HomeMy WebLinkAboutEV Charger Guidelines 20191
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Building & Safety Department
73-510 Fred Waring, Palm Desert, CA (760) 776-6420
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGER GUIDELINES
The purpose of this guideline is to assist permit applicants in streamlining the permitting, installation
and inspection process for Residential EV Chargers.
Be aware that there are different types of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers. There are 2 basic types of EV
chargers for home use (Level 1 and Level 2). Level 1 Chargers are smaller units that plug directly into a standard
120 volt receptacle outlet. These types of chargers typically require a longer period of time to recharge the
v ehicle. As long as the receptacle outlet being used to plug-in the Level 1 Charger is existing, there is no
requirement to secure a permit from the Department of Building and Safety. On the other hand, if you will be
installing a new 120 volt receptacle outlet for the charger, you will need to obtain a permit – but you will not
need to provide any plans or electrical load calculations as would be required for the more powerful Level 2
type charging systems.
A Level 2 EV charging system requires a 240 volt electrical circuit and charges the vehicle battery much faster
than a Level 1 charger. Level 2 charger installations typically require an electrical permit and inspections of the
installation. In order to obtain the permit you will need to provide some basic information to show that your
existing electrical service can handle the added load.
What information do I need to provide in order to obtain the permit? This Residential EV Charger Permit
Guideline has been developed to streamline the permit, installation and inspection process. In most cases,
you or your contractor merely need to fill-in the blanks on this document, attach the manufacturer’s installation
instructions and charger specifications and submit it to the Department of Building and Safety for review and
permit issuance. If all of the information is provided and the proposal complies with the applicable codes, the
review and approval process may be performed over- the-counter or within a 5-10 days depending upon
workloads and staffing levels at the time of submittal. Once the permit is issued, the installation may begin.
When the installation is complete, an inspection of the work must be scheduled with the Building Inspector.
Inspections are typically performed on the work day following your request for inspection. Keep in mind that
someone will need to be present during the inspection so that the Building Inspector can access the location of
the electrical meter and EV charger (typically in the garage).
Installing a Level 2 EV Charging system often requires changes to building’s electrical wiring. Before
installing the EV charging equipment and the associated wiring, talk to your EV manufacturer about the electrical
requirements for the charger unit to be installed at your home.
When installing your EV charger, be sure to use a licensed Electrical contractor whose state contractor’s
license and insurance are current. The contractor should follow the installation instructions of the EV charger
manufacturer and the requirements of California Electrical Code.
Why is the Electric Utility concerned about your EV charger installation? Though an individual Level 2 EV
charger may have a negligible impact on the utility electric system, the combined effect of several chargers in
the same neighborhood could result in overloads on utility secondary wires and transformers. It is important
that the Electrical Utility provider be notified of any Level 2 charger installations to ensure that utility electrical
system components are adequately sized to maintain high levels of service reliability.
2
LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER - SERVICE LOAD CALCULATION
INSTRUCTIONS: Review the list of electrical loads in the table below and check (✓) all that exist in your
home (don’t forget to include the proposed Level 2 EV Charger). For each item checked (✓), fill-in the
corresponding “Watts used” (refer to the “Typical usage” column for wattage information). Add up all of
the numbers that are written in the “Watts Used” column and write that number in the “TOTAL WATTS
USED” box at the bottom of the table, then go to the next page to determine if your existing electric service
will accommodate the new loads.
(Loads shown are rough estimates; actual loads may vary – for a more precise analysis, use the
nameplate ratings for appliances and other loads and consult with a trained electrical
professional.)
*Use name plate rating in watts or calculate as: (Ampere rating of circuit X 240 volts = Watts)
✓Check All
Applicable
Loads
Description of Load
Typical usage
Watts used
GENERAL LIGHTING AND RECEPTACLE OUTLET CIRCUITS
Multiply the
Square Footage of House X 3
3 watts/sq. ft.
KITCHEN CIRCUITS
Kitchen Circuits 3,000 watts
Electric Oven 2,000 watts
Electric Stove Top 5,000 watts
Microwave 1,500 watts
Garbage Disposal under Kitchen
Sink
1,000 watts
Automatic Dish Washer 3,500 watts
Garbage Compactor 1,000 watts
Instantaneous Hot Water at Sink 1,500 watts
LAUNDRY CIRCUIT
Laundry Circuit 1,500 watts
Electric Clothes Dryer 4,500 watts
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING CIRCUITS
Central Heating (gas) and Air
Conditioning
6,000 watts
Window Mounted AC 1,000 watts
Whole-house or Attic Fan 500 watts
Central Electric Furnace 8,000 watts
Evaporative Cooler 500 watts
OTHER ELECTRICAL LOADS
Electric Water Heater (Storage
type)
4,000 watts
Electric Tankless Water Heater 15,000 watts
Swimming Pool or Spa 3,500 watts
Other: (describe) watts
Other: watts
Other: watts
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER CIRCUIT
Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger Wattage Rating*
(Add-up all of the watts for the loads you have checked ✓)
TOTAL WATTS USED €
3
INSTRUCTIONS: Using the “TOTAL WATTS USED” number from the previous page, check (✓) the
appropriate line in column 1 and follow that line across to determine the minimum required size of the
electrical service panel shown in column 3. In column 4, write-in the size of your existing service panel (main
breaker size). If your Existing service panel (column 4) is smaller than the minimum required size of the existing
service (column 3), then you will need to install a new upgraded electrical service panel to handle the added
electrical load from the proposed Level 2 EV Charger.
Table based on CEC 220.83(A), 230.42, and Annex D.
1 2 3 4
✓Check
the
appropriate
line
Total Watts Used
(from previous page)
Minimum Required Size of
Existing 240 Volt Electrical
Service Panel
(Main Service Breaker Size)
Identify the Size of
Your Existing Main
Service Breaker
(Amps)**
up to 48,000 100 amps
48,001 to 63,000 125 amps
63,001 to 78,000 150 amps
78,001 to 108,000 200 amps
108,001 to 123,000 225 amps
**Please note that the size of your Existing service (column 4) MUST be equal to or larger than the Minimum
Required Size (column 3) or a new larger electrical service panel will need to be installed in order to satisfy the
electrical load demand of the EV charger.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
By my signature, I attest that the information provided is true and accurate.
Job Address:
(Print job address)
Signature:
(Signature of applicant) (Date)
In addition to this document, you will also need to provide a copy of the manufacturer’s installation
literature and specifications for the Level 2 charger you are installing.
Note: This is a voluntary compliance alternative and you may wish to hire a qualified individual or company to
perform a thorough evaluation of your electrical service capacity in lieu of this alternative methodology. Use of
this electrical load calculation estimate methodology is at the user’s risk and carries no implied guarantee of
accuracy. Users of this methodology and these forms are advised to seek professional assistance in
determining the electrical capacity of a service panel.
4
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR EV CHARGER INSTALLATIONS:
The Table below illustrates the type and size of wire and conduit to be used for various Electric Vehicle
Charger circuits.
Size of
EV
Charger
Circuit Breaker
Required
minimum size of
Conductors
(THHN wire)
Conduit Type and Size***
Electrical Metallic
Tubing (EMT)
Rigid
Nonmetallic
Conduit –
Schedule 40
(RNC)
Flexible Metal
Conduit (FMC)
20 amp #12 1/2” 1/2” 1/2”
30 amp #12 1/2” 1/2” 1/2”
40 amp #10 1/2” 1/2” 1/2”
50 amp #8 3/4” 3/4” 3/4”
60 amp #6 3/4” 3/4” 3/4”
70 amp #6 3/4” 3/4” 3/4”
***Based on 4 wires in the conduit (2-current carrying conductors, 1-grounded conductor, 1-equipment
ground).
As an alternate, Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (aka: Romex Cable or NMC) may be used if it is protected
from physical damage by placing the cable inside a wall cavity or attic space which is separated from
the occupied space by drywall or plywood.
The Table below illustrates the required supports for various types of electrical conduit or cable.
Conduit
Support
Electrical
Metallic
Tubing
(EMT)
Rigid
Nonmetallic
Conduit –
Schedule 40
(RNC)
Flexible Metal
Conduit (FMC)
Nonmetallic
Sheathed
Cable (NMC)
Conduit
Support
Intervals
10’
3’
4-1/2’
4-1/2’
Maximum
Distance from
Box to Conduit
Support
3’
3’
1’
1’
In addition to the above noted requirements, the California Electrical Code contains many other provisions that
may be applicable to the installation of a new electrical circuit. Installers are cautioned to be aware of all
applicable requirements before beginning the installation. For additional information or guidance, consult with
the Department of Building and Safety staff or a qualified and experienced Electrical Contractor.
Page 5 of 5
GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR LEVEL 2 RESIDENTIAL EV CHARGERS
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - All Electrical Vehicle Charging Systems shall comply with the applicable
sections of the California Electrical Code, including Article 625.
2. EQUIPMENT HEIGHT - The coupling means of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be stored at
a height of 18 – 24 inches above the finished floor. (CEC Art 625.50.
3. LISTED EQUIPMENT - All Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory.
4. PROTECTION FROM PHYSICAL DAMAGE - Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be protected
against vehicle impact damage when located in the path of a vehicle. In order to avoid the installation of a
substantial pipe bollard as an equipment guard, locate the Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment on a
garage side wall, out of vehicular path. (see sample drawing below) (CEC Art. 110.27(B))
5. IF MORE THAN 60 AMPS- When EV charging equipment is rated at more than 60 amps or 150 volts, the
disconnect means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location and shall be capable of
being locked on the open position. (CEC Art. 625.43)
MANUFACTURER’S INSTALLATION