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Streamlining Permitting and Inspection of Residential and Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installations¹

Purpose

With the growing adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) there is increasing need for installing both residential and commercial charging stations, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Jurisdictions can use this guide as a template to provide straightforward information to homeowners and electrical contractors about residential and commercial EVSE permitting requirements. Within the San Diego region, jurisdictions are encouraged to use this document directly or modify it to reflect the specific requirements of their agency.

How can I charge my plug-in electric vehicle at home?

The type of PEV purchased will determine the way people charge their vehicles. Homeowners may plug their vehicles into a conventional 120- volt household outlet or install a 240-volt circuit for faster charging.

PEVs come with a 120-volt charging cord that enables owners to charge their vehicle with a conventional outlet (Level 1 charging). This is a very practical solution for owners of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), such as a Toyota Plug-in Prius or Chevrolet Volt.

A person who purchases a battery electric vehicle (BEV), such as the Nissan Leaf, may choose to use a Level 2 charging station. Level 2 chargers use 240 volts and cut the charging time by about one-half compared with 120 volt charging. Level 2 charging generally requires installation of a dedicated circuit and a charging station at your home

(usually in the garage). In this case, the homeowner will be required to obtain a permit from their local jurisdiction. The following table illustrates the charging time associated with the most popular BEVs and PHEVs on the market.

Residential EVSE Permits

The following are submittal requirements to obtain a permit for a typical EVSE residential installation.

¹Adapted from the City of Riverside’s ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER INSTALLATION GUIDELINES and the City of Oceanside’s Residential Electric Vehicle Charger Guidelines

(Note: Jurisdictions may need to modify this list to reflect their specific requirements)

In most cases, homeowners or contractors simply need to submit the documentation outlined above to the local permitting office (usually the building and safety division) for review and permit issuance. PEV owners and contractors are encouraged to check their local jurisdiction’s permitting website to see if this process is available online. If not, they will likely need to visit the permitting office for an over-the-counter review and permit issuance.

If all of the information is provided and the proposal complies with the applicable codes, the review and approval process occurs shortly thereafter. It is important to note that load calculations per California Electrical Code (CEC), Article 220, are required if the existing service panel is rated less than 200 amps. Electrical panel upgrades and electrical wiring must be in conformance with the current edition of the CEC.

Commercial EVSE Permits

Installation of EVSE at commercial locations can be more complex than residential installations and may require additional permits or submittal documentation. The following are considerations for commercial EVSE.

• Zoning Requirements
• Community or Design Guidelines
• Existing Use Permits

• Electrical Source/Metering
• Parking and Signage Requirements
• Permit and Inspection Fees

A simple commercial EVSE installation may have similar permitting requirements as a residential installation with the addition of a tenant improvement electrical permit. A more complex commercial installation may require a modification to an existing use permit or site plan addressing specific community or zoning design criteria. It is important to meet with staff at the jurisdiction’s building department and, if necessary, planning department, to understand fully all of the requirements and fees prior to submitting permits.

Do I need to get my charging station inspected by the permitting jurisdiction?

All jurisdictions in the San Diego region require an inspection of an installed EVSE. When the installation is complete, an inspection of the work is scheduled with the building inspector upon request. Generally, inspections occur less than one week after the request. Typically, the homeowner or property owner (or tenant) needs to be present during the inspection so that the inspector can access the charging station location and review any other electrical or structural change. See the attached EVSE Inspection Checklist, which is designed to serve as a guide for local building inspectors and is endorsed by the National Electrical Contractors Association. A residential checklist used in the cities of Oceanside and San Diego is also included.

How do I install a charging station? Residential Installations

Installing residential EVSE may require changes to the home’s electrical wiring and prompt selecting different utility electricity rates.

• For a step-by-step installation guideline, view the attached Plug-in and Get Ready For more information on PEV charging stations currently available on the market, visit www.GoElectricDrive.com.

Commercial Installations

Commercial EVSE installations are often specific to the location and the proposed use. It is advisable to consult the permitting and/or planning agency before breaking ground.

When installing a home or commercial charging station, property owners are encouraged to choose a local electrical contractor with the proper expertise, information, tools and training for installing EVSE to ensure a high-quality and efficient installation experience. Please reference the wiring methods based on the California Electrical Code attached.

Why would SDG&E need to know about your charging station?

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) needs to accurately track the number of PEV charging stations installed to properly plan for local increases in electricity demand due to vehicle charging. The combined effect of several chargers in the same area could result in overloads on utility secondary wires and transformers.

Therefore, utility notification is an important component of providing safe, reliable electricity to all SDG&E customers.

SDG&E can help businesses understand pricing options and identify potential EVSE rebates and incentives.

Load Level of Residential Charging

SDG&E’s Clean Transportation Program created the figure below that displays the significant load difference of a residential EVSE as compared with typical household appliances. According to SDG&E, a PEV charging at 9.6 kW may double or triple a household’s prior peak load. In addition, PEV owners who notify SDG&E of a residential EVSE installation will learn about their PEV time-of-use (EV TOU) rates that provide a significantly lower electricity cost of for PEV owners who charge at night, when demand is lower.

LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER – SERVICE LOAD CALCULATION

INSTRUCTIONS: Review the list of electrical loads in the table below and check all that exist in the home (don’t forget to include the proposed Level 2 EV Charger). For each item checked, fill-in the corresponding “Watts used” (refer to the “Typical Usage” column for wattage information). Add up all of the numbers that are written in the “Watts Used” column. Write that number in the “Total Watts Used” box at the bottom of the table and proceed to the next page.

(Loads shown are rough estimates; actual loads may vary – for a more precise analysis, use the nameplate ratings for appliances and other loads and consult with a trained electrical professional.)

*Use name plate rating in watts or calculate as: (Ampere rating of circuit X 240 volts = Watts)

INSTRUCTIONS:   Apply the Total Watts Used number from the previous page to the Table below to identify if the Existing Electrical Service Panel is large enough to handle the added electrical load from the proposed Level 2 EV Charger. If your electrical service is NOT large enough, then you will need to install a new upgraded electrical service panel.

Table based on NEC 220.83 (A).

 **Please note that the size of your Existing service MUST be equal to or larger than the Minimum Required Size identified in the Table above or a New Upgraded electrical service panel will need to be installed (separate permit required for new service).

CAUTION: This table is NOT to be used to determine the size of a NEW UPGRADED Electrical Service Panel if your existing panel is too small or overloaded according the Table above. In order to determine the size of a NEW or UPGRADED Service Panel, there is a completely different load calculation methodology that applies. Sizing of a NEW or UPGRADED Electrical Service Panel should only be done by a qualified Electrical Contractor or Electrical Engineer.

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

By my signature, I attest that the information provided is true and accurate.

Job Address:                                                                                                                      

(Print job address)

Signature:                                                                                                                           

(Signature of applicant)                                          (Date)

In addition to this document, you will also need to provide a copy of the manufacturer’s installation literature and specifications for the Level 2 Charger you are installing.

Please note that this is a voluntary compliance alternative and you may wish to hire a qualified individual or company to perform a thorough evaluation of your electrical service capacity in lieu of this alternative methodology. Use of this electrical load calculation estimate methodology and forms is at the user’s risk and carries no implied guarantee of accuracy. Users of this methodology and these forms are advised to seek professional assistance in determining the electrical capacity of a service panel.

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR EV CHARGER INSTALLATIONS:

The Table below illustrates the type and size of wire and conduit to be used for various Electric Vehicle Charger circuits.

***Based on 4 wires in the conduit (2-current carrying conductors, 1-grounded conductor, 1-equipment ground).

 As an alternate, Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (aka: Romex Cable or NMC) may be used if it is protected from physical damage by placing the cable inside a wall cavity or attic space which is separated from the occupied space by drywall or plywood.

The Table below illustrates the required supports for various types of electrical conduit or cable.

In addition to the above noted requirements, the California Electrical Code contains many other provisions that may be applicable to the installation of a new electrical circuit. Installers are cautioned to be aware of all applicable requirements before beginning the installation. For additional information or guidance, consult with the Building and Safety Division staff or a qualified and experienced Electrical Contractor.