Safety at AC/DC charging stations
A growing, functioning and, above all, safe charging infrastructure is therefore the most important ingredient for the continued triumph of e-mobility. The roll-out of charging solutions for electric vehicles in private, semi-public and public spaces is progressing – and with it the need for protection concepts. This is because it doesn't matter whether the "refuelling" takes place at an AC charging station, such as a wallbox, or a higher-capacity DC system with a charging capacity of over 50 kW. If lightning strikes or surges occur, it is not only the functionality of the charging station that is jeopardised. Connected vehicles can become damaged and even people in the vicinity can be harmed. The standard specifications of IEC 60364-4-44, clause -443, IEC 60364-5-54, clause -534, IEC 60364-7-722 and VDE-AR-N 4100 (German standard) stipulate which protective measures you as a planning engineer or operator of charging stations must take against lightning and overvoltage. We'll show you what you need here.
Effects of lightning and overvoltage on charging infrastructure
AC/DC charging stations are usually located outdoors, often in exposed locations. This puts them at increased risk of being struck by lightning. The resulting surge currents far exceed the dielectric strength of both the charging stations and the charging interfaces of the electric vehicles connected to them. Lightning strikes in the vicinity of the charging station and switching operations can also cause dangerous overvoltages.
The consequences? Defects or premature wear in the electrical and electronic components of the charging station, damage to batteries and charge controllers of connected electric vehicles, and even battery fires. Satellite systems with interconnected charging points can be destroyed by a single lightning strike. And in the worst case, people on site are also affected by the effects of the lightning strike.
A solution for every threat
Whether it's for charging solutions for companies, public charging parks or individual stations: incorporate a standard-compliant, comprehensive protection concept against lightning and surge damage right from the planning stage. Our powerful protective devices reduce the overvoltage generated by lightning strikes or switching operations so that the dielectric strength of charging posts and electric vehicles is not exceeded. This prevents sparks, short circuits and other damage. Also ensure that the charging stations are connected to the earthing system. Through earthing and equipotential bonding of the charging infrastructure, the lightning current is distributed over a large area in the ground in a controlled manner and surges are reduced. Step and touch voltages that are dangerous for people are prevented through potential control.
Need help? Feel free to contact us! We can answer detailed questions, advise you on our products or create a complete lightning and surge protection concept for your AC/DC charging station on request.
