Lockable Disconnect Requirement for EVSE Under 60A/150V?

Dave58er

Dave58er

Senior Member
Location
Dearborn, MI
Hi all,


I’ve been encountering some differing interpretations from local inspectors regarding when a lockable disconnect is required for EVSE installations.


Specifically, this concerns EVSE rated at 60 amps or less and less than 150 volts to ground.


My understanding has been based on NEC 625.43, which states:


625.43 Disconnecting Means.
For EVSE and WPTE rated more than 60 amperes or more than 150 volts to ground, the disconnecting means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location. If the disconnecting means is installed remote from the equipment, a plaque shall be installed on the equipment denoting the location of the disconnecting means. The disconnecting means shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
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To me, this clearly implies that only when the EVSE exceeds 60A or 150V to ground is a lockable disconnecting means required. I’ve had a few inspectors agree with that reading (some even omitting the lockable requirement entirely), presumably following 625.43.


However, a recent inspector took a different position. He stated that all EVSE installations - regardless of ampacity or voltage - require a lockable disconnect. His basis was 422.31(B), which reads:


422.31(B) Appliances Rated Over 300 Volt-Amperes.
For permanently connected appliances rated over 300 volt-amperes, the branch-circuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or circuit breaker is within sight from the appliance or be capable of being locked in the open position in compliance with 110.25.
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I understand that EVSE easily exceeds 300 VA, but I question whether 422.31(B) applies, given the scope of NEC 90.3:


90.3 Code Arrangement.
Chapters 1 through 4 apply generally. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 apply to special occupancies, special equipment, or other special conditions and may supplement or modify the requirements in Chapters 1 through 4.
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Since EVSE is specifically addressed in Chapter 6, wouldn’t 625.43 override or modify the general requirement from 422.31?


So here’s the core of my question:


In an EVSE installation rated 60 amps or less and under 150 volts to ground, is a lockable disconnecting means required, or does 625.43 take precedence and only require it above those thresholds?


Appreciate any clarification, and I’d especially welcome any references or experiences that might help reconcile this interpretation.


Thanks in advance for your time.
 
Locally, breaker is sufficient. EVSE is a switch itself.

Also, when do EVSEs get serviced? They aren't appliances, nobody's crawling around inside a charger to replace a gasket or braze a copper line. Common sense would dictate they wouldn't fall under that rule.

That said, 100.Appliances isn't clear on the matter, but the examples it gives are distinctly different from EVSEs. As usual, art 100 needs more verbiage.
 
wwhitney said:
My main comment is that an EVSE is not an appliance (it is not utilization equipment, the EV is the utilization equipment), so 422.31(B) does not apply.

But I agree that if it did apply, 625.43 should be seen as amending it.

Cheers, Wayne
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I had not considered that angle. Thanks for bringing it up.
 
jaggedben said:
If you can't win the argument, then the search term you want is "breaker padlocking device'

e.g.
www.grainger.com/product/6DNT1
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I sometimes wonder about just making it standard to put one in during installation to preempt an inspector disapproval. So far, I have decided against it for several reasons. But I am also batting 1.000 on getting an inspector to change their mind on this. Maybe a defeat will change mine.
 
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