Overview
IEC PAS 61851-1-1:2023 - Electric vehicle conductive charging system, Part 1-1 - defines specific requirements for AC EV supply equipment using the type 4 vehicle coupler. Intended to be read alongside IEC 61851-1:2017, this Publicly Available Specification covers AC charging systems with rated supply and output voltages up to 1 000 V AC and addresses charging in Mode 2 and Mode 3, case C. The PAS documents control, safety and interface requirements for a Chinese-origin AC connector architecture that is widely deployed in China and other markets.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Conductive electrical interface: Functional description of the basic interface adapted for type 4 couplers, including proximity contact (PP, also called CC in some countries).
- Control pilot: Normative guidance on the control pilot function using a PWM signal and a dedicated pilot conductor (Annex A), including provisions specific to simplified control pilot circuits.
- Proximity detection & cable current coding: Normative circuits and examples for proximity switching and resistor-based current coding on the proximity circuit (Annex B). The PAS includes component examples for coding different cable current capabilities used with type 4 systems.
- Construction, protection & testing: Applies the constructional, overload/short‑circuit protection, automatic reclosing and marking requirements of IEC 61851-1:2017, with additions and clarifications where applicable.
- Mode and country notes: Nationally noted limits (e.g., in CN the rated EVSE output current is limited to 32 A single-phase and 63 A three-phase; simplified pilot circuits limited to single-phase charging not exceeding 8 A in CN).
Practical applications
- Standardizes the interface and safety behavior for EV supply equipment (EVSE), vehicle inlets and connectors that use the type 4 vehicle coupler for AC conductive charging.
- Useful for manufacturers of EVSE, vehicle connector suppliers, cable-assembly producers, test laboratories and safety assessors to ensure compatibility and safe operation across vehicle and charging equipment.
- Helps integrators and infrastructure planners deploying charging stations in regions using the Chinese AC charging ecosystem to align equipment with IEC practice.
Who should use this standard
- EVSE designers and manufacturers
- Automotive OEM electrical teams (inlet/connector integration)
- Cable and accessory manufacturers (proximity and coding circuits)
- Certification bodies and test labs working on EV charging conformity
- Charging network operators and infrastructure specifiers
Related standards
- IEC 61851-1:2017 (conductive charging general requirements) - this PAS supplements and modifies clauses of IEC 61851-1.
- IEC 62196 series (plugs, socket‑outlets, vehicle connectors) - type 4 is under consideration within IEC 62196‑2 work.
Keywords: IEC PAS 61851-1-1:2023, type 4 vehicle coupler, electric vehicle conductive charging system, EV supply equipment, control pilot, proximity detection, cable current coding, Mode 3 case C.