amperes

(4) A nonlocking, 2-pole, 3-wire grounding-type receptacle outlet rated at 60 volts dc maximum, 15 or 20 amperes

 The length of the power supply cord, if provided, between the receptacle outlet and the equipment shall be in accordance with 625.17(A) (3).

 2. Add a new 625.54 to read as follows:

625.54 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. All single-phase receptacles installed for the connection of electric vehicle charging that are rated 150 volts to ground or less, and 50 amperes or less shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

3. Add a new 625.56 to read as follows:

625.56 Receptacle Enclosures. All receptacles installed in a wet location for electric vehicle charging shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof with the attachment plug cap inserted or removed.

Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2017 Code Language:

625.2 Definitions.

N Charger Power Converter. The device used to convert energy from the power grid to a high-frequency output for wireless power transfer.

N Fastened in Place. Mounting means of an EVSE in which the fastening means are specifically designed to permit periodic removal for relocation, interchangeability, maintenance, or repair without the use of a tool.

N Fixed in Place. Mounting means of an EVSE attached to a wall or surface with fasteners that require a tool to be removed.

N Output Cable to the Primary Pad. A multi-conductor, shielded cable assembly consisting of conductors to carry the high-frequency energy and any status signals between the charger power converter and the primary pad.

N Primary Pad. A device external to the EV that provides power via the contactless coupling and may include the charger power converter.

N Wireless Power Transfer (WPT). The transfer of electrical energy from a power source to an electrical load via electric and magnetic fields or waves by a contactless inductive means between a primary and a secondary device.

N Wireless Power Transfer Equipment (WPTE). Equipment consisting of a charger power converter and a primary pad. The two devices are either separate units or contained within one enclosure.

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625 Electric Vehicle Charging System.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is a device, external to the EV, that provides power via the contactless coupling and may include the charger power converter?

A: Primary Pad.
B: Wireless Power Transfer.
C: Wireless Power Transfer Equipment.
D: Charger Power Converter.
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