JET Charge EV Charger Installation Guidelines

Only licensed electricians can install EV chargers (Mode 3 or Mode 4 EVSE), just like installing power points or other fixed electrical equipment.
There are no extra qualifications needed for licensed electricians to install EVSE, unlike solar installations which require additional certifications.

Consumers can use portable EV chargers (Mode 2, IC-CPD cables) that plug into standard power points without needing to be licensed.

Electrical safety legislation in Australia refers to both Australian Standards and jurisdiction-specific Service and Installation Rules.
Key standard : AS/NZS3000:2018 (Wiring Rules) mandates requirements for EVSE installation, including circuit breakers, RCDs, cable sizing, and protection against mechanical damage.
Informative sections in AS/NZS3000:2018, like Appendix P, offer guidance on installing EV chargers. While not mandatory, Appendix P is recommended unless there's a valid reason to deviate.
Service and Installation Rules vary by state and territory, and compliance with these rules is mandatory.

In most areas, Service and Installation Rules (SIRs) set limits on the maximum single-phase load that can be installed, focusing on load management and control.
In Victoria, NSW, and Tasmania , 32A single-phase EVSE (7.4kW) is allowed.
In ACT and NT , EVSE is limited to 25A (5.7kW).
In SA, QLD, and WA , it’s limited to 20A (4.6kW).
Exceptions exist, such as South Australia's "smart apply" process and Queensland’s controlled load circuits.
The EVC advocates for harmonizing these rules across all states to allow 32A EVSE installations nationwide.

Dedicated circuits

Section P3 of AS/NZS3000:2018 requires a dedicated circuit for each EV connection point.
The EVC doesn't fully support this, as many EVSEs can support more than one connection point.
EVC’s position is that a dedicated circuit should be provided for the EVSE itself, with no other appliances or outlets connected to the same circuit.

Residual current devices (RCDs) , also known as safety switches, protect against electric shocks by monitoring circuit current and cutting power quickly in dangerous situations (e.g., a person touching a live wire).
RCDs are mandatory in domestic wiring to protect both consumers and workers (e.g., in roof spaces).
RCDs are often combined with circuit breakers into a single unit, known as an RCBO , which is installed in the switchboard.

The minimum requirement for RCDs in domestic installations has been upgraded to type A , offering more protection than the older type AC.
For EVSE circuits, type A RCDs are allowed if the EVSE can disconnect the supply for DC fault currents above 6mA. If not, a type B RCD is required, which is larger and more expensive.
AS/NZS3000:2018 (P4.1) requires RCDs to disconnect all live conductors, affecting equipment choice.
Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for further guidance.

RCDs are required in domestic installations. In commercial/industrial setups, RCDs are necessary for electrical installations like socket outlets up to 32A but aren't specifically required for EV chargers.
The EVC’s position is that AC (Mode 3) EVSE should have RCD protection, similar to 32A socket outlets, while DC (Mode 4) EVSE doesn’t need RCDs unless the manufacturer specifies it.
Always follow the EVSE installation manual—if it calls for RCD protection, it's required.

In addition to RCDs, EV charger circuits require protection from overload and short circuits, achieved using a circuit breaker .
Manufacturer instructions specify the required current level and trip curve for the circuit breaker.
Installers can use a combination of devices like an MCB and RCCB or an RCBO for both RCD and overload protection.
Appendix P's requirement to disconnect all live conductors generally means 2-pole devices for single-phase and 4-pole devices for three-phase installations.

AS/NZS3000:2018 does not mandate isolation switches at EV charging points.
The need for an isolation switch depends on the installation.
- In domestic settings (e.g., a garage near the switchboard), the upstream RCBO can serve as the isolation point.
- In commercial setups , where the switchboard is far from the charger, installing an isolation switch near the EVSE is advisable, similar to air conditioning systems.
Future updates to AS/NZS3000 may clarify this further.

Section 2.3.3 requires that every electrical installation, including EVSE, be controlled by a main switch or switches located on the main switchboard.
Main switches must be readily accessible and positioned no more than two meters above the ground or floor, except for certain exceptions outlined in the standard.

AS/NZS3008 covers the sizing of cables for EVSE installations, ensuring cables can handle the load without overheating.
Cable sizing depends on factors like current, distance, and installation conditions.
For domestic EVSE installations of 32A, a 6mm² cross-sectional area cable is typically sufficient.

Section 3.2.2.6 of AS/NZS3000:2018 emphasises selecting and installing wiring systems to minimise mechanical damage, as guided by Appendix H .
WSX3 standards for car parks, public areas, and driveways require medium-duty cable protection, typically using 2 mm sheet steel and supporting cables at intervals of 100 mm.
Section P3 highlights mechanical protection for outdoor EVSE installations, specifying IP44 or higher protection and IK07 impact protection for public sites.
Mechanical protection methods like bollards and wheel stops are recommended to protect EVSE from vehicle impact.

Maximum demand is the peak electrical load, covered in Section 2.2.2 of AS/NZS3000:2018 .
It helps size cables and circuit protection equipment for EVSE installations.
For standalone homes , refer to this guideline , covering Method A (calculation) and Method D (limitation) .
For complex installations , Method B (assessment) and Method C (measurement) are more suitable.
EVC will provide further guidance on this topic in the future.

Due to operating and environmental conditions, electrical equipment, including EVSE, may suffer damage or degradation from:
- Mechanical impact
- Corrosion
- Heat
- Moisture
Section P7 of AS/NZS3000:2018 recommends for publicly available EV charging stations:
- Weekly inspections to identify:
  - Visible damage that may impair safety
  - Operational faults or errors