Installation & Physical Requirements
Mounting heights, cord lengths, working clearance, conduit terminations, weather protection, impact protection, and seismic anchoring.
- Identify mounting height and working clearance requirements for EVSE
- Explain cord length limits and in-use cover requirements
- Describe conduit termination and impact protection best practices
- State seismic and environmental requirements for EVSE installations
- Apply NEC 625.54 floor mounting requirements
Lesson 1
Mounting Heights & Working Clearance
EVSE Mounting Height
Indoor cord-and-plug EVSE mounting height must allow the driver to comfortably connect and disconnect the charging cable while keeping the unit accessible for inspection and maintenance. The EVSE manufacturer's installation instructions specify the recommended mounting height range, and NEC 110.3(B) requires following those instructions.
For wall-mounted EVSE, the connector holster and controls are typically positioned at 42 to 48 inches above the floor, similar to a standard electrical receptacle or switch height that accommodates standing users.
Working Clearance
NEC 110.26 requires minimum working clearance in front of electrical equipment. For equipment operating at 0 - 150V to ground (most 240V EVSE is 120V to ground), the minimum clearance is 36 inches deep and 30 inches wide (or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater). This clearance must be maintained clear of storage, vehicles, and obstructions to allow safe access for inspection, maintenance, and operation.
EVSE Location Relative to Vehicle
The EVSE should be located where the charging cable can comfortably reach the vehicle's charge port without excessive stretching, tripping hazards, or interference with pedestrian pathways. The cable should not cross traffic lanes or walkways.
Mount EVSE at the manufacturer's recommended height (typically 42 - 48 inches). Maintain minimum working clearance of 36 inches deep by 30 inches wide per NEC 110.26. Position the EVSE where the cable reaches the vehicle without creating tripping hazards.