EV Home Charger Law: A Threat to Reliability?
Download MP3Episode Description:
A new NEC (National Electrical Code) rule coming in 2026 will affect EV owners, contractors, and anyone planning to install an EV charger at home. If you rely on overnight charging for your electric vehicle, this update could cause major inconveniences.
Key Takeaways:
- New NEC Code Requirement (2026):
- All EV charging household plugs must have a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).
- GFCIs are designed to prevent electrocution in wet environments.
- How GFCI Works:
- Commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens with a reset button.
- Detects minor voltage fluctuations and trips the circuit to prevent shocks.
- The Problem for EV Owners:
- EV chargers operate at 240 volts and naturally fluctuate in voltage.
- This may cause frequent GFCI trips, cutting off charging unexpectedly.
- You may wake up to an uncharged EV, disrupting your schedule.
- Reset Button Location Issue:
- The GFCI reset button cannot be on the plug—it must be in the circuit breaker panel.
- If your panel is in the basement, you’ll need to go down to reset it every time it trips.
- Who Will Be Affected?
- Current & Future EV Owners – Consider installing a charger before 2026 to avoid compliance with the new rule.
- Car Dealerships & Businesses – Multiple chargers on one circuit may experience frequent failures due to fluctuating loads.
- Potential Exceptions & Concerns:
- EV chargers are not energized until connected to a vehicle, reducing shock risk.
- Large-scale EV charging setups may face significant downtime and disruptions.
- What You Can Do Now:
- Install your EV charging circuit before 2026 to avoid compliance issues.
- Stay informed in case NEC revises or exempts EV chargers from this rule.
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