Quick Hits

🎬 NEC 2026 ARTICLE 625 SERIES

PART 3 — BRANCH CIRCUITS & LOADS

NEC 625.40–625.42 ⚡

Why EV Chargers Need Dedicated Power

JoshTheSparky.com · Josh The Sparky · joshthesparky4

⚡ OPENING HOOK

An EV charger isn't just another outlet...

It’s a long-duration electrical load that needs its own rules. ⚠️

🧠 CORE IDEA

⚡ NEC 625.40–625.42 covers the branch-circuit requirements and equipment ratings for electric vehicle charging systems.

EV charging equipment requires proper sizing because it can operate for hours at high current.

This means:

⚡ Dedicated branch circuits
⚡ Continuous load calculations
⚡ Proper equipment ratings

⚡ CODE CONNECTION

NEC 625.40 — Dedicated Branch Circuit

EV charging equipment must be supplied by a dedicated branch circuit.

❌ No sharing with:

• Lighting

• General receptacles

• Other appliances

NEC 625.41 — Continuous Load

EV charging is treated as a continuous load because it can operate for long periods.

✔ Continuous loads are calculated at 125% for conductor and overcurrent protection sizing.

Example:

🔌 40A EVSE
⬇️
⚡ 50A minimum circuit sizing

NEC 625.42 — Equipment Rating

EV equipment must match:

✔ Voltage requirements
✔ Current requirements
✔ Equipment rating

Incorrect sizing can lead to overheating and Code violations.

📌 CORE TAKEAWAY

⚡ EV chargers need dedicated circuits.

⚡ Long charging times make them continuous loads.

⚡ Proper sizing protects conductors and equipment.

⚡ FINAL LINE

An EV charger may look like an outlet...

But electrically, it works like a serious continuous load. ⚡

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