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Derragon t1_ir3ruzu wrote

BC electrician here.

If it's 6/3 It's most likely aluminum but if it's copper that's awesome (just not as common as the aluminum is way cheaper). I do not recommend downsizing the wire for the last two feet, get the same gauge if you need to extend it (or don't extend it at all - EVs have very high extended loads and splices aren't great for that).

You will need to validate the breaker is GFI equipped (rule 86-306). You will also need to install a disconnect for a 240V charger (rule 86-304) that is within sight of the charger - this would be the place to make a junction.

As a reminder an EV charging circuit cannot be used for anything else apart from ventilation (rule 86-300), which will be necessary per rule 26-506.

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Loon610 OP t1_ir3ut8e wrote

Thanks this is great info since you’re from BC. It is copper wire.

Couple questions. I’d like to keep as much in the garage as possible to keep the outside looking tidy, the setup is basically a garage next to a carport, same size and direction just a wall between them, on the opposite wall where the charger will go in the garage is the main service panel.

If the charger has a GFCI and is hardwired, I still need to wire in another GFCI, I know this is the case with the use of a plug and receptacle because who knows what someone will plug in, but I thought I could avoid this by hardwiring to ensure non gfci equipment are not used.

If I did wire the charger so it is mounted in the garage where the service panel is would the breaker on the panel count as disconnect within sight? I thought about this option to keep it out of sight/tidy and prevent theft. But with this case would any codes be violated if I passed the charger to vehicle cable through the wall dividing the garage and carport, so the only thing on the exterior is the vehicle charging lead with the controller on the inside of the garage.

Thanks again for the help, thanks for citing the rules, it’s very helpful, much appreciated.

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Derragon t1_ir3xmc7 wrote

There still needs to be GFCI separate from the charger itself to cut power in case it fails (interrupter installed at supply)

I don't believe the breaker on the panel counts as a disconnect but I'm not sure on that. However it must be able to be locked open (which a standard breaker cannot be) per rule 86-304.2c which pretty much requires a separate disconnect regardless with a residential panel as they'll use a removable cartridge.

I am not sure you are allowed to do the passthrough of the charger through the wall either but you'd have to ask an inspector on that one.

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Loon610 OP t1_ir3zj1a wrote

Thanks a lot again, I’ve been diving into the codes now. I found this article which is a good source but seems older. https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/EV-deplioyment-guidelines.pdf Looks like I’ve got lots of reading to do haha. I’ve got to apply for the permit through Technical Safety BC, any experience with them, just wondering how responsive and helpful they would be to emails and questions.

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Derragon t1_ir42joj wrote

Honestly if you've never done any of this before I'd get an electrician to do it. EV chargers are straight up fire hazards if not done properly - not to discourage you from DIY stuff but an inspector isn't going to check every connection.

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