Is your workplace ready for EVs?

As electric vehicles gain popularity, employers may be thinking of making the switch. If your facility is considering installing EV charging stations, the Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends a site assessment conducted by a trained and qualified electrician. The electrician who assesses your site should:

• Check that your site has the right electrical capacity to charge EVs.
• Ensure you have enough space for an EV charger.
• Make sure the charger and charging cords you plan to use are certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
• See if you have adequate ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection to avoid electric shocks.

After you’re given the go-ahead and your charger has been installed, keep these ESFI safety tips top of mind:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging EVs.
• Properly store charging cables to avoid damage that could lead to electric shocks and fires.
• Cover EV charging stations to avoid water damage. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for more information.
• Properly maintain EV chargers, and never use one that’s damaged.
• Avoid vehicle contact with chargers.