EV Ready

Overload Protection

All Flex Series charging stations by default include an overload protection, which stops the charging session within 10 seconds if the current being drawn by your vehicle during a charging session overcomes 25 % of the limit set either by the charger, the EVClosed Electric Vehicle, or the installation.

The charging station won’t stop the charging session if the overload is less than 25 % of the maximum permitted current value set by the charger, the EVClosed Electric Vehicle, or the installation.

Below are some examples of tripping values:

Current and Tripping Values

Maximum permitted current

Tripping value

8 A

10 A

10 A

12.5 A

16 A

20 A

25 A

31.25 A

32 A

40 A

After a few seconds, the Flex Series charging station tries to resume the charging session and it closes its switching contacts. If the overcurrent is again detected, the charging station stops within 10 seconds. This will happen 3 times.

If the overload is reduced within 10 seconds, the charger won’t stop the charging session.

Once an overload error has been detected, the Flex Series charging station won’t allow any charging session anymore. To override the error, please power cycle your Flex Series charging station by switching on/off the upstream breaker. Please allow 1 minute between on/off the breaker to allow the Flex Series charging station to clear the errors.

If the error persists, contact your charger provider.

Each connection point shall be individually protected by a circuit-breaker for overcurrent protection.

The circuit-breaker curve shall be as follows:

  • Curve B or C for single phase charging station and mode 2 installations

  • Curve C for three phase charging station

The design of the distribution of the installation will have to allow the supply of the power corresponding to the gauge of the charging station.

The charging station shall be protected by a circuit-breaker with a gauge:

  • 20 A for a 16 A single or three phase charging station

  • 25 A for a 20 A single or three phase charging station

  • 32 A for a 25 A single or three phase charging station

  • 40 A for a 32 A single or three phase charging station

Welding Detection

All Flex Series charging stations include by default a welded switching contact detection system. In the remote case of the contact switch being welded due to a fault, the Flex Series station detects and change status to “Error”. This fault can only happen after a charging session.

For Flex Series stations with cable attached -
If a welded contact switch has been detected, unplug your EVClosed Electric Vehicle and return the EVClosed Electric Vehicle connector in its holster position. Do not touch the terminals or the front of the EVClosed Electric Vehicle Connector.
For Flex Series stations with socketed outlet - If a welded contact switch has been detected, unplug your EVClosed Electric Vehicle plug from the charger first and then unplug the EVClosed Electric Vehicle connector from your vehicle.

If the Flex Series charging station includes a HUD, the Flex Series charging station displays a message indicating a fault has been detected and won’t allow a charging session to happen anymore

If the Flex Series charging station does not include a frontal HUD, then the charger will display a fault with the frontal cosmetic LED turning red. The charger won’t allow a charging session.

This error cannot be cleared by power cycling the charging station. Please contact your EVClosed Electric Vehicle charger provider for advice.

Surge Protective Devices

Flex Series charging stations include surge protection components according to IEC 62368-1 and other equivalent standards. This protects your Flex Series charging station from common temporary surge events up to 4000 V coming from the electric grid.

According to international standard IEC 60634-7-722 a Surge Protection Device might be needed when an EVClosed Electric Vehicle charger is installed in a new or existing public installation. Other national standards can deviate on the requirements and certified electrical installers will advise on the best procedure depending on the location of the installation.

There are three different types of Surge Protective Devices

  • Type 1 - Installed in the origin of the installation (in the main distribution panel of a building, for example)

  • Type 2 - Installed at downstream cabinets (in a consumer unit, for example)

  • Type 3 - Installed to protect the specific equipment (an electrical appliance, for example)

As a general rule, the Type 3 shall be supported and coordinated by a Type 2.

During the installation, a proper assessment shall be performed to determine if a SPD is necessary. If requested, ChargePoint recommends installing either a Type 2 or a Type2+3 SPD in compliance with IEC 61643-11 or equivalent standard. ChargePoint recommends one SPD per installation, in the upstream cabinet. This should be sufficient to protect one or more Flex Series charging stations.

If the SPD is installed, regular maintenance should be performed. ChargePoint recommends checking the status of the SPD at least once every year. In areas whit frequent thunderstorms, we recommend checking the status of the SPD more often. For more information, talk to your installer about SPDs or check the manual of operation of the SPD.

6 mA DC Leakage Detection

If the 6 mA DC leakage disappears within 10 seconds, the Flex Series charging station won’t trip.

The 6 mA DC leakage detection function is not a safety function of the ev charger and does not remove the necessity to include an upstream Residual Current Device (RCDClosed Residual Current Device) in compliance with IEC 61008 or equivalent, with tripping characteristics at least Type A.

The combination of Type A + the 6 mA DC leakage detections comply with the requirements stipulated in standards such as IEC 61851-1 and IEC 60364 which are the minimum necessary to provide reliability and safety for an EVClosed Electric Vehicle charging installation. It is possible that a national wiring requirement goes beyond and requires a Type B RCDClosed Residual Current Device installed upstream. Please make sure your installer is a certified electrician who can provide the best advice for the installation.