FranklinWH aPower V2L and Pro Power Success!

[v2h8484]

Thank you @MapleMan650 @v2h8484 @Maquis for highlighting the need to clarify the code compliance of this use case, and I'll confirm that our documentation is updated. I'm glad to see that users are happy with the feature and are able to use their Ford Lightning in ways that they may not have originally anticipated.

This is an interesting topic, and it's important to both get it right and understand that while very specific code sections must be referenced, it is in fact code-compliant. While there seems to be some confusion, hopefully this will help share some insight on what is clear guidance under the NEC (2020 & 2023 NFPA 70 referenced below), which everyone can access. Please use the references below to confirm:

As EVs equipped with a receptacle(s) for the purposes of exporting power to supply utilization equipment ("EVPE") must follow similar safety requirements as required by the NEC for other sources, such as portable generators (NEC 625.60 - AC Receptacle Outlets Used for EVPE), these guidelines apply:

• Conductor to be grounded, AC systems: NEC 250.26, ...if generator is "separately derived," (NEC 250.34(C))
• Separately Derived System (2023 NEC 100 Definitions) "...supply output having no direct connections, ...other than those established by grounding and bonding connections."
• Grounding and Bonding: NEC 250.34(B), for a vehicle mounted generator using a receptacle and a cord-and-plug connection to system equipment ("shall not be required to be connected to a grounding electrode")

Because EVPE are not to be connected to the "Area EPS" (grid), they are integrated at a specifically controlled system input source on the certified & listed FranklinWH ecosystem (the V2L/generator input), and only usable during an islanding event, or if the system is used off-grid only.

Regarding the specifics of the EVPE outlet used under NEC 625.60(D), "various methods" can be used to provide for GFCI requirements (e.g. the Ford Lightning's certified/integrated circuit protection, trip indicator, and reset control button).

**Putting all of the above together, the GFCI outlet of certified EVPE, like the Ford Lightning, can safely supply "off-board utilization equipment" (the V2L system inlet receptacle) without itself needing to be connected to a grounding electrode as defined in 250.52 ("Grounding Electrodes"). This is because they are by definition not a "separately derived system," and proper guidance for their use is otherwise comprehensive. This means that while the home itself and all other system components remain grounded/bonded as needed (NEC 250.20), the V2L system inlet receptacle equipment, which is only in use (energized/connected) when the EVPE is in use, it "shall not be required to be connected to a grounding electrode," in compliance with NEC 250.34 (vehicle mounted, etc.) and NEC 250.20 (AC Systems to Be Grounded "unless prohibited elsewhere in this Code").

[*EDIT: Whenever there is a question related to code compliance, this word always comes up: "interpretation." This can mean a couple things.
The reality is that only the AHJ can make a "decision" on code-compliance whenever there is a question, and that, too, is linked to "interpretation" (even when there may be different interpretation decisions within one AHJ - e.g. plan reviewer #1, #2, inspector #1, #2, etc).
Among those really concerned and most knowledgable, the answer usually leans towards, "well, in the next code cycle, maybe this will be fixed."
All any responsible OEM can do is make a tested, safe product, and offer a path to code compliance based on as much of the currently published & approved text - which ultimately is also an interpretation up to the AHJ.]

There are several incorrect and confusing statements in the above and I have no interest in addressing them all. As an example, I will just point out that you are misstating what NEC 250.34(B) allows. It only allows a vehicle mounted generator to be ungrounded if it only supplies loads on the vehicle and/or cord and plug loads connected directly to outlets on the vehicle.

You may not like or agree with the code but any generator connected to house wiring must be grounded in order to be code compliant. EV V2X maybe new but vehicle mounted generators are certainly not. They have been around for decades and the code is clear about their grounding requirements. BTW, the code is subject to vendor influence so I would suggest companies like yours try to get representation on the code making panel to change it to be more friendly for your products. As an example, my understanding is that NEC 250.34(B) came about due to heavy influence on the CMP by the entertainment industry.

Sponsored

 

[Jay@FranklinWH]

There are several incorrect and confusing statements in the above and I have no interest in addressing them all. As an example, I will just point out that you are misstating what NEC 250.34(B) allows. It only allows a vehicle mounted generator to be ungrounded if it only supplies loads on the vehicle and/or cord and plug loads connected directly to outlets on the vehicle.

You may not like or agree with the code but any generator connected to house wiring must be grounded in order to be code compliant. EV V2X maybe new but vehicle mounted generators are certainly not. They have been around for decades and the code is clear about their grounding requirements. BTW, the code is subject to vendor influence so I would suggest companies like yours try to get representation on the code making panel to change it to be more friendly for your products. As an example, my understanding is that NEC 250.34(B) came about due to heavy influence on the CMP by the entertainment industry.

@v2h8484 - I actually expected some followup might be needed. Is that your interpretation of this? Please confirm.
(it appears to not be "loads," as you suggest, but connected "equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator," and the definition of "equipment" and 250.20 main title acknowledges allowance for this.)[*copyrighted content shared for educational purposes]