EV Charging Terminology

Accessibility describes how usable EV charging equipment and its surrounding environment are for people with different physical, sensory or cognitive needs. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

Cable length is the usable length of a tethered charging cable or supplied charging lead. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.

EN 60529 is the UK-relevant BS EN standard defining IP codes for the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures against solid objects, dust and water. EV charger datasheets commonly use IP ratings to describe enclosure suitability.

EN 62262 is the UK-relevant BS EN standard defining IK codes for the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures against external mechanical impact. EV charger datasheets use IK ratings to describe impact resistance.

The physical format or mounting style of a charger, such as wall-mounted, pedestal-mounted, floor-standing or integrated hardware. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

IK rating describes the level of protection an electrical enclosure provides against external mechanical impact. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

The physical environment where a charger is installed, such as indoor, outdoor, wall, pedestal, car park, depot or public space. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

An installation manual provides instructions for mounting, wiring, commissioning, configuration and safe installation of a charger. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

IP rating describes the level of protection an enclosure provides against solid objects, dust and water ingress. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

Operating temperature is the ambient temperature range within which a charger is designed to function correctly. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

PAS 1899:2022 is the UK accessible charging specification covering the design of public charge point environments, charger placement, physical accessibility and user information. It focuses on making public EV charging more usable for disabled and older drivers.

A charger mounted on a post, pedestal or stand rather than directly on a wall. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.

A tethered charger has a fixed charging cable permanently attached to the charge point. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.

An untethered charger provides a socket outlet and requires the user to supply a separate charging cable. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.

A charger designed to be fixed to a wall or similar vertical surface. It is normally checked against mounting method, exposure, durability, access requirements and the conditions at the installation location.