EVSE Receptacles

Level 1 (120V) Receptacles

120V receptacles for the purpose of EV charging must be on at least a 20A circuit with a 5-20R (T-slot) receptacle. If this 5-20R receptacle is outdoor within 2.5m of finished grade, it must be protected by GFCI.

Level 2 (240V) Receptacles

240V receptacles for the purpose of EV charging generally do not require to be GFCI protected, even when outdoors.

For all EV receptacles, the circuit must match the receptacle rating. For example, a typical level 2 charging receptacle of NEMA 14-50R is rated at 50A, so the circuit (breaker and wire) must be 50A as well. (Note: the CEC has an exception for an electric range in a kitchen, but that does not apply to EV receptacles. ESA used to allow it under certain conditions, but are no longer)

Additional Information/References

CEC: 86-306 Receptacles for electric vehicle supply equipment
1) Each receptacle for the purpose of electric vehicle charging shall be labelled in a conspicuous, legible, and permanent manner, identifying it as an electric vehicle supply equipment receptacle and shall be
a) a single receptacle of CSA configuration 5-20R supplied from a 125 V branch circuit rated not less than 20 A; or
b) of the appropriate CSA configuration in accordance with Diagram 1 or 2 when supplied from a branch circuit rated at more than 125 V or more than 20 A.
2) When the receptacle referred to in Subrule 1) a) is installed outdoors and within 2.5 m of finished grade, it shall be protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type.

CEC: 26-700 General
2) Except as provided for by other Rules of this Code, receptacles having configurations in accordance with Diagrams 1 and 2 shall be connected only to circuits having a nominal system voltage and ampere rating corresponding to the rating of the configurations.