When installing Emporia Energy Level 2 EVSE EV Chargers, understanding GFCI breaker implications is crucial for a successful installation.
What is a GFCI Breaker?
A GFCI breaker protects against electrical shock by shutting off circuits when it detects current imbalances, ensuring excess current safely escapes through the ground line.
Requirements
UL Requirements: All EVSE equipment must perform a "ground fault" test during startup to detect unsafe electrical conditions.
NEC Regulations: NEMA 14-50 outlets must be protected with GFCI breakers to check for and trip when ground faults are detected.
Potential Issue
False Tripping: Our EV Charger induces a small ground fault during self-testing, which can cause GFCI breakers to trip unnecessarily, interrupting charging.
Our Recommendation
Hardwire Installation: If local regulations require GFCI breakers for NEMA outlets, choose a hardwire installation instead. This bypasses the GFCI breaker requirement as the EV Charger becomes the only dedicated appliance on the circuit. All Emporia EV Charger models can be converted to hardwire installation. With the charger's built-in GFCI protection, additional breaker protection is not required.
Ground Fault Protection Standards: The NEC specifies different thresholds for equipment versus personnel protection. While higher-tolerance breakers exist for equipment, they don't meet personnel protection requirements.
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.