Do I need a GFCI Circuit Breaker for EV Charging?

In this video, Chris installs a new circuit breaker to comply with the 2020 National Electric Code that now requires GFCI protection for 250-volt outlets, which are typically used for EV charging.

If you can't find the correct breaker on Amazon, try a local home center or electrical supply store.

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[TechnicalLee]

I think viewers should know that most states have actually exempted that part of the 2020 NEC when they adopted it. GFCI is actually not required for 240V outlets in the vast majority of states. Check your local code modifications, each state makes their own modifications to the NEC. Most inspectors will not give you trouble over it. Also many EVSE manufacturers do not recommend using a GFCI outlet due to phantom tripping. The EVSE has built in GFCI, having it in the breaker is redundant. You don't really need it unless you are worried about getting a shock plugging in, just flip the breaker off first if that is the case. I would only recommend putting a GFCI on a 240V outlet outside in the rain, inside a garage really isn't necessary.

[ubermenschen]

@8:58, I’m glad you bought and installed a defective GFCI. In this video You were able to contrast the behavior of a defective GFCI versus a normal GFCI. It’s a God-sent bonus.

[avlisk]

My first 240v/50 amp circuit installation. I was going to spend $20 on a breaker, but after this, I'm going to spend $120 on that breaker. Thanks for this video so I could do the job correctly!

[leonfulcher]

Not complaining at all. You do a great job with your video’s. I do think it should be mentioned that anyone installing the hardwired Tesla wall charger should NOT install a GFCI breaker because the Tesla unit already includes a built-in GFCI. See Tesla wall charger instructions. Stringing GFCI’s will cause them to trip.

The other point is that no matter how hard you tighten a screw on a wire, the wire will quite often loosen if the wire is wiggled, or after it has been used and the temperature has changed significantly. Once the screw has been torqued down, wiggly it and it will quite often pull out. At least re torque it once or twice after wiggling the wire.

[aaronmcdaniel]

Also, its funny I was just thinking about doing a video about Nema 14-50 vs 6-50 vs hardwired. It is so hard out here in California with all of the regulation. I work with 13 different jurisdictions and it seems like everyone of them interprets the code a little different. Hardwiring the charger to me is the best way to go because it eliminates a connection point (the plug) and every connection point is a potential for failure, however out here some inspectors require stricter regulation on a "permanently " installed charger versus a cord and plug connected device. Lots to think about. You explained everything very clearly. Thanks for the inspiration.

[x-ev]

This is going to be a mess going forward. I install EVSEs as a licensed electrician. First, I do not like to do outlets and try to talk customers into hardwire. In preparation for an outlet install, I asked one of my inspectors about this Code change. At first, he said yes I need a GFCI breaker but after talking with the chief inspector it was determined that our state had not adopted that change yet. On top of that, some manufacturers like Tesla will state in the manual to not use a GFCI breaker probably because of nuisance tripping. The industry has a ways to go with getting it right.

[jamesculotta]

That is the correct way, As a Houston Tx master electrician HMEL. I aways install a GFCI plus pull permits to cover our company .

[edrumsas]

Great info. I always thought I was the only one that got the defective part straight out of the box. Thanks for keeping this real. Cheers

[aaronmcdaniel]

Great video. I live in California and we havn't adopted the 2020 code. I think we will adopt it later this year under the California title 24 rules. There is a lot of regulation. I wish all of the panels I had to work in were as nice as yours, that is so spacious. Thanks for sharing.

[macsterguy]

Nothing like a defective safety device… Makes you wonder how many of those have been installed. Great video!

[danielgoertzen]

Canadian code is a bit looser at the moment, only requiring GFCIs for outdoor plugs. (CEC 2021, 86-306 "Receptacles for electric vehicle supply equipment")

[herbiesnerd]

Great video. Don’t forget to torque your breaker lugs. It’s also a code requirement.

[AJs]

Wow! This video has exactly what i am looking for! Very good one, Thank you. Now i understand why i need a GFCI breaker but a friend of mine who has tesla wall charger does not need one!

[vinsonhelton]

I just had a 50 amp breaker and dedicated circuit ran to my garage and inspected. The electrician said the juice box has a gfci and doesn't have to add one. The inspector passed it. It is not hard wired

[aipx]

One of the functions of the EVSE (or Tesla wall charger or portable EVSE) is that it has a built in EVSE. The EVSE will look for a 20ma imbalance and the spec for a breaker's GFCI is 5ma.

[andyallen]

Many states adapted NEC 2020 except for 210.8(a) which requires GFCI for 240V outlet. For example, Georgia amended 210.8(a) as “All 125-volt receptacles installed locations installed through…”. They removed 250-volt terms.

This is because it’s not only unrealistic but also hard to buy 50A gfci breaker for older main panels. Manufacturers do not make 50A gfci breaker for older panel. It’s a Good news.

[KevinCoop]

Nicely done video. You did mostly a great job. If I may be allowed, I have a few comments. 1. As others noted, you are only required to do what is the current adopted electrical code, not the current published code. 2. It is obvious that the outlet below the panel was added after the original inspection. If you installed it, surely you got a permit (as you stated would be required) and it was installed, inspected, and approved under the 2017 code. Therefore GFCI was not required. 3. Standard breakers are designed for overcurrent and short circuit. GFCI is not for short circuit as stated in the video. If your two hots went short circuit, the breaker would trip it, not the GFCI. GFCI is for when current goes out and a small amount is going to a grounded object. Like a human standing on concrete with no shoes. It is set to trip at 5 milliamps.

[vudunof]

Thanks for this vid.. I’m using a Nema 6-50R in my garage to recharge a solar/battery backup unit & I need to replace the standard 50A breaker to a GFCI breaker. And, yes, the 6-50 only has 2 hots & a ground. So now I know I don’t have to worry about what to do with the middle breaker wire connector.

[petercampbell]

The pigtail coils should be straigtened out to minimize inductace in that leg.

[rogerserafin]

Thank you for the video. I just ordered one to replace my standard 50A breaker.