UL 2594 – Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

Standard: ANSI/UL 2594 Standard for Safety: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, harmonized to CAN/CSA C22.2 No.280 for Canada and NMX-J-677-ANCE for Mexico.

Scope: UL 2594 outlines safety requirements for equipment that supplies power to electric vehicles (EVs) with on-board charging units. This standard applies to EVSE rated up to 1000 V AC, operating at 50 or 60 Hz, and is essential for ensuring safe and reliable charging infrastructure.

Applicable Products: This standard applies to Level 1 and Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), equipment intended for residential, commercial, and public charging, and units that provide power to EVs via conductive connection. The standard addresses electrical safety, fire hazards, and mechanical durability, ensuring that EVSE products meet rigorous performance and reliability benchmarks.

UL 2594 outline covers electric vehicle (EV) supply equipment, rated a maximum of 250 V ac, with a frequency of 60 Hz, and intended to provide power to an electric vehicle with an on-board charging unit.

Wall Mount Charge Station for Homeowners
Connected to 240VAC 60Hz source for high amperage charging

Travel Cordset Charge Station for Homeowners
Connects to 120VAC 60Hz source for lower amperage charging

Municipal Charging Station
Connected to either 120VAC 60Hz or 240VAC 60 Hz sources for public, fee-based charging; May incorporate an I/O port for memory storage/recording data

Procedure: UL 2594, outlines a comprehensive suite of testing protocols and requirements designed to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of DC charging equipment for electric vehicles. These are critical for verifying compliance and protecting users, vehicles, and infrastructure.

• Construction: This provides requirements for key aspects of the device from the frame and enclosure to mounting to internal wiring. Critical safety components include:
  • CCID (Charge Current Interrupt Device): Similar to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), but specific to EVSE applications, must comply with ANSI/UL 2231-1 and UL 2231-2: Personnel Protection Systems for Electric Vehicle (EV) Supply Circuits (also harmonized to CSA-C22.2 No. 281.1/.2 for Canada and NMX-J-668-1/2-ANCE for Mexico)
  • EV Coupler: The interface from the EVSE to the vehicle must comply with ANSI/UL 2251: Plugs, Receptacles, and Couplers for Electric Vehicles (also harmonized to CSA-C22.2 No. 282 for Canada and NMX-J-678 for Mexico)
• Protection of Users Against Injury: Means shall be provided to reduce risk when the operation and maintenance of a unit by the user involves a risk to injury or electric shock.
• Performance Tests: Test such as Leakage current, Abnormal use, Grounding, ect.
• Marking: Safety markings are tested for visibility, durability, and accuracy.

End Result: As the EV market expands, ensuring compliance with UL 2594 is critical for manufacturers and suppliers of EVSE. This standard supports safe, efficient, and interoperable charging infrastructure across North America.

Test Lab Locations: Plymouth MI USA, Kaufbeuren Germany and Greater China