IEC 61851-1:2017

Overview

IEC 61851-1:2017 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the general requirements for electric vehicle (EV) conductive charging systems. It applies to EV supply equipment designed for charging electric road vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), with rated supply voltages up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC. This third edition replaces the 2010 version and includes significant technical revisions, consolidating key requirements for EV charging safety, interfaces, classifications, and functionality.

The standard defines characteristics and operating conditions for EV supply equipment, outlines connection specifications between the supply equipment and electric vehicles, and establishes stringent electrical safety requirements. By ensuring interoperability and safety, IEC 61851-1:2017 supports the expanding market of electric vehicles and infrastructure deployment worldwide.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  IEC 61851-1:2017 covers conductive charging systems for electric road vehicles, including PHEVs, and applies to equipment with input and output voltages up to 1,000 V AC and 1,500 V DC. It defines classifications, test requirements, and performance criteria for EV supply equipment.

• Classification of EV Supply Equipment
  The standard introduces classifications based on power supply input and output characteristics, environmental conditions, mounting methods, and protection levels. This helps manufacturers design compliant charging equipment for diverse installation scenarios.

• Charging Modes
  The document specifies four charging modes:

  • Mode 1: Basic charging from a standard household socket without communication.
  • Mode 2: Charging with additional protective measures and basic communication.
  • Mode 3: Dedicated EV supply equipment with advanced communication and control.
  • Mode 4: DC fast charging with dedicated charging stations and communication protocols.

• Electrical Safety and Protection
  Key requirements include protection against electric shock, residual current protective devices, isolation, and controlled disconnection. The standard also covers protection for cabling, adaptors, and automatic reclosing of protective devices to ensure safe operation.

• Communication Requirements
  IEC 61851-1 outlines digital communication protocols between EV supply equipment and vehicles, as well as communication with management systems, ensuring compatibility and enabling intelligent charging functions.

• Construction and Testing
  Specifications on mechanical and electrical construction, environmental protection (IP ratings), insulation, dielectric withstand, temperature rise, and mechanical strength are provided. The standard requires thorough testing to validate compliance and durability under various conditions.

• Marking and Documentation
  The standard mandates clear equipment labeling, including electrical ratings and temperature markings, alongside installation and user manuals aligned with fixed installation standards for user safety and proper operation.

Applications

• EV Charging Station Manufacturing
  Manufacturers of charging stations and EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) rely on IEC 61851-1:2017 to design safe, interoperable, and compliant products suitable for residential, commercial, and public charging infrastructure.

• Vehicle Manufacturer Compliance
  Car makers use the standard to ensure the connectivity and charging compatibility of their vehicles with standardized EVSE, supporting various charging modes and interface types.

• Infrastructure Deployment
  Utilities and infrastructure providers apply IEC 61851-1 guidelines to implement electrical supply systems capable of safely delivering power to EVs, supporting grid integration and load management.

• Policy and Regulation Development
  Regulatory agencies reference this standard to create safety and technical regulations governing EV charging equipment, contributing to market harmonization and consumer protection.

• Safety Assessments and Certifications
  Independent testing labs and certification bodies use IEC 61851-1 as a benchmark for evaluating EV charging products’ conformity to international safety and performance criteria.

Related Standards

• IEC 61851-22 - Initially distinct, its requirements have been integrated into this document, covering DC charging specifics now consolidated in IEC 61851-1.

• IEC 62752 - Covers in-cable control and protection devices for mode 2 charging, complementary to IEC 61851-1’s broader charging equipment scope.

• IEC 61851-23 and IEC 61851-24 - Address detailed aspects of DC charging modes, referenced for accessory and interface requirements.

• IEC 62196 Series - Defines dimensional and performance requirements for charging connectors and vehicle inlets, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility.

• IEC 61851-21-2 - Planned future updates will migrate Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements to this standard.

Conclusion

IEC 61851-1:2017 serves as a foundational standard for electric vehicle conductive charging systems, emphasizing safety, interoperability, and quality. Its comprehensive guidelines enable manufacturers and stakeholders to develop charging solutions that meet stringent international requirements, advancing the adoption of electric mobility worldwide. Key keywords for this standard include EV charging standard, electric vehicle supply equipment, conductive charging, charging modes, and charging safety requirements.