chl
Well-known member
- First Name
- CHRIS
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2022
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- 9
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- 3,123
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- 1,929
- Location
- alexandria virginia
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- 2023 F-150 LIGHTNING, 2012 Nissan Leaf, 2015 Toyota Prius, 2000 HD 883 Sportster
- Occupation
- Patent Atty / Electrical Engineer
I reached out to A2Z about theirs and got this reply:
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Thank you for reaching out to A2Z EV. We appreciate your detailed inquiry regarding the certification and NEC compliance of our J1772 to J1772 extension cord.
To address your specific questions:
UL Listing Status
You are correct in your assessment: while the individual components of our extension cords are UL-certified, the fully assembled extension cord as a single unit is not currently UL Listed.
The primary reason for this is the current regulatory landscape. Historically, standards such as UL 2594 (for EV Supply Equipment) have been written with the assumption of a continuous cable from the charging station to the vehicle. Currently, there is no dedicated "End-Product" UL standard or "Outline of Investigation" specifically categorized for an EV-to-EV extension accessory.
We are actively monitoring the development of new standards—much like the recent implementation of UL 2252 for adapters—and we intend to submit our fully assembled units for formal listing as soon as a definitive testing path for extension accessories is finalized. A2Z EV is an active voting member of the SAE J3400 & J3400/1 committees, where we participate in the ongoing drafting of these industry protocols. Extension cords are currently a subject of committee discussion, and we anticipate they will eventually be integrated into a revised or new standard.
NEC Code Sections 400 and 625
We are well aware of the implications of NEC Article 625. Specifically, Section 625.17(C) has traditionally required that the output cable be an "integral part" of the EVSE. This is why many professional installers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) view the use of any extension device as a potential code violation for permanent installations.
Our J1772 extension cords are engineered to bridge the gap for occasional or "emergency" use where a vehicle cannot reach a stationary charger. However, we always advise our customers that their specific use case should align with local interpretations of the NEC to ensure compliance in their area.
Product Safety and Component Certification
Even while the formal regulatory framework for this specific product category is being finalized, our products undergo rigorous internal testing to ensure they meet the thermal and electrical safety thresholds required for high-current EV charging.
As a relevant update on our compliance roadmap, our hardwired replacement cable assemblies have been submitted to CSA for formal listing. The NACS version has received its certification, and the J1772 version is scheduled for release shortly.
We take pride in holding more certifications on EV charging adapters than our competitors, and we continue to invest heavily in certifying our North American products to ensure we lead the industry in safety and regulatory compliance.
We truly appreciate your diligence on this matter. If you wish to discuss this further or have specific recommendations, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Amine Z.
A2Z EV Team
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Well, my use is not a permanent install so I think that would be my primary argument should an inspector ask about it - I only have it as a back-up method anyway.
Another thing occurred to me as I was reviewing the code - you are not supposed to extend flexible cables through doors, walls etc.
So I guess the little RV door I put my FCSP cable through so the unit can be inside the garage away from weather, would be a no-no. And those under the garage door wedges probably a no-no too.
Always something...
-----
Thank you for reaching out to A2Z EV. We appreciate your detailed inquiry regarding the certification and NEC compliance of our J1772 to J1772 extension cord.
To address your specific questions:
UL Listing Status
You are correct in your assessment: while the individual components of our extension cords are UL-certified, the fully assembled extension cord as a single unit is not currently UL Listed.
The primary reason for this is the current regulatory landscape. Historically, standards such as UL 2594 (for EV Supply Equipment) have been written with the assumption of a continuous cable from the charging station to the vehicle. Currently, there is no dedicated "End-Product" UL standard or "Outline of Investigation" specifically categorized for an EV-to-EV extension accessory.
We are actively monitoring the development of new standards—much like the recent implementation of UL 2252 for adapters—and we intend to submit our fully assembled units for formal listing as soon as a definitive testing path for extension accessories is finalized. A2Z EV is an active voting member of the SAE J3400 & J3400/1 committees, where we participate in the ongoing drafting of these industry protocols. Extension cords are currently a subject of committee discussion, and we anticipate they will eventually be integrated into a revised or new standard.
NEC Code Sections 400 and 625
We are well aware of the implications of NEC Article 625. Specifically, Section 625.17(C) has traditionally required that the output cable be an "integral part" of the EVSE. This is why many professional installers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) view the use of any extension device as a potential code violation for permanent installations.
Our J1772 extension cords are engineered to bridge the gap for occasional or "emergency" use where a vehicle cannot reach a stationary charger. However, we always advise our customers that their specific use case should align with local interpretations of the NEC to ensure compliance in their area.
Product Safety and Component Certification
Even while the formal regulatory framework for this specific product category is being finalized, our products undergo rigorous internal testing to ensure they meet the thermal and electrical safety thresholds required for high-current EV charging.
As a relevant update on our compliance roadmap, our hardwired replacement cable assemblies have been submitted to CSA for formal listing. The NACS version has received its certification, and the J1772 version is scheduled for release shortly.
We take pride in holding more certifications on EV charging adapters than our competitors, and we continue to invest heavily in certifying our North American products to ensure we lead the industry in safety and regulatory compliance.
We truly appreciate your diligence on this matter. If you wish to discuss this further or have specific recommendations, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Amine Z.
A2Z EV Team
-----
Well, my use is not a permanent install so I think that would be my primary argument should an inspector ask about it - I only have it as a back-up method anyway.
Another thing occurred to me as I was reviewing the code - you are not supposed to extend flexible cables through doors, walls etc.
So I guess the little RV door I put my FCSP cable through so the unit can be inside the garage away from weather, would be a no-no. And those under the garage door wedges probably a no-no too.
Always something...
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