I'm a Model S owner. I also manage 100+ different communities (HOAs and condos) in the Charleston, SC region. We're seeing interest in EV charging at uncovered parking areas. I have a tech question that I need to find the definitive answer to.
Sources online show that for true outdoor charging (Bring your own plug) NFPA Code won't allow the Association to put a NEMA 14-50 outlet in the common area for the purposes of EV charging. Makes a little sense. (think: kid and fork). But that thought is tossed aside since there are thousands of RV-type outdoor enclosures all over the USA.
This box would be ideal, I think as it would cover the spectrum for EVs today. 50, 30 and 20A
STILL, from all that I have read on the codes and proposed updates to the 2014 NFPA, there is still NO provision to lawfully place an RV-type outlet box OUTDOORS for charging an EV. The exclusion centers on the weight of the EVSA and the heavier 220V cord. One could understand that too... yet almost all of us have a NEMA 14-50 with our EVSA and cord hanging from it...
Puzzled and researched-out... Does anyone know of a certain provision that allows placement of such a box or another plugin option that is "future-ready."
Secondarily, and presuming there is no definitive answer to the above, I can't find anything on the specs for a rainproof (or otherwise safe) 120V outdoor outlet/box specified in the code as OK for EVs.
I don't want to offer my clients short-sighted solutions. Obviously we could recommend and install a J1772 system but most communities don't want to ante up the cash for that. I'm not interested in reinventing the wheel but as a company (Community Management Group), we're not afraid to be a pioneer either.
Curious about FACTS on Code for outdoor plug/power access, if anyone knows for sure... and plenty of OPINIONS on hyper-local EV charging access. Thanks!!
Sources online show that for true outdoor charging (Bring your own plug) NFPA Code won't allow the Association to put a NEMA 14-50 outlet in the common area for the purposes of EV charging. Makes a little sense. (think: kid and fork). But that thought is tossed aside since there are thousands of RV-type outdoor enclosures all over the USA.
This box would be ideal, I think as it would cover the spectrum for EVs today. 50, 30 and 20A
STILL, from all that I have read on the codes and proposed updates to the 2014 NFPA, there is still NO provision to lawfully place an RV-type outlet box OUTDOORS for charging an EV. The exclusion centers on the weight of the EVSA and the heavier 220V cord. One could understand that too... yet almost all of us have a NEMA 14-50 with our EVSA and cord hanging from it...
Puzzled and researched-out... Does anyone know of a certain provision that allows placement of such a box or another plugin option that is "future-ready."
Secondarily, and presuming there is no definitive answer to the above, I can't find anything on the specs for a rainproof (or otherwise safe) 120V outdoor outlet/box specified in the code as OK for EVs.
I don't want to offer my clients short-sighted solutions. Obviously we could recommend and install a J1772 system but most communities don't want to ante up the cash for that. I'm not interested in reinventing the wheel but as a company (Community Management Group), we're not afraid to be a pioneer either.
Curious about FACTS on Code for outdoor plug/power access, if anyone knows for sure... and plenty of OPINIONS on hyper-local EV charging access. Thanks!!