For a specific car charger, the manual states about an external RCD (residual current device) and the scope belongs to the installation company. The manual appears to be written for a country other than the USA. Upon doing some research, am I correct in that the RCD is a different term for a GFCI breaker? This is a 480V charger, hardwired outdoor install. Am I correct in that no GFCI protection is required even with the new 2020 language?
EV car charger RCD
- Thread starter mjmike
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winnie
Senior Member
- Location
- Springfield, MA, USA
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- Electric motor research
RCD stands for 'residual current device', which is similar to the function of a GFCI. The main difference is the sensitivity level, GFCI is very sensitive and designed to protect from electric shock, RCD requires much higher leakage current to trip.
If manufacturer instructions require an RCD, then you need to install one. But you probably shouldn't use something with US GFCI sensitivity.
Does the manual specify ground fault pickup levels?
Jon
If manufacturer instructions require an RCD, then you need to install one. But you probably shouldn't use something with US GFCI sensitivity.
Does the manual specify ground fault pickup levels?
Jon
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Electrical Engineer
The equivalent protection level here in the US would be a breaker with Ground Fault Protection of Equipment (GFPE). As to whether or not you need it, nothing in the NEC says that GFPE is required for 480V circuits under 1,000A, but if the EV charger is NRTL listed, you must follow the mfrs instructions.
If the EV charger is not NRTL listed, that’s another issue you may need to contend with. If it is listed, read the instructions carefully for a section on separate instructions relating to NRTL listed versions to see if they drop the RCD requirement (since RCD is not a term recognized by UL or the NEC). If it is listed and there are no separate instructions, you will have to add GFPE to satisfy it.
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- Illinois
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- retired electrician
The manufacturer's instructions can NEVER delete a code requirement. If you have instructions that say do not provide GFCI protection, you either have to find other equipment or install that equipment in a location where the NEC does not require GFCI protection.
RumRunner
Senior Member
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- SCV Ca, USA
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- Retired EE
NON SEQUITOR (doesn’t follow)
The above statement— not only goes into tangents, it doesn’t follow the premise.
An outright tool used by trolls that pervades the internet.
There is nothing that the previous statements purport to DELETE a code requirement.
And there is no requirement to comply GFCI protection.
In industrial installations, it is not required to have GFCI protection when installed outside.
NOT especially for a a 480 volt equipment.
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