Overview
IEC TS 61851-3-2:2023 sets forth particular requirements for portable and mobile electric vehicle (EV) supply equipment, specifically where safety against electric shock is achieved by double or reinforced insulation. This Technical Specification is an integral part of the IEC 61851 series, focusing on DC EV supply equipment intended for conductive charging, with the following voltage limits:
- Input: maximum 250 V AC
- Output: maximum 120 V DC
The standard targets portable and mobile direct residual insulation (DRI) EV supply equipment, and mandates double or reinforced insulation across all AC and DC inputs and outputs. It supplements the general requirements of IEC 60335-2-29 and IEC 60335-1, outlining essential safety, construction, and operational parameters for manufacturers and users of EV charging technology.
Key Topics
IEC TS 61851-3-2:2023 covers several critical aspects for portable and mobile EV charging devices:
- Scope and Applicability: Defines requirements for voltage converter units (VCUs) as integral components of portable and mobile DC EV chargers.
- Electrical Safety: Mandates double or reinforced insulation for all electrical interfaces, ensuring protection against electric shock.
- Voltage and Current Ratings: Sets maximum permissible input and output voltages for equipment covered under this standard.
- Protection and Durability:
- Requirements for protection against access to live parts (consistent with class II appliances).
- Ingress protection: At least IPX5 for resistance against water, boosting safety in outdoor and varied operating environments.
- Requirements for leakage current, electric strength, and mechanical strength.
- Construction and Marking: Instructions for product marking, supply connection, cord requirements, and compatibility with connectors and plugs per relevant IEC standards.
- Testing and Performance: Specifies type tests and compliance verification according to referenced standards, ensuring ongoing electrical and mechanical reliability of portable DC EV supply equipment.
Applications
Adherence to IEC TS 61851-3-2:2023 delivers significant benefits across the electric mobility ecosystem, including:
- Mobile and Portable EV Chargers: Applies to EV supply devices designed for non-permanent installations, such as mobile units for roadside assistance, fleet depots, or emergency charging scenarios.
- Safe EV Charging: Enhances user confidence and public safety by requiring stringent electrical insulation and ingress protection, as well as robustness against mechanical hazards.
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Supports the safe transfer of electric power from varying supply networks to electric vehicles, aligning with the evolving needs of mobile EV charging in residential, commercial, and transit settings.
- Compliance for Manufacturers: Provides clear benchmarks for equipment design, construction, marking, and conformity to facilitate international market access and regulatory approval.
Related Standards
IEC TS 61851-3-2:2023 is closely aligned with several other international standards critical to electric vehicle charging systems, including:
- IEC 60335-2-29: Safety requirements for battery chargers - fundamental for the construction and testing of EV charging equipment.
- IEC 60335-1: General safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances.
- IEC 60529: Degree of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) - referenced for assessing ingress protection.
- IEC TS 61851-3-1: General rules and requirements for stationary DC EV supply equipment using double/reinforced insulation.
- IEC TS 62196-4: Requirements for connectors and vehicle inlets used in conductive charging.
- ISO 18246: Addresses electric vehicle safety with respect to protection against electric shock.
By following IEC TS 61851-3-2:2023, stakeholders ensure safe, resilient, and interoperable portable and mobile DC EV charging equipment, supporting the global expansion of electric mobility infrastructure.