1 Scope
NOTE This Section specifies electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and the EVSE-specific electrical infrastructure required to deliver power to electric vehicles parked on the project site. (1.1)
NOTE EVSE covered by this Section includes Level 1 (120 V) cord-connected units, Level 2 (208-240 V) wall- and pedestal-mounted units, and direct-current fast charging (DCFC) cabinets, together with their connectors, enclosures, disconnects, and energy management controllers. (1.2)
1.3The Contractor shall furnish and install all EVSE, EVSE disconnecting means, energy management system (EVEMS) controllers, mounting hardware, and EVSE-rated equipment grounding required for a complete and operable charging installation.
1.4The Contractor shall provide all "EV Ready" and "EV Capable" rough-in infrastructure indicated, including outlets, junction boxes, and capped conduit stub-outs reserved for future EVSE.
NOTE Branch-circuit and feeder conductors that supply EVSE are specified in
Conductors And Cables; this Section governs only EVSE-rated flexible cordsets, internal wiring, and the connector furnished with the equipment.
(1.5) NOTE Raceway routing to and from EVSE is specified in
Raceways And Conduit, and the panelboard or switchboard receiving EVSE circuits is specified in
Panelboards.
(1.6) NOTE On-board vehicle chargers, vehicle battery-management systems, stationary energy-storage systems beyond EVEMS load management, and photovoltaic or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) inverter equipment are outside the scope of this Section. (1.7)
2 Referenced Standards
2.1Equipment, materials, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited or a different edition is enforced by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
2.2Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
| Standard |
Title |
| NFPA 70 (NEC), Article 625 |
National Electrical Code — Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System |
| NFPA 70 (NEC), Article 220 |
National Electrical Code — Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations |
| NFPA 70 (NEC), Article 750 |
National Electrical Code — Energy Management Systems |
| NFPA 70E |
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace |
| UL 2594 |
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (AC Level 1 and Level 2) |
| UL 2202 |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment (DC fast charging) |
| UL 2231-1 / UL 2231-2 |
Personnel Protection Systems for Electric Vehicle Supply Circuits |
| SAE J1772 |
SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrid EV Conductive Charge Coupler |
| SAE J3400 |
North American Charging Standard (NACS) Connector |
| SAE J2954 |
Wireless Power Transfer for Light-Duty Plug-In/Electric Vehicles |
| SAE J3400 / CCS1 |
Combined Charging System and NACS DC coupler interfaces |
| IEC 61851-1 |
Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging System — General Requirements |
| NEMA 250 |
Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 V Maximum) |
| ICC IECC |
International Energy Conservation Code — EV infrastructure appendices |
| CALGreen (Title 24, Part 11) |
California Green Building Standards Code — EV charging provisions |
| ADA / ADA-ABA Guidelines |
Accessibility requirements for EV charging spaces (§F228) |
3 Submittals
3.1 Action Submittals
3.1.1The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review and approval before ordering EVSE:
- Product data for each EVSE type, including manufacturer, model, level, port count, rated voltage, rated continuous output current and power, and connector type.
- Listing and certification documentation: UL 2594 (AC Level 1/2) or UL 2202 (DCFC), and UL 2231-1/2231-2 personnel-protection compliance.
- Enclosure NEMA type rating and ingress-protection (IP) rating for each unit, with the intended mounting location identified.
- Connector and coupler data identifying SAE J1772, SAE J3400 (NACS), CCS1, or dual-head configuration.
- Energy management system (EVEMS) data where load management is used, including the listing basis, control strategy, and the maximum aggregate demand the EVEMS enforces.
- Network and communication data, including OCPP version supported and the connectivity medium (Wi-Fi, cellular, or Ethernet).
- Shop drawings showing mounting details, disconnect locations, working clearances, conductor terminations, and a one-line diagram of the EVSE branch circuits, feeders, and EVEMS.
- Branch-circuit and feeder load calculations demonstrating the 125% continuous-load factor and, where applicable, the EVEMS-limited feeder calculation.
☑ EVSE product data (level, ports, voltage, current, power, connector)
☑ UL listing and certification (UL 2594 / UL 2202)
☑ UL 2231 personnel-protection compliance
☑ Enclosure NEMA / IP rating with location
☑ Connector / coupler data (J1772 / NACS / CCS1 / dual-head)
☐ EVEMS data and enforced aggregate demand
☐ Network / OCPP version and connectivity medium
☑ Shop drawings and EVSE one-line diagram
☑ Branch-circuit and feeder load calculations (125% continuous)
3.2.1The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals:
- Manufacturer's installation instructions, including torque values, conductor ampacity ranges, and required working clearances.
- Field-evaluation report where an EVEMS or assembly is field-labeled rather than factory-listed.
- Utility coordination correspondence confirming available service capacity for the connected EVSE load.
- Commissioning and functional-test plan for each EVSE and the EVEMS.
☑ Manufacturer installation instructions
☐ Field-evaluation report (field-labeled EVEMS / assembly)
☑ Utility service-capacity coordination correspondence
☑ Commissioning and functional-test plan
3.3 Closeout Submittals
3.3.1The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals before final acceptance:
- Operation and maintenance manuals for each EVSE and the EVEMS.
- As-built drawings showing installed EVSE locations, circuit identifications, disconnect locations, and conduit stub-out routing.
- Network credentials, OCPP endpoint configuration, and any back-office account provisioning transferred to the Owner.
- Manufacturer warranty documentation registered in the Owner's name.
☑ O&M manuals (EVSE and EVEMS)
☑ As-built drawings with circuit IDs and stub-out routing
☐ Network credentials and OCPP configuration transfer
☑ Registered manufacturer warranty documentation
4 Quality Assurance
4.1 Source Quality
4.1.1AC Level 1 and Level 2 EVSE shall be listed to UL 2594 by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
4.1.2DC fast charging equipment shall be listed to UL 2202 by an NRTL.
4.1.3All EVSE shall incorporate personnel-protection ground-fault detection listed to UL 2231-1 and UL 2231-2.
4.1.4Energy management systems used to limit aggregate EVSE demand shall be listed, or shall be field-evaluated and labeled by an NRTL, in accordance with NEC Article 750.
4.1.5EVSE shall be installed by personnel trained and certified by the equipment manufacturer or by a qualified electrical contractor experienced in EVSE installation.
NOTE Listing covers the equipment as a complete assembly. (4.1.6)
4.1.7EVSE markings, installation methods, and the certified assembly shall not be modified in the field in any manner that voids the listing.
5 Environmental and Service Conditions
NOTE Enclosure rating is the single most common field-failure cause for outdoor EVSE: an indoor-rated unit installed outdoors corrodes and admits water within a season. (5.1)
5.2Outdoor EVSE exposed to rain shall be furnished in a NEMA 3R enclosure as a minimum.
5.3EVSE in locations subject to direct hose-down or washdown shall be furnished in a NEMA 4 enclosure.
5.4EVSE in coastal, salt-air, or chemically corrosive environments shall be furnished in a NEMA 4X enclosure.
5.5EVSE shall be rated for the full ambient temperature range of the installed location.
5.6EVSE shall not be derated below its nameplate output across the installed location's ambient temperature range without the Engineer's approval.
5.7Pedestal- and bollard-mounted EVSE in vehicular areas shall be protected from impact by bollards or by an integral impact-rated base where the equipment is not located behind a curb or wheel stop.
○ NEMA 1 (indoor, no special protection)
● NEMA 3R (outdoor, rain and ice)
○ NEMA 4 (weathertight, hose-directed water)
○ NEMA 4X (corrosion-resistant, coastal / washdown)
● Wall-mounted, surface
○ Wall-mounted, flush / recessed
○ Pedestal / post-mounted
○ Bollard-mounted
○ Ceiling-mounted (parking structure)
○ Indoor, conditioned
○ Indoor, unconditioned (parking structure)
○ Outdoor, covered
● Outdoor, exposed
6 Charging Level and Power Rating
NOTE EVSE level determines voltage, current, circuit sizing, and the charging rate delivered to the vehicle; it is the primary product decision for the installation. The three levels differ as follows: (6.1)
- Level 1 operates at 120 V and draws up to 16 A continuous, delivering roughly 1.4 to 1.9 kW; it is appropriate only where charging time is not constrained, such as overnight residential or workplace trickle charging.
- Level 2 operates at 208 to 240 V and draws up to 80 A continuous, delivering roughly 3.8 to 19.2 kW; it is the standard choice for most residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
- DC fast charging supplies direct current to the vehicle at 480 V three-phase input and 50 to 350 kW output, and is used for public express charging and fleet depots where rapid turnaround is required.
6.2EVSE shall be furnished at the level and rated continuous output specified, and shall not be substituted with a lower-output unit without the Engineer's written approval.
6.3The rated continuous output current of each Level 2 unit shall be coordinated with the branch-circuit rating so that the circuit rating is at least 125% of the EVSE continuous output current.
○ Level 1 (120 V, up to 16 A)
● Level 2 (208-240 V, up to 80 A)
○ DC Fast Charging (480 V 3Φ input, 50-350 kW)
7 Connector Type
NOTE Connector selection is a near-term strategic decision: as of 2025 nearly all major OEMs have committed to the SAE J3400 (NACS) port, so a J1772-only Level 2 unit risks generating owner complaints within its warranty period. (7.1)
NOTE CHAdeMO is effectively phased out in North America and shall not be specified for new work. (7.2)
7.3Level 2 EVSE shall be furnished with a SAE J3400 (NACS) connector, a SAE J1772 connector, or a dual-protocol connector as specified.
7.3.1Where Level 2 EVSE is furnished with a J1772-only connector, the Contractor shall confirm in writing that the Owner accepts the connector limitation, or shall furnish NACS adapters for the Owner's use.
7.4DC fast charging equipment shall be furnished with dual-head couplers providing both CCS1 (SAE J1772 combo) and SAE J3400 (NACS) DC interfaces unless a single interface is specified.
7.5Connectors and couplers shall comply with SAE J1772 or SAE J3400 as applicable, and shall be listed as part of the EVSE assembly.
● SAE J3400 (NACS) — AC and DC
○ SAE J1772 (legacy AC)
○ CCS1 (SAE J1772 combo, DCFC)
○ Dual-head (CCS1 + NACS, DCFC)
○ Dual-protocol AC (J1772 + NACS)
8 Branch Circuit and Connection
NOTE NEC 210.20 and 215.3 require branch circuits and feeders supplying continuous loads to be rated at not less than 125% of the continuous load; EVSE is a continuous load. (8.1)
NOTE Specifying a breaker equal to the EVSE current rating is the most common EVSE specification error: a 32 A charger requires a 40 A circuit, and a 32 A breaker violates NEC 625.40 and 210.20. (8.2)
8.3Each EVSE branch circuit shall be rated at not less than 125% of the EVSE rated continuous output current.
8.4An individual branch circuit shall be provided for each EVSE outlet rated greater than 16 A or greater than 120 V, in accordance with NEC 625.40, unless a listed EVEMS is provided in accordance with NEC 625.42.
8.5EVSE shall be connected by the method specified — hardwired (permanent) or cord-and-plug — with cord-and-plug connections limited to the receptacle configurations permitted by NEC 625 for the EVSE rating.
8.6Cord-and-plug-connected EVSE shall be supplied from a receptacle protected in accordance with NEC 625.54.
8.7Receptacle configuration for cord-and-plug EVSE shall be NEMA 6-20, 6-50, or 14-50 as specified and as coordinated with the EVSE plug.
NOTE The disconnecting means and overcurrent protection device shall be coordinated with
Panelboards, and the supply conductors shall be sized per
Conductors And Cables.
(8.8) ● Hardwired (permanent)
○ Cord-and-plug, NEMA 14-50
○ Cord-and-plug, NEMA 6-50
○ Cord-and-plug, NEMA 6-20
○ 120 V, 1Φ
○ 208 V, 1Φ
● 240 V, 1Φ
○ 480 V, 3Φ
9 Energy Management and Load Sharing
NOTE Energy management is the difference between an affordable parking-lot deployment and a service upgrade: specifying an individual 40 to 50 A circuit for every stall in a large lot can require an enormous new service, while an EVEMS sharing a feeder can reduce service-upgrade cost by 40 to 60%. (9.1)
NOTE NEC 625.42, working with Article 750, permits a feeder or branch circuit to be sized below the sum of all connected EVSE nameplate ratings when a listed EVEMS limits the aggregate demand. (9.2)
9.3Where an EVEMS is used to permit a feeder smaller than the sum of EVSE nameplate ratings, the EVEMS shall be listed or field-evaluated and shall enforce a maximum aggregate demand not exceeding the feeder's continuous-load rating.
9.4The feeder load calculation shall be performed in accordance with NEC Article 220 using the EVEMS-enforced aggregate demand rather than the connected nameplate sum, and shall be documented in the submittals.
9.5Networked EVEMS shall communicate using OCPP 2.0.1 as the baseline protocol; OCPP 1.6 shall be acceptable only for retrofit connection to an existing back-office platform and only where specified.
9.6The contract documents shall state the required OCPP version.
9.7Absent an explicit OCPP version requirement in the contract documents, contractors may supply hardware incompatible with the building's network platform.
9.8Where demand charges apply to the project's utility tariff, DCFC and large Level 2 arrays should be furnished with demand-response-capable hardware supporting OpenADR 2.0.
○ Standalone (no load management)
○ Non-networked local load sharing
● Networked EVEMS (OCPP, dynamic load management)
● OCPP 2.0.1 (baseline for new work)
○ OCPP 1.6 (retrofit only)
○ Non-networked
● Wi-Fi
○ Cellular (4G / LTE)
○ Ethernet
○ Required
○ Provided, not required
● Not required
10 Infrastructure Tiers and Rough-In
NOTE Codes distinguish three infrastructure tiers with distinct scope, and confusing them is a frequent permit-correction cause: "EV Capable" is conduit only, "EV Ready" is wiring plus an outlet, and "EV Installed" is a complete EVSE. (10.1)
NOTE Future-proofing is inexpensive at rough-in and very costly after concrete is poured; conduit fill and breaker spaces should be provided for at least twice the planned EVSE count at the time of rough-in. (10.2)
10.3EV Capable infrastructure shall consist of a continuous raceway from the panelboard to the parking space termination point, with adequate panel capacity and a dedicated breaker space reserved, terminating in a capped junction box or stub-out.
10.4EV Capable conduit stub-outs serving future DCFC or large Level 2 equipment shall be not smaller than 2 in. trade size to accommodate the future conductors.
10.5EV Ready infrastructure shall consist of a complete branch circuit terminating in a receptacle or junction box at the parking space, ready to receive an EVSE.
10.6EV Installed infrastructure shall consist of a complete, energized, and commissioned EVSE.
NOTE For California projects, the applicable CALGreen cycle shall be confirmed against the project's permit date, because the 2025 cycle effective January 1, 2026 substantially increases EV-ready and EV-installed thresholds. (10.7)
10.8Reserved breaker spaces and spare conduit capacity for future EVSE shall be provided as indicated EV rough-in plan. ● EV Installed (complete EVSE)
○ EV Ready (branch circuit and outlet, no EVSE)
○ EV Capable (conduit stub-out and reserved capacity only)
11 Accessibility
11.1At least one EVSE space shall be accessible in accordance with the ADA-ABA Guidelines §F228 where covered parking is provided with EVSE, and an accessible route shall be provided to that space.
11.2Operable parts of accessible EVSE, including the connector, payment interface, and controls, shall be within a reach range of 15 in. to 48 in. above the finished surface.
NOTE Omitting the required accessible EVSE space is a common permit-correction trigger; the accessible space requirement applies even to small installations. (11.3)
● One accessible space (minimum per §F228)
○ Multiple accessible spaces per local zoning
○ Per accessibility consultant's analysis
12 Identification and Labeling
12.1EVSE disconnecting means and the supplying panelboard shall be marked with arc-flash and equipment labels in accordance with NFPA 70E and NEC 110.16.
12.2Each EVSE shall be permanently labeled with its circuit identification, rated voltage, and rated continuous output current.
12.3Where an EVEMS limits the load on a feeder, the equipment shall bear a label identifying the maximum EVSE load the system is set to allow, in accordance with NEC 625.42.
12.4EVSE labels shall be permanent, legible, and suitable for the installed environment, and shall not be handwritten.
13 Testing
13.1Each EVSE shall be functionally tested after installation to confirm that it energizes, establishes communication with a vehicle or test load, and delivers its rated output current.
13.2The personnel-protection ground-fault function of each EVSE shall be tested and confirmed operational.
13.3Networked EVSE shall be tested for successful communication with the network management platform and for correct OCPP message exchange.
13.4Where an EVEMS is installed, load-sharing shall be tested under simulated multi-vehicle demand to confirm that aggregate demand is held within the enforced limit.
13.5Test results shall be documented and submitted as part of the closeout submittals.
☑ EVSE functional / output-current test
☑ Personnel-protection ground-fault test
☑ Network / OCPP communication test
☐ EVEMS load-sharing test
14 Installation
14.1EVSE shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, NEC Article 625, and the applicable AHJ amendments.
14.2EVSE mounting heights and locations shall be coordinated with parking layout, vehicle approach, and cordset reach so that the connector reaches the vehicle inlet without strain on the cord.
14.3Required working clearances in front of EVSE disconnects and the supplying panelboard shall be maintained in accordance with NEC 110.26.
NOTE Utility service capacity shall be verified with the serving utility before EVSE is ordered, because added EVSE load may require a new or upgraded utility transformer with a long lead time. (14.4)
14.4.1For multifamily and commercial projects adding multiple Level 2 units or any DCFC, the Contractor shall confirm available utility service capacity in writing before installation proceeds.
NOTE DCFC above 100 kW typically requires a dedicated utility service point and may trigger a utility engineering study; this coordination shall be completed before rough-in. (14.5)
14.6Conductor terminations shall be torqued to the manufacturer's specified values.
14.7Aluminum terminations shall be prepared with antioxidant compound where required by the manufacturer.
14.8Outdoor EVSE penetrations and enclosure entries shall be sealed to maintain the enclosure's NEMA rating.
14.9EVSE and stub-out locations shall be installed as coordinated EV site plan. 15 Delivery, Storage, and Handling
15.1EVSE shall be delivered in the manufacturer's original packaging with listing labels and model identification intact.
15.2EVSE shall be stored indoors in a clean, dry location and shall not be exposed to weather until installed in its permanent location.
15.3EVSE shall be protected from physical impact, moisture, and construction dust during storage and after installation until substantial completion.
NOTE Damaged EVSE, including units with cracked enclosures or damaged connectors, shall be rejected and replaced. (15.4)
16 Warranty
16.1The manufacturer's warranty for each EVSE shall be not less than 3 years from the date of substantial completion, covering the unit, connector, and internal components.
16.2Where networked services or a back-office subscription are part of the installation, the subscription term and renewal responsibility shall be defined in the contract documents.
16.3The warranty shall be registered in the Owner's name and the documentation submitted as a closeout submittal.
17 Spare Parts
17.1The Contractor shall furnish spare connectors and cordsets for cord-replaceable EVSE where specified, in the quantity indicated.
NOTE The Contractor shall provide the Owner with manufacturer ordering information for replacement connectors, cordsets, and field-replaceable modules. (17.2)