Outdoor EV Charger Enclosures: Do You Need Them?

If you plan to charge your electric vehicle fleet in an uncovered parking lot, must you invest in outdoor EV charger enclosures? The simple answer is no: Just choose chargers that carry a NEMA 3R rating (or higher), which certifies outer casings for safe outdoor use.

The more complex answer, however, is that it depends on what you mean by “outdoor EV charger enclosure.” Here, consumers typically mean one of two things: 

• The “enclosure” could refer to the EV charger’s casing, the (typically) plastic exterior that contains and protects internal electronics. These enclosures are installed by the manufacturer, and may be rated for indoor or outdoor use (or both). 
• There are also lots of aftermarket products labeled “EV charger enclosures” available. These typically consist of a waterproof, dustproof box that surrounds the charger and charging cable. Many of them feature locks to prevent unwanted access. 

Of course, this latter design will slow down drivers looking for a quick charge at the end of a shift. These enclosures also represent an additional cost for EV charging networks — as well as more installation complexity, which also increases the upfront costs of going electric.  

The basic takeaway here is that it’s the charger itself that should be weatherproof, not necessarily an aftermarket enclosure. But there are also some details that complicate this simple advice. Here’s what EV fleet owners need to know about how to protect EV charging equipment in outdoor charging installations. 

Protecting EV Charging Equipment in Outdoor Charging Stations

The National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70, devotes a whole chapter to “Electric Vehicle Power Transfer Systems” — that is, EV charging equipment. It clearly requires enclosures for EV chargers in one context. 

Code 625.56 of the NEC concerns “Receptacle Enclosures.” It requires electrical receptacles in places that might get wet to include a weatherproof enclosure, potentially including an outlet box hood that’s certified “extra duty.” 

These receptacles aren’t part of the EV charger itself, however; they’re the external components of the electrical outlet into which you plug that EV charger. In other words, if you’re installing a 240V circuit to power a Level 2 EV charger, and it includes a 240V outlet, that outlet would need a weatherproof enclosure. But, again, the EV charger itself would not — provided it carries the appropriate NEMA 3R (or higher) rating.

Do Outdoor Charger Cables Need Weatherproof Enclosures? 

The NEC code 625.17 (B) lists the types of EV charging cables that electricians should use in any installation. These include types EV, EVJ, EVE, EVJE, EVT, and EVJT. All of these cable types are certified for use in wet locations. 

That means your EV charging cable should be fine outdoors, with or without a special storage box. In fact, in the interest of simplifying the charging process, you might not want to add additional barriers like boxes. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can leave EV charging cables lying on the ground. Here’s what you really need to protect EV charging equipment in an outdoor charging station. 

EV Charging Station Equipment for Outdoor Use

All outdoor charging infrastructure should be designed to withstand the weather. With that in mind, you need at least three things to ensure long service life from outdoor EV charging equipment: 

• EV Charger Pedestals. All outdoor EV chargers must be stored at least 24 inches (600 millimeters) above ground height, says NEC code 625.102 (B). Charger stands fulfill this requirement, while ensuring convenient access to connectors. 
• EV Charger Cable Retractors. Unrestrained cables are vulnerable. Vehicles can run them over. They can twist and kink, leading to damage. They also create tripping hazards for pedestrians. Cable management tools like weather-resistant retractors are the solution.    
• Structural Bollards. Even a light impact from an electric delivery van could destroy an expensive charger. Prevent this outcome by installing barriers around your EV Charger Pedestals.

Save time during installation with EV Charger Pedestal and Cable Management Kits, which combine an outdoor-safe charger stand with EV Charger Cable Retractors. These units store one or two Level 2 EV chargers, and occupy a compact footprint, making them ideal for high-volume charging needs at fleet depots. 

So while you may not need aftermarket outdoor EV charger enclosures, every EV fleet owner will benefit from weather-resistant EV Charger Handling Equipment from BHS, Inc. Contact our sales team at 1.800.247.9500 to learn more.