Safety


OpenEVSE is designed to exceed safety requirements for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations from SAE J1772, NEC and UL. 


Note:  OpenEVSE v4 based hardware and firmware has successfully passed independent testing in a UL Nationally Recognized Testing Labritory (NRTL) achieving certification within many products including the LiquidSky Wattzilla Uno, Duo, Quad and Waltzilla Product lines.

· UL
UL 2251 Standard for Plugs, Receptacles and Couplers for Electric Vehicles
UL 2231 Standard for Personnel Protection Systems for Electric Vehicle (EV) Supply Circuit
SAE J1772™ Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler Standard
IEC 62196 International Electrotechnical Commission Standard

IECNEC Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System Equipment


Power interlock

OpenEVSE includes an interlock that de-energizes the electric vehicle connector and cable whenever the electrical connector is uncoupled from the electric vehicle (NEC 625.18)(UL 2231)(IEC 62196)


Pilot Signal

OpenEVSE supports the SAE J1772 pilot signal which provides an automatic means to de-energize the cable conductors and electric vehicle connector upon exposure to strain that could result in either cable rupture or separation of the cable from the electric connector and exposure of live parts (NEC 625.19) (SAE J1772)(IEC 62196)


Self Check

OpenEVSE performs a Self-Testing sequence during start up to ensure unit is working properly and safely upon power-up OpenEVSE checks for: (UL 2231)

  • GFCI--Ability to respond to a 20mA ground fault (Power on and any time before relays close)
  • Missing Ground (Any time Relays are closed)
  • Welded Relay Contact Monitor (Any time Relays are open)
  • Pilot line status
  • Ground Monitoring

OpenEVSE checks ground during power-up and constantly monitors for presence of proper safety ground during operation. If ground is lost charging is discontinued. (SAE J1772)


Ground Fault Interrupt

OpenEVSE includes mandatory Ground Fault Interruption.

  • Fault sensitivity of Min 15ma - Max 20ma trip for protection against electric shock of personnel. (NEC 625.22) (SAE J1772) (UL 2231)
  • After each GFCI event OpenEVSE will retry charging up to 4 times after a 15 minute delay per event. (UL 2231)
  • Ground Fault circuit tested during Power on Self-test. 

Stuck Relay detection

OpenEVSE checks relay contacts on power up to ensure relays are functioning properly and providing proper power interlock.


Internal Temperature

OpenEVSE Continuously monitors the internal temperature of the Charging Station when equipped with a display module with compatible temperature sensor.


Temperature Throttling

OpenEVSE Actively reduces charging current during high temperature events in several steps. If temperature drops full current is restored. Charging will be halted if temperature exceeds a critical level.  


Electric Vehicle Identification

OpenEVSE verify the pilot signal integrity by checking the Electric Vehicle Diode. The pilot signal must BOTH be at the correct resistance AND pass the "diode check" to activate the circuit. (SAE J1772)


Ventilation Required

OpenEVSE checks for the “Ventilation Required” request from Electric Vehicles with lead acid batteries (not common). By default OpenEVSE will deny charging if ventilation is not available. With additional hardware and firmware update OpenEVSE can allow “Ventilation Required” charging if the charging station is equipped to activate ventilation. (SAE J1772)





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