Swedish electrical standard for wallboxes and charging stations
In the spring of 2023, Svensk Elstandard released information about installation rules: SEK Handbook 444. This handbook includes some important details that you, as a reseller and installer of wallboxes and charging stations, should know about, such as those concerning the choice of residual current device (RCD). With the GARO charging stations and wallboxes in the GARO Entity series, you need not choose an RCD as each of these products is already equipped with one. In the text below, we explain what the standard says and what it entails.
Installation rules regarding the choice of residual current device
Residual current devices protecting each connection point as per section 722.411.3.3 must have DC immunity equivalent to at least Type A and a maximum rated tripping current of 30 mA.
Electric vehicle charging outlets should be protected with RCDs as per the requirements applicable to charging stations set out in EN IEC 61851-1. Electric vehicle charging stations equipped with an outlet or connector for electric vehicles as per the EN 62196 series must incorporate protection against DC current faults, except where such protection is integrated with the charging station.
The following protection shall be provided for each connection point:
- A Type B residual current device; or
- A Type A residual current device combined with a residual direct current detecting device (RDC-DD) as per IEC 62955; or
- A Type F residual current device combined with a residual direct current detecting device (RDC-DD) as per IEC 62955.
Any residual current device must comply with one of the following standards: SS-EN 61008-1, SS-EN 61009-1, SS-EN 60947-2 or SS-EN 62423.
Note – Section 722.531.2.3.4.101 does not apply to connection points with other means of electric shock protection, such as SELV or galvanic separation.
Source: SEK Handbook 444.
Section 81.2 of IEC 62955 states that an all-pole mechanical breaker is required even for DC protection.
What does this mean?
- A wallbox or charging station with an integrated all-pole mechanical breaker meets the new standard without additional protection in the event of not only AC faults, but also DC faults.
- GARO never compromises when it comes to electrical safety. All GARO Entity wallboxes and GARO charging stations meet the new requirements without the need for additional protection for each connection point. The GLB series is available in several variants, refer to the manual for correct installation.
- A wallbox or charging station without such integrated protection needs to be supplemented with one of the above protective devices.
- A wallbox that does not comply with IEC 62955 due to, for example, a non-all-pole mechanical DC breaker requires a supplementary Type B residual current device.
- A wallbox equipped with DC protection compliant with IEC 62955, such as an all-pole mechanical DC breaker, but no integrated residual current device needs to be supplemented with a Type A or F RCD.
- Each charging outlet needs individual protection, that is, a wallbox with two charging outlets needs two of the protective devices described above.
As an electrician or installer, how can I check what protection a wallbox or charging station has?
- Do not be afraid to open the wallbox/charging station to check whether it contains an all-pole mechanical breaker. If it does not contain one, a separate Type B residual current device needs to be installed for each individual charging outlet.
- If you are unsure whether the wallbox complies with IEC 62955, request a comprehensive certificate or an excerpt from the test report from the supplier.
If you would like to read the entire handbook (Swedish only), it is available to order from Svensk Elstandard.