EVITP Installation Best Practices 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before working inside an existing panel to add an EVSE breaker, what is the required first safety step under NFPA 70E?
- Establish an electrically safe work condition, including lockout/tagout and verifying absence of voltage (Correct answer)
- Ask the customer to turn off large appliances
- Wear safety glasses and proceed carefully
- Verify the breaker is labeled correctly
Correct answer: Establish an electrically safe work condition, including lockout/tagout and verifying absence of voltage
NFPA 70E requires establishing an electrically safe work condition before working on equipment.
Question 2: Without a listed cable management system, what is the maximum overall cord length typically permitted for EVSE by NEC 625.17?
- 10 ft
- 15 ft
- 25 ft (Correct answer)
- 50 ft
Correct answer: 25 ft
NEC 625.17 limits EVSE output cable length to 25 ft unless a cable management system is used.
Question 3: Why is a cable management system or retractor recommended at public EVSE locations?
- It allows the EVSE to be installed without a disconnect
- It increases the charging rate
- It keeps the cable off the ground, reducing trip hazards and cable damage (Correct answer)
- It eliminates the need for GFCI protection
Correct answer: It keeps the cable off the ground, reducing trip hazards and cable damage
Cable management prevents cords from lying on the ground where they can be driven over or tripped on.
Question 4: An outdoor 240 V receptacle for EV charging is installed in a wet location. What type of cover is required per NEC 406.9(B)?
- No cover if the receptacle is GFCI protected
- An extra-duty, weatherproof in-use cover (Correct answer)
- A standard plastic blank cover
- A flat weatherproof cover rated only when closed
Correct answer: An extra-duty, weatherproof in-use cover
Receptacles in wet locations must have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not a plug is inserted, listed extra-duty.
Question 5: Under the 2023 NEC 220.57, what is the minimum load used for EVSE in a load calculation?
- Nameplate rating only
- 9,600 W regardless of nameplate
- 3,600 W or nameplate, whichever is larger
- 7,200 W or nameplate, whichever is larger (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 7,200 W or nameplate, whichever is larger
NEC 220.57 calculates EVSE load at 7,200 W or the nameplate rating, whichever is larger.
Question 6: After installing a networked EVSE, which commissioning activity best confirms the installation is ready for customer use?
- Verifying firmware, network communication, and a successful test charge session (Correct answer)
- Confirming the breaker size matches the panel directory
- Checking only that the power LED is on
- Measuring ambient temperature at the site
Correct answer: Verifying firmware, network communication, and a successful test charge session
Commissioning verifies firmware, connectivity, and actual charging operation before handover.
Question 7: A DC fast charger pedestal is mounted on a new concrete pad. What best practice applies to anchoring?
- Use anchors and pad dimensions specified by the manufacturer and engineered drawings (Correct answer)
- Anchor only two corners to allow thermal movement
- Set the pedestal on the pad without anchors since it is heavy
- Use any concrete screws available on the truck
Correct answer: Use anchors and pad dimensions specified by the manufacturer and engineered drawings
Manufacturer and engineered specifications ensure the pedestal resists impact, wind, and seismic loads.