Safety and compliance of home charging stations: what fleet managers need to know

‍Theelectrification of corporate fleets is accelerating, and with it the need to install charging stations or connected cables at home for employees. But beware: this is not a simple matter. Between electrical risks, safety standards and regulatory compliance, poor installation can have more or less serious consequences: power surges, fires or non-compliant equipment. So how do you guarantee safe, reliable recharging? What precautions should be taken to protect users and optimize the lifespan of installations? This article explains best practice, the regulations to be complied with, and the most appropriate solutions for securing the charging of employees' electric vehicles at home.

Why is the safety of home charging stations a major issue?

Electrical risks not to be underestimated

Installing a home charging station or reinforced socket is more than just plugging in a cable and recharging electric vehicles. It's a real piece of electrical equipment that must comply with strict standards to avoid any risk of fire, overvoltage or electrocution. Yet many companies, in equipping their employees with home charging solutions, underestimate the dangers of non-compliant installation. A poorly installed charging station or one connected to an unsuitable electrical installation can lead to serious malfunctions and, in the worst case, endanger both the user and his or her home. Electrical safety must never be relegated to second place.

The responsibility of fleet managers

For fleet managers, this issue is all the more strategic in that it engages their responsibility. Faulty installation, inappropriate wiring or the absence of adequate protective devices can not only cause material damage, but also expose the company to legal action in the event of an accident. That's why it's imperative to comply with current regulations and opt for tried-and-tested solutions. Compliance of home charging stations is not just a guarantee of reliability; it is also an essential lever for ensuring continuity of fleet operations and protecting employees.

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What are the safety standards for home charging stations?

Essential regulations: NFC 15-100

Installing a recharging point or a reinforced socket for electric cars at home is not a matter of chance. In France, regulations require compliance with specific standards to guarantee the safety of installations. The first essential reference is standard NF C 15-100, which governs low-voltage electrical installations. In particular, it requires the use of a dedicated circuit for the terminal, with an appropriate differential circuit breaker to protect the installation against power surges and current leaks.

Other standards to consider: IEC 61851 and ZE Ready

Another key point is that charging stations must comply with the IEC 61851 standard, which defines safety and communication requirements between the vehicle and the station. It's also advisable to opt for a charging station with the ZE Ready or EV Ready label, guaranteeing optimum compatibility with electric vehicles and enhanced safety. For fleet managers, ensuring that every installation complies with these standards is crucial, as a non-compliant terminal can not only present electrical risks, but also invalidate equipment and vehicle warranties.

The importance of an IRVE-certified installer

The installation must be carried out by an electrician with IRVE (Infrastructure de Recharge pour Véhicule Électrique) certification. This label guarantees that the professional has the skills required to install a charging station in complete safety, taking into account the specific features of the home and the electrical power available. An installation carried out by a non-professional, or on a simple household socket, exposes you to major dangers such as overheating of the cables or damage to the car.

Installing a home charging station: what precautions should you take?

A preliminary electrical diagnosis

Installing a charging station should never be improvised, especially when it comes to corporate fleets. The first step is to carry out an electrical diagnosis of the employee's home to check that the installation is compatible with the addition of a charging station. This analysis enables us to assess the available electrical power and determine whether any adjustments are necessary, such as installing an additional circuit breaker or fitting a reinforced Green'Up-type socket.

Choose a suitable, secure terminal

Next, you need to choose a charging station suited to the needs of the employee and the electric vehicle being used. The most common models range in power from 3.7 kW to 22 kW. A 7.4 kW wallbox is often the best compromise for fast recharging, while remaining compatible with standard domestic installations. Above this power level, an 11 kW or 22 kW three-phase terminal may be considered, but will require a thorough check of the home's electrical network.

Load management and electrical protection

Another essential element is the dynamic charge management system. This tool automatically adapts recharging power to the home's electricity consumption, thus avoiding the risk of disconnection. This is a significant factor in ensuring employee comfort and avoiding any unexpected interruption in recharging.

Finally, we recommend installing a surge protection system, especially if the home is located in a storm-prone area. A lightning arrester and a type A or B differential circuit breaker are essential to prevent damage to the car or terminal in the event of a voltage spike.

What are the risks of unsecured recharging?

Improper installation can have serious consequences. The first risk is overheating of the electrical cables, particularly when an electric vehicle is charged via a standard household socket. These sockets are not designed to withstand prolonged charging and can cause a fire if overloaded.

Another major hazard: power surges and short-circuits. A poorly protected installation can generate voltage variations that can damage both the terminal and the vehicle battery. In the long term, this considerably reduces the battery's lifespan and can lead to high repair costs for the company.

Nor should the risk of electrocution be overlooked. A poorly installed or inefficiently earthed terminal can become a real danger for the user, especially in extreme weather conditions (rain, thunderstorms). That's why it's imperative to ensure that the installation complies with all required protection standards.

Finally, beyond the physical risks, a non-compliant installation can have legal implications. In the event of an accident, if the electric car terminal does not comply with current standards or has been installed without IRVE certification, the company could be held liable and its insurance company could refuse to cover the cost. A risk that could prove costly, both financially and in terms of image.

Securing home charging stations: best practices for businesses

Faced with these challenges, fleet managers need to adopt a rigorous approach to ensuring the safety and compliance of home charging stations. Here are a few essential best practices:

✅ Choose an IRVE-certified service provider for the installation and maintenance of charging stations.
✅ Carry out a preliminary electrical diagnosis to assess the home's compatibility with a charging station.
✅ Opt for a type of charging station with dynamic charge management to avoid power surges and optimize electricity consumption.
✅ Prefer bollards that are certified and comply with IEC 61851 and NF C 15-100 standards.
✅ Install electrical protection devices such as a differential circuit breaker and a lightning arrester.
✅ Educate employees on good practices for using and maintaining their bollard.

The provision of home charging stations for electric cars is a key lever in the successful energy transition of corporate fleets. But without a secure, compliant approach, this initiative can quickly become a headache, or even a danger. Investing in reliable, certified infrastructure is therefore an absolute priority, to guarantee the safety of employees and the longevity of installations.

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