EVITP EVSE Commissioning, Testing and Startup — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before energizing a new EVSE circuit, which test confirms that the conductor insulation hasn't been damaged during the pull?
- Insulation resistance test with a megohmmeter (Correct answer)
- Phase rotation test
- Clamp-meter load test
- Power factor test
Correct answer: Insulation resistance test with a megohmmeter
A megohmmeter (megger) test applies a high DC voltage to measure insulation resistance and can reveal nicks or damage from installation before the circuit is energized.
Question 2: During commissioning, what does SAE J1772 control pilot State C (about +6 V) indicate?
- No vehicle connected
- Vehicle connected but not ready
- Vehicle connected and ready to accept energy (charging) (Correct answer)
- Fault or error condition
Correct answer: Vehicle connected and ready to accept energy (charging)
The J1772 pilot states are: A (+12 V) no vehicle, B (+9 V) vehicle connected, C (+6 V) charging, D (+3 V) charging with ventilation required, E/F error.
Question 3: How can an installer test a new EVSE's pilot signaling and output without a vehicle?
- Use a ground-fault tester only
- Use an EV simulator or test adapter that emulates the vehicle's pilot states (Correct answer)
- Connect a resistive heater straight to the connector pins
- Testing without a vehicle isn't possible
Correct answer: Use an EV simulator or test adapter that emulates the vehicle's pilot states
EVSE test adapters and EV simulators connect to the charging connector, emulate the vehicle side of the pilot circuit, and let the installer check voltage, pilot states and ground-fault response.
Question 4: The manufacturer gives a torque value for EVSE terminals. Since the 2017 NEC (110.14(D)), how must those terminations be tightened?
- Hand-tight plus a quarter turn
- With an approved means such as a calibrated torque tool (Correct answer)
- With an impact driver set to maximum
- Torque values are advisory only
Correct answer: With an approved means such as a calibrated torque tool
NEC 110.14(D) requires an approved means, such as a torque wrench or torque screwdriver, to reach a specified torque value. Loose or over-torqued connections are a leading cause of EVSE overheating.
Question 5: During commissioning, which ground-fault protection function should be checked on the EVSE?
- The vehicle's airbag system
- The personnel protection system (CCID/GFCI) that trips the output on a ground fault (Correct answer)
- The building's lightning protection
- The utility meter's demand register
Correct answer: The personnel protection system (CCID/GFCI) that trips the output on a ground fault
NEC 625.22 requires EVSE to have a personnel protection system. Verifying that it trips under a simulated ground fault is a key commissioning step.
Question 6: For a networked commercial charger, which step is usually part of commissioning before handover?
- Turning off all network communication permanently
- Registering and activating the charger on its network management platform and confirming a successful test session (Correct answer)
- Removing the nameplate
- Disabling access control
Correct answer: Registering and activating the charger on its network management platform and confirming a successful test session
Networked EVSE needs activation on the network operator's platform (often over OCPP) and a successful test session so that payment, access control and data reporting work at handover.