When installing our Emporia Energy Level 2 EVSE EV Charger, one common question is about the use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) breakers. This article aims to clarify the implications and recommendations regarding GFCI breakers to ensure a smooth and safe installation process.
What is a GFCI Breaker?
A GFCI breaker is designed to protect people from electrical shock by shutting off the electrical circuit when it detects an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current. It’s an essential safety device that ensures any excess current escapes via the ground line, preventing potential hazards.
Requirements and Recommendations
UL Requirements: All EVSE equipment, including our Level 2 EV Charger, must perform a "ground fault" test as part of their startup profile. This test ensures that any unsafe electrical situations are detected, allowing the excess current to escape safely.
NEC Regulations: The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates that any NEMA 14-50 outlets must be protected with a GFCI breaker. This requirement ensures that the breaker checks for ground faults and trips if detected, adding an extra layer of safety.
Potential Issues
Given these regulations, using a GFCI breaker with our Level 2 EVSE EV Charger can cause complications:
False Tripping: Our EV Charger intentionally induces a small ground fault during its self-test procedure before charging begins. This can cause a GFCI breaker to trip falsely, interrupting the charging process and leading to frustration.
Our Recommendation
To avoid these issues, we recommend the following:
Hardwire Installation: If local regulations or your installer requires the use of a GFCI breaker for NEMA plugs/outlets, it is advisable to opt for a hardwire installation of the EV Charger. This approach bypasses the requirement for a GFCI breaker, ensuring that the charger’s self-test procedure does not cause false tripping. Any model of Emporia EV Charger can be converted to a hardwire installation (if not shipped as a hardwire ready model already).
The Hardwire installation bypasses requirements for a GFCI installed breaker since the EV Charger would be the only dedicated appliance load on the hardwire circuit line. In this situation - given the EV Charger has built-in GFCI protection and testing - the additional protection on the breaker is not required.Understanding Ground Fault Protections: It’s important to note that the NEC specifies different thresholds for ground fault protections for equipment and personnel. While it might be possible to find a breaker with a higher ground fault tolerance for equipment, it would not meet the stricter requirements for personnel protection.
For further assistance or if you have any questions about the installation process, please contact our Customer Support team. We are dedicated to helping you ensure a safe and efficient installation of your EV Charger.