EV charger Load Shedding device

[Sierrasparky]

I got a call to install one of these for a condo unit owner. It is a device that allows shedding of the EV charger when load on the customers 100 amp feeder reaches a certain limit. As per the instructions you intercept the feeder and place this device. It has a Load breaker to supply the EV charger. The issue I have is the recommended installation.
1- the breaker for the EV is located within a enclosure with SCREW cover. ( not readily Accessible).
2- Does the EV need a disconnect ? If the breaker is (readily Accessible). then can serve as the disco.
3- Instructions say it can be mounted on the ceiling. How is the breaker inside readily Accessible?

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[texie]

Looks to me like that breaker is in there so that your branch circuit to the charger is not a tap requiring compliance with tap rules. That factory breaker is simply your branch circuit supply and you will need a local disconnect. According the their site it has a UL listing.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Looks to me like that breaker is in there so that your branch circuit to the charger is not a tap requiring compliance with tap rules. That factory breaker is simply your branch circuit supply and you will need a local disconnect. According the their site it has a UL listing.

Thanks
However the breaker is not Readily Accessible. Put it on the ceiling and you need to get on a ladder to reset?

And it's made in Canada.

Are you saying because it is UL listed we can follow the instructions without being compliant with other sections of the code.

 

[wwhitney]

As for whether a disconnecting means is required, see 625.43. 60A / 120V to ground is OK with no disconnect (2017); if either is exceeded, you need a disconnect.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Sierrasparky]

As for whether a disconnecting means is required, see 625.43. 60A / 120V to ground is OK with no disconnect (2017); if either is exceeded, you need a disconnect.

Cheers, Wayne

What about location of the Circuit breaker?

 

[hillbilly1]

It’s not a panel board, so I would think readily accessible would not count here since it’s part of a listed controller. It would be just like fuses if those were used instead of a breaker.

 

[retirede]

What about location of the Circuit breaker?

I’d say it cannot be considered the disconnecting means (if one is required).

 

[Sierrasparky]

I’d say it cannot be considered the disconnecting means (if one is required).

what about location of overcurrent device.

It’s not a panel board, so I would think readily accessible would not count here since it’s part of a listed controller. It would be just like fuses if those were used instead of a breaker.

240.24 Location in or on Premises.
(A) Accessibility. Overcurrent devices shall be readily
accessible and shall be installed so that the center of the
grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker,
when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7
in.) above the floor or working platform, unless one of the
following applies:

 

[Sierrasparky]

I did not realize there is an exception. How does this relate if the building is not under constant supervision.

 

[synchro]

Let's consider the case where you add a small subpanel with a breaker between this load shedding device and the EV charger. I think this should address the code issues that you're citing. Also, let's assume that the EV charger circuit will be less than 60A (probably a good choice if the 100 amp feeder is serving all the other loads of the condo unit). Then you might contact the manufacturer and ask them if you could configure the dip switches for the current rating of an external breaker which is lower than the rating of the internal breaker. For example, a 30 or 40 amp external breaker with a 60 amp internal breaker. Then if the manufacturer OKs this, the breakers might have a chance of selectively coordinating and make it less likely that the internal breaker needs to be accessed. Doing this would be addressing more of a practical issue than a code issue.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Let's consider the case where you add a small subpanel with a breaker between this load shedding device and the EV charger. I think this should address the code issues that you're citing. Also, let's assume that the EV charger circuit will be less than 60A (probably a good choice if the 100 amp feeder is serving all the other loads of the condo unit). Then you might contact the manufacturer and ask them if you could configure the dip switches for the current rating of an external breaker which is lower than the rating of the internal breaker. For example, a 30 or 40 amp external breaker with a 60 amp internal breaker. Then if the manufacturer OKs this, the breakers might have a chance of selectively coordinating and make it less likely that the internal breaker needs to be accessed. Doing this would be addressing more of a practical issue than a code issue.

Thanks for your thoughts.

I still have the issue that there is a breaker that is not really accessable for a Homeowner to touch.
Since it is load shedding based on the Main breaker 100 amp or 125 a I do not think it is necessary to do anything other than install the correct size wire for the breaker in this panel.

 

[wwhitney]

Is the device possibly listed as an industrial control panel or similar? If not, I agree with you that the breaker behind the screwed on panel seems wrong. Maybe you could just replace the screws with thumb screws?

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Sierrasparky]

As far as I know the panel is listed. I wonder if being a industrial control panel is ok if installed in a residential type situation.

 

[hillbilly1]

Due to line voltage exposure, I would think it would be a non-user serviceable part. If the breaker trips, it needs to be serviced by a professional anyway, not by a homeowner resetting it anyway.

 

[synchro]

Due to line voltage exposure, I would think it would be a non-user serviceable part. ...

I remember seeing labels that said "No user serviceable parts inside" on the back cover of TV's when I was taking all of the screws out.

 

[retirede]

I remember seeing labels that said "No user serviceable parts inside" on the back cover of TV's when I was taking all of the screws out.

And some of those TVs had internal fuses.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Here is the definition of Industrial Control. I wonder if the intent was to install such a device in a residential situation?

 

[Sierrasparky]

Update, Building official does not want to allow this device unless installed under lock and key only accessible by qualified personnel. Humm

 

[retirede]

Update, Building official does not want to allow this device unless installed under lock and key only accessible by qualified personnel. Humm

Did he cite a code reference?

 

[kwired]

It’s not a panel board, so I would think readily accessible would not count here since it’s part of a listed controller. It would be just like fuses if those were used instead of a breaker.

Fuses would need to be readily accessible as well if they were the branch circuit overcurrent device. Behind a door that can't be opened until the switch is opened is still within readily accessible definition.