IEC 61851-1:2010

Electric vehicle conductive charging system - Part 1: General requirements

IEC 61851-1:2010 applies to on-board and off-board equipment for charging electric road vehicles at standard a.c. supply voltages (as per IEC 60038) up to 1 000 V and at d.c. voltages up to 1 500 V, and for providing electrical power for any additional services on the vehicle if required when connected to the supply network. It includes characteristics and operating conditions of the supply device and the connection to the vehicle; operators and third party electrical safety, and the characteristics to be complied with by the vehicle with respect to the a.c./d.c. EVSE, only when the EV is earthed. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. It constitutes a technical revision. The main changes with respect to the first edition of this standard are:
- revision of connector definitions and current levels (Clause 8);
- modification definition of pilot wire to pilot function;
- division of Clause 9 to create Clauses 9 and 11;
- Clause 9: specific requirements for inlet, plug and socket-outlet;
- Clause 11: EVSE requirements: the basic generic requirements for charging stations;
- renumbering of annexes;
- deletion of previous Annex A and integration of charging cable requirements into new Clause 10;
- Annex B becomes Annex A and is normative for all systems using a PWM pilot function with a pilot wire; Annex C becomes Annex B;
- replacement of previous Annex D (coding tables for power indicator) with B.4 in Annex B using new values;
- new informative Annex C describing an alternative pilot function system.
This publication is of high relevance for Smart Grid.

Système de charge conductive pour véhicules électriques - Partie 1: Règles générales

La CEI 61851-1:2010 est applicable aux systèmes embarqués ou non embarqués pour la charge des véhicules routiers électriques à des tensions alternatives normalisées (conformément à la CEI 60038) jusqu'à 1 000 V et à des tensions continues jusqu'à 1 500 V, ainsi que pour l'alimentation en énergie électrique pour tout service auxiliaire du véhicule pendant la connexion au réseau électrique, si nécessaire. Elle couvre les caractéristiques et les conditions de fonctionnement du système d'alimentation et le raccordement au véhicule, la sécurité électrique des opérateurs et des tiers, et les caractéristiques à respecter par le véhicule en ce qui concerne le courant alternatif (c.a) et le courant continu (c.c) uniquement lorsque le VE est mis à la terre. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition, parue en 2001. Elle constitue une révision technique. Les principales modifications par rapport à la première édition de cette norme sont les suivantes:
- la révision des définitions des connecteurs et des niveaux de courant (Article 8);
- modification de la définition de fil pilote en fonction pilote;
- division de l'Article 9 pour créer les Articles 9 et 11;
- Article 9: Exigences spécifiques pour le socle de connecteur, la prise de courant;
- Article 11: Dispositions du SAVE: Les exigences de base génériques pour les stations de charge;
- renumérotation des annexes;
- suppression de l'Annexe A précédente et introduction d'exigences techniques du câble de charge dans le nouvel Article 10;
- l'Annexe B devient Annexe A et elle est normative pour tous les systèmes utilisant une fonction pilote de type PWM avec fil pilote;
- l'Annexe C devient l'Annexe B;
- remplacement de la précédente Annexe D (tableaux de codage pour l'indicateur de puissance) par le B.4 de l'Annexe B avec de nouvelles valeurs;
- nouvelle Annexe C informative décrivant un autre système de fonction pilote.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 24-Nov-2010
• ICS: 43.120 - Electric road vehicles
• Technical Committee: TC 69 - Electrical power/energy transfer systems for electrically propelled road vehicles and industrial trucks
• Drafting Committee: WG 4 - TC 69/WG 4
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 07-Feb-2017
• Completion Date: 26-Oct-2025

Relations

• Revises: IEC 61851-1:2001 - Electric vehicle conductive charging system - Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revised: IEC 61851-1:2017 - Electric vehicle conductive charging system - Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61851-1:2010 is an essential international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the general requirements for electric vehicle (EV) conductive charging systems. This second edition modernizes and replaces the 2001 version, updating key elements such as connector definitions, pilot functions, and charging station (EVSE) requirements. Applicable to both on-board and off-board equipment, it covers charging electric road vehicles from standard AC supply voltages up to 1,000 V and DC voltages up to 1,500 V. The standard is crucial for ensuring safety, interoperability, and effective power transfer between the supply network and electric vehicles.

Key Topics

• Charging System Scope
  IEC 61851-1:2010 covers the characteristics and operating conditions of supply devices and connections to electric vehicles, including the provision of electrical power for additional vehicle services when connected.

• Charging Modes
  Defines various EV charging modes (2, 3, and 4), each with specific functions, protection measures, and interface requirements to ensure compatibility and safety.

• Interface and Connection Types
  Describes general system interfaces and vehicle connection types-cases A, B, and C-that specify cord sets, plugs, socket-outlets, and connectors for EV charging. Functional descriptions of basic, standard, and universal interfaces facilitate consistent implementation.

• Pilot Function and Communication
  Includes the use of a pilot wire with pulse-width modulation (PWM) to manage and communicate charging status, current levels, and safety protocols between EVSE and the vehicle.

• Safety and Protection
  Covers requirements for electric shock protection-both direct and indirect contact-and supplementary measures, emphasizing operator and third-party safety during charging.

• EVSE and Cable Requirements
  Establishes performance criteria for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and charging cables, including electrical ratings, mechanical durability, dielectric withstand, ingress protection (IP ratings), thermal limits, and electromagnetic compatibility.

• Testing and Certification
  Specifies general test requirements, environmental and mechanical testing, and marking and instructions to guarantee EVSE reliability and user guidance.

Applications

IEC 61851-1:2010 is highly relevant for a range of stakeholders involved in electric vehicle infrastructure and development:

• Electric Vehicle Manufacturers
  To ensure onboard charging equipment complies with global safety and interoperability standards for seamless integration with EVSE.

• Charging Station Manufacturers
  Guides the design and manufacturing of EVSE, including connectors and cable assemblies, to meet international performance and safety requirements.

• Utility and Smart Grid Operators
  Facilitates standardized electrical supply and communication protocols for smart charging, load management, and integration with electricity networks.

• Regulatory Bodies and Certification Authorities
  Provides a recognized framework for testing, certification, and regulatory compliance of electric vehicle charging systems worldwide.

• Electric Mobility Services Providers
  Ensures charging infrastructure meets quality and safety expectations in public and private charging locations.

Related Standards

• IEC 60038
  Defines standard AC supply voltages relevant for EV charging applications addressed in IEC 61851-1.

• IEC 61851 Series
  Other parts of the IEC 61851 series cover specific aspects such as DC charging stations (Part 23), communication protocols, and testing methods.

• ISO 15118
  Complements IEC 61851-1 by providing vehicle-to-grid communication standards for smart and secure charging.

Benefits of Compliance

• Enhanced Safety
  Protects users and equipment with rigorous electrical and mechanical safety requirements.

• Global Interoperability
  Ensures EVs and charging stations from various manufacturers work together effortlessly.

• Support for Smart Grid Integration
  Enables advanced energy management through standardized communication and control functions.

• Durability and Reliability
  Sets standards for environmental and mechanical resistance, prolonging equipment lifespan.

By adhering to IEC 61851-1:2010, stakeholders support the global transition to electric mobility with dependable, safe, and interoperable conductive charging solutions.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61851-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2010-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electric vehicle conductive charging system –
Part 1: General requirements
Système de charge conductive pour véhicules électriques –
Partie 1: Règles générales
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or
IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.
Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette
publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
§ Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
§ IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
§ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
§ Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: [e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
A propos de la CEI
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications CEI
Le contenu technique des publications de la CEI est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez
l’édition la plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.
§ Catalogue des publications de la CEI: www.iec.ch/searchpub/cur_fut-f.htm
Le Catalogue en-ligne de la CEI vous permet d’effectuer des recherches en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence,
texte, comité d’études,…). Il donne aussi des informations sur les projets et les publications retirées ou remplacées.
§ Just Published CEI: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications de la CEI. Just Published détaille deux fois par mois les nouvelles
publications parues. Disponible en-ligne et aussi par email.
§ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne au monde de termes électroniques et électriques. Il contient plus de 20 000 termes et
définitions en anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans les langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé
Vocabulaire Electrotechnique International en ligne.
§ Service Clients: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv/custserv_entry-f.htm
Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette publication ou si vous avez des questions, visitez le FAQ du
Service clients ou contactez-nous:
Email: [e-mail]
Tél.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
IEC 61851-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2010-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electric vehicle conductive charging system –
Part 1: General requirements
Système de charge conductive pour véhicules électriques –
Partie 1: Règles générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
X
CODE PRIX
ICS 43.120 ISBN 978-2-88912-222-6
– 2 – 61851-1 Ó IEC:2010
CONTENTS
FOREW ORD . 5
1 Sc o pe . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General requirements . 13
5 Rating of the supply a.c. voltage . 13
6 General system requirement and interface . 14
6.1 General description . 14
6.2 EV charging modes . 14
6.3 Types of EV connection using cables and plugs (cases A, B, and C) . 14
6.3.1 General description . 14
6.3.2 Cord extension set . 16
6.3.3 Adaptors . 17
6.4 Functions provided in each mode of charging for modes 2, 3, and 4 . 17
6.4.1 Modes 2, 3 and 4 functions . 17
6.4.2 Optional functions for modes 2, 3 and 4 . 17
6.4.3 Details of functions for modes 2, 3 and 4 . 18
6.4.4 Details of optional functions . 18
6.4.5 Details of pilot function . 18
6.5 Serial data communication . 19
7 Protection against electric shock . 19
7.1 General requirements . 19
7.2 Protection against direct contact . 19
7.2.1 General . 19
7.2.2 Accessibility of live parts . 19
7.2.3 Stored energy – discharge of capacitors . 20
7.3 Protection against indirect contact . 20
7.4 Supplementary measures . 20
7.5 Provision for mode 4 EVSE . 20
7.6 Additional requirements . 21
8 Connection between the power supply and the EV . 21
8.1 General . 21
8.2 Contact sequencing . 23
8.3 Functional description of a standard interface . 23
8.4 Functional description of a basic interface . 23
8.5 Functional description of a universal interface . 23
9 Specific requirements for vehicle inlet, connector, plug and socket-outlet . 24
9.1 General requirements . 24
9.2 Operating temperature . 24
9.3 Service life of inlet/connector and plug/socket-outlet . 24
9.4 Breaking capacity . 24
9.5 IP degrees. 24
9.6 Insertion and extraction force . 25
9.7 Latching of the retaining device . 25
10 Charging cable assembly requirements . 25

61851-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 3 –
10.1 Electrical rating . 25
10.2 Electrical characteristics . 25
10.3 Dielectric withstand characteristics . 25
10.4 Mechanical characteristics . 25
10.5 Functional characteristics . 25
11 EVSE requirements . 26
11.1 General test requirements . 26
11.2 Classification . 26
11.3 IP degrees for basic and universal interfaces . 26
11.3.1 IP degrees for ingress of objects . 26
11.3.2 Protection against electric shock . 27
11.4 Dielectric withstand characteristics . 27
11.4.1 Dielectric withstand voltage . 27
11.4.2 Impulse dielectric withstand (1,2/50 ms) . 28
11.5 Insulation resistance . 28
11.6 Clearances and creepage distances . 28
11.7 Leakage – touch current . 28
11.8 Environmental tests . 29
11.8.1 General . 29
11.8.2 Ambient air temperature. 29
11.8.3 Ambient humidity . 29
11.8.4 Ambient air pressure . 30
11.9 Permissible surface temperature . 30
11.10 Environmental conditions. 30
11.11 Mechanical environmental tests . 30
11.11.1 General . 30
11.11.2 Mechanical impact . 30
11.12 Electromagnetic compatibility tests . 31
11.13 Latching of the retaining device . 31
11.14 Serv ice . 31
11.15 Marking and instructions . 31
11.15.1 Connection instructions . 31
11.15.2 Legibility . 31
11.15.3 Marking of electric vehicle charging station . 31
11.16 Telecommunication network . 32
Annex A (normative) Pilot function through a control pilot circuit using PWM
modulation and a control pilot wire . 33
Annex B (informative) Example of a circuit diagram for a basic and universal vehicle
coupler . 39
Annex C (informative) Example of a method that provides the pilot function equivalent
to a hard wired system . 46
Bibliography . 48

Figure 1 – Case "A" connection . 15
Figure 2 – Case "B" connection . 16
Figure 3 – Case "C" connection . 16
Figure A.1 – Typical control pilot circuit . 33
Figure A.2 – Simplified control pilot circuit. 34

– 4 – 61851-1 Ó IEC:2010
Figure A.3 – Typical charging cycle under normal operating conditions . 36
Figure B.1 – Mode 1 case B using the basic single phase vehicle coupler . 40
Figure B.2 – Mode 2 case B using the basic single phase vehicle coupler . 41
Figure B.3 – Mode 3 case B using the basic single phase vehicle coupler . 41
Figure B.4 – Mode 3 case C using the basic single phase vehicle coupler . 42
Figure B.5 – Mode 3 case B using the basic single phase vehicle coupler without
proximity push button switch S3 . 43
Figure B.6 – Diagram for current capability coding of the cable assembly . 44
Figure B.7 – Mode 4 case C using the universal vehicle coupler . 45
Figure C.1 – Example of a pilot function without a supplementary wire . 46

Table 1 – Overview of the vehicle interface options and suggested contact ratings . 22
Table 2 – Touch current limits . 29
Table A.1 – EVSE control pilot circuit parameters (see Figures A.1 and A.2) . 34
Table A.2 – Vehicle control pilot circuit values and parameters (see Figures A.1, A.2) . 35
Table A.3 – Pilot functions . 35
Table A.4 – description of connecting sequences as shown on Figure A.3 . 36
Table A.5 – Pilot duty cycle provided by EVSE . 37
Table A.6 – Maximum current to be drawn by vehicle . 37
Table A.7 – EVSE timing (see Figure A.3) . 38
Table B.1 – Identification of components used with basic single phase connector . 40
Table B.2 – Component values for all drawings . 42
Table B.3 – Resistor coding for vehicle connectors and plugs . 43
Table B.4 – Component description for Figure B.7 mode 4 case C . 44

61851-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CONDUCTIVE CHARGING SYSTEM –

Part 1: General requirements
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61851-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 69:
Electric road vehicles and electric industrial trucks.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. It constitutes a
technical revision.
The main changes with respect to the first edition of this standard are the following:
– revision of connector definitions and current levels (Clause 8);
– modification definition of pilot wire to pilot function;
– division of Clause 9 to create Clauses 9 and 11;
– Clause 9: specific requirements for inlet, plug and socket–outlet;
– Clause 11: EVSE requirements: the basic generic requirements for charging stations;
– renumbering of annexes;
– 6 – 61851-1 Ó IEC:2010
– deletion of previous Annex A and integration of charging cable requirements into new
Clause 10;
– Annex B becomes Annex A and is normative for all systems using a PWM pilot function
with a pilot wire;
– Annex C becomes Annex B;
– replacement of previous Annex D (coding tables for power indicator) with B.4 in Annex B
using new values;
– new informative Annex C describing an alternative pilot function system.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
69/173/FDIS 69/179/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61851 series, under the general title: Electric vehicle conductive
charging system can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
 reconfirmed,
 withdrawn,
 replaced by a revised edition, or
 amended.
IMPORTANT – The “colour inside” logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this publication using a colour printer.

61851-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 7 –
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CONDUCTIVE CHARGING SYSTEM –

Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61851 applies to on-board and off-board equipment for charging electric road
vehicles at standard a.c. supply voltages (as per IEC 60038) up to 1 000 V and at d.c.
voltages up to 1 500 V, and for providing electrical power for any additional services on the
vehicle if required when connected to the supply network.
Electric road vehicles (EV) implies all road vehicles, including plug in hybrid road vehicles
(PHEV), that derive all or part of their energy from on-board batteries.
The aspects covered include characteristics and operating conditions of the supply device
and the connection to the vehicle; operators and third party electrical safety, and the
characteristics to be complied with by the vehicle with respect to the a.c./d.c. EVSE, only
when the EV is earthed.
NOTE 1 Class II vehicles are not defined, but the lack of information for this type of vehicle means that the
requirements for the standard are under consideration.
NOTE 2 This standard also applies to EVSE with on-site storage capability.
Requirements for specific inlet, connector, plug and socket-outlets for EVs are contained in
IEC 62196-1:2003. Standard sheets for the vehicle connector and inlet are also under
consideration. They will be incorporated in a separate part of standard IEC 62196.
This standard does not cover all safety aspects related to maintenance.
This standard is not applicable to trolley buses, rail vehicles, industrial trucks and vehicles
designed primarily for use off-road.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60038:2009, IEC standard voltages
IEC 60068-2-30:2005, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic
(12 + 12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-2-75:1997, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60068-2-78:2001, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady
state
IEC 60276, Definitions and nomenclature for carbon brushes, brush-holders, commutators
and slip-rings
IEC 60309-1:1999, Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes – Part 1:
General requirements
– 8 – 61851-1 Ó IEC:2010
IEC 60309-2:1999, Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes – Part 2:
Dimensional interchangeability requirements for pin and contact-tube accessories
IEC 60364-4-41:2005, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-41: Protection for safety –
Protection against electric shock
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-1:2007, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC/TR 60755:2008, General requirements for residual current operated protective devices
IEC 60884-1:2002, Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes – Part
1:General requirements
IEC 60884-2-5:1995, Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes – Part 2
particular requirements for adaptors
IEC 60947-3:2008, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 3: Switches,
disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units
IEC 60950-1:2005, Information technology equipment – Safety – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60990:1999, Methods of measurement of touch current and protective conductor current
IEC 61000-6-1:2005, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic
standards – Immunity for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3:2006, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-3: Generic
standards – Emission standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial
environments
IEC 61008-1:2010, Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral
overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) – General rules
IEC 61009-1:2010, Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent
protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) – General rules
IEC 61180-1:1992, High-voltage test techniques for low-voltage equipment – Part 1:
definitions, test and procedure requirements
IEC 62196-1:2003, Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle couplers and vehicle inlets – Conductive
charging of electric vehicles – Part 1: Charging of electric vehicles up to 250 A a.c. and 400 A d.c.
ISO 6469-2:2009, Electrically propelled road vehicles – Safety specifications – Part 2: Vehicle
operational safety means and protection against failures
ISO 6469-3:2001, Electric road vehicles – Safety specifications – Part 3: Protection of
persons against electric hazards
EN 50065-1:2001, Signalling on low-voltage electrical installations in the frequency range
3 kHz to 148,5 kHz – Part 1: General requirements, frequency bands and electromagnetic
disturbances
61851-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 9 –
SAE J1772:2010, Recommended practices: SAE Electric Vehicle and Plug In Hybrid Electric
Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
basic insulation
insulation of hazardous-live-parts which provides basic protection
3.2
cable assembly
piece of equipment used to establish the connection between the EV and socket-outlet (in
case A and case B) or to the fixed charger (in case C)
NOTE 1 It may be either fixed or be included in the vehicle or the EVSE, or detachable.
NOTE 2 It includes the flexible cable and the connector and/or plug that are required for proper connection.
NOTE 3 See Figures 1 to 3 for description of cases A, B and C.
NOTE 4 A detachable cable assembly is not considered as a part of the fixed installation.
3.3
charger
power converter that performs the necessary functions for charging a battery
3.3.1
class I charger
charger with basic insulation as provision for basic protection and protective bonding as
provision for fault protection
NOTE Protective bonding consists of connection of all exposed conductive parts to the charger earth terminal.
3.3.2
class II charger
charger with
– basic insulation as provision for basic protection, and
– supplementary insulation as provision for fault protection,
or in which
– basic and fault protection are provided by reinforced insulation
3.3.3
off-board charger
charger connected to the premises wiring of the a.c. supply network (mains) and designed to
operate entirely off the vehicle. In this case, direct current electrical power is delivered to the
vehicle
3.3.3.1
dedicated off-board charger
off-board charger designed to be used only by a specific type of EV, which may have control
charging functions and/or communication
3.3.4
on-board charger
charger mounted on the vehicle and designed to operate only on the vehicle

– 10 – 61851-1 Ó IEC:2010
3.4
charging
all functions necessary to condition standard voltage and frequency a.c. supply current to a
regulated voltage/current level to assure proper charging of the EV traction battery and/or
supply of energy to the EV traction battery bus, for operating on-board electrical equipment in
a controlled manner to assure proper energy transfer
3.5
connection
single conductive path
3.6
control pilot
the control conductor in the cable assembly connecting the in-cable control box or the fixed
part of the EVSE, and the EV earth through the control circuitry on the vehicle. It may be used
to perform several functions
3.7
earth terminal
accessible connection point for all exposed conductive parts electrically bound together
NOTE In the U.S.A., the term "ground" is used instead of "earth".
3.8
electric vehicle
EV
electric road vehicle (ISO)
any vehicle propelled by an electric motor drawing current from a rechargeable storage
battery or from other portable energy storage devices (rechargeable, using energy from a
source off the vehicle such as a residential or public electric service), which is manufactured
primarily for use on public streets, roads or highways
3.8.1
class I EV
an EV with basic insulation as provision for basic protection and protective bonding as
provision for fault protection
NOTE This consists of connection of all exposed conductive parts to the EV earth terminal.
3.8.2
class II EV
EV in which protection against electric shock does not rely on basic insulation only, but in
which additional safety precautions, such as double insulation or reinforced insulation, are
provided, there being no provision for protective earthing or reliance upon installation
conditions
3.9
EV supply equipment
EVSE
conductors, including the phase, neutral and protective earth conductors, the EV couplers,
attachment plugs, and all other accessories, devices, power outlets or apparatuses installed
specifically for the purpose of delivering energy from the premises wiring to the EV and
allowing communication between them if required
3.9.1
a.c. EV charging station
all equipment for delivering a.c. current to EVs, installed in an enclosure(s) and with special
control functions
61851-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 11 –
3.9.2
d.c. EV charging station
all equipment for delivering d.c. current to EVs, installed in an enclosure(s), with special
control functions and communication and located off the vehicle
NOTE DC charging includes pulse mode charging.
3.9.3
exposed conductive part
conductive part of equipment, which can be touched and which is not normally live, but which
can become live when basic insulation fails
3.9.4
direct contact
contact of persons with live parts
3.9.5
indirect contact
contact of persons with exposed conductive parts made live by an insulation failure
3.10
live part
any conductor or conductive part intended to be electrically energized in normal use
3.10.1
hazardous live part
live part, which under certain conditions, can result in an electric shock
3.11
in-cable control box
a device incorporated in the cable assembly, which performs control functions and safety
functions
NOTE The in-cable control box is located in a detachable cable assembly or plug that is not part of the fixed
installation.
3.12
plug and socket-outlet
means of enabling the manual connection of a flexible cable to fixed wiring
NOTE It consists of two parts: a socket-outlet and a plug.
3.12.1
plug
part of a plug and socket-outlet integral with or intended to be attached to the flexible cable
connected to the socket-outlet
3.12.2
socket-outlet
part of a plug and socket-outlet intended to be installed with the fixed wiring
3.13
power indicator
resistor value identifying supply rating recognition by the vehicle
3.14
retaining device
mechanical arrangement which holds a plug or connector in position when it is in proper
engagement, and prevents unintentional withdrawal of the plug or connector

– 12 – 61851-1 Ó IEC:2010
NOTE The retaining device can be electrically or mechanically operated.
3.15
vehicle coupler
means of enabling the manual connection of a flexible cable to an EV for the purpose of
charging the traction batteries
NOTE It consists of two parts: a vehicle connector and a vehicle inlet.
3.15.1
vehicle connector
part of a vehicle coupler integral with, or intended to be attached to, the flexible cable
connected to the a.c. supply network (mains)
3.15.2
vehicle inlet
part of a vehicle coupler incorporated in, or fixed to, the EV or intended to be fixed to it
3.16
function
any means, electronic or mechanical, that insure that the conditions related to the safety or
the transmission of data required for the mode of operation are respected
3.17
pilot function
any means, electronic or mechanical, that insures the conditions related to the safety or the
transmission of data required for the mode of operation
3.18
proximity function
a means, electrical or mechanical, in a coupler to indicate the presence of the vehicle connector
to the vehicle
3.19
standardized socket-outlet
socket-outlet which meets the requirements of any IEC and/or national standard
3.20
residual current device
RCD
mechanical switching device designed to make, carry and break currents under normal
service conditions and to cause the opening of the contacts when the residual current attains
a given value under specified conditions
NOTE 1 A residual current device can be a combination of various separate elements designed to detect and
evaluate the residual current and to make and break current.
NOTE 2 In the following countries an RCD may be either electrical, electronic, mechanical or a combination
thereof: US, JP, UK.
[IEC 60050-44:1998, 442-05-02]
3.21
pulse mode charging
charging of storage batteries using modulated direct current
3.22
standard interface
interface that is defined by any of the following standards IEC 60309-1, IEC 60309-2, or
IEC 60884-1 and/or national standard having an equivalent scope, and is not fitted with any
supplementary pilot or auxiliary contacts

61851-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 13 –
3.23
basic interface
interface as defined by the IEC 62196-1 and for which a functional description is given in 8.4
3.24
universal interface
interface as defined by the IEC 62196-1 and for which a functional description is given in 8.5
3.25
plug in hybrid electric road vehicle
PHEV
any electrical vehicle that can charge the rechargeable electrical energy storage device from
an external electric source and also derives part of its energy from an other source
3.26
cord extension set
assembly consisting of a flexible cable or cord fitted with both a plug and a connector of a
standard interface type
NOTE A mode 2 or a mode 1 cable assembly is not considered as a cord extension set.
3.27
adaptor
a portable accessory constructed as an integral unit incorporating both a plug portion and one
socket-outlet
NOTE The socket-outlet may accept different configurations and ratings.
3.28
indoor use
equipment designed to be exclusively used in a weather protected locations
3.29
outdoor use
equipment designed to be allowed to be used in non weather protected locations
4 General requirements
The EV shall be connected to the EVSE so that in normal conditions of use, the conductive
energy transfer function operates safely.
In general, this principle is achieved by fulfilling the relevant requirements specified in this
standard, and compliance is checked by carrying out all relevant tests.
5 Rating of the supply a.c. voltage
The rated value of the a.c. supplied voltage for the charging equipment is up to 1 000 V. The
equipment shall operate correctly within ±10 % of the standard nominal voltage. The rated
value of the frequency is 50 Hz ± 1 % or 60 Hz ± 1 %.
NOTE Nominal voltage values can be found in IEC 60038.

– 14 – 61851-1 Ó IEC:2010
6 General system requirement and interface
6.1 General description
One method for EV charging is to connect the a.c. supply network (mains) to an on-board
charger. An alternative method for charging an EV is to use an off-board charger for
delivering direct current. For charging in a short period of time, special charging facilities
operating at high power levels could be utilized.
6.2 EV charging modes
A residual current device with characteristics that are at least equivalent to type A as defined
in IEC 61008-1 or IEC 61009-1, or IEC/TR 60755 in conjunction with an over-current
protection device shall be required for all modes of charging.
NOTE 1 Some vehicle electric topologies may require additional protection on the vehicle.
Mode 1 charging: connection of the EV to the a.c. supply network (mains) utilizing
standardized socket-outlets not exceeding 16 A and not exceeding 250 V a.c. single-phase or
480 V a.c. three-phase, at the supply side, and utilizing the power and protective earth
conductors.
NOTE 2 In the following countries, mode 1 charging is prohibited by national codes: US.
NOTE 3 The use of an in-cable RCD can be used to add supplementary protection for connection to existing a.c.
supply networks.
NOTE 4 Some countries may allow the use of an RCD of type AC for mode 1 vehicles connected to existing
domestic installations: JP, SE.
Mode 2 charging: connection of the EV to the a.c. supply network (mains) not exceeding
32 A and not exceeding 250 V a.c. single-phase or 480 V a.c. three-phase utilizing
standardized single-phase or three-phase socket-outlets, and utilizing the power and
protective earth conductors together with a control pilot function and system of personnel protection
against electric shock (RCD) between the EV and the plug or as a part of the in-cable control box. The
inline control box shall be located within 0,3 m of the plug or the EVSE or in the plug.
NOTE 5 In the USA, a device which measures leakage current over a range of frequencies and trips at pre-
defined levels of leakage current, based upon the frequency is required.
NOTE 6 In the following countries, according to national codes, additional requirements are necessary to allow
cord and plug connection to a.c. supply networks greater than 20 A, 125 V a.c.: US.
NOTE 7 For mode 2, portable RCD as defined in IEC 61540 and IEC 62335 is applicable.

NOTE 8  In Germany the inline control box (EVSE) shall be in the plug or located within 2,0 m of the plug.

Mode 3 charging: connection of the EV to the a.c. supply network (mains) utilizing dedicated
EVSE where the control pilot function extends to control equipment in the EVSE, permanently
connected to the a.c. supply network (mains).
Mode 4 charging: connection of the EV to the a.c. supply network (mains) utilizing an off-
board charger where the control pilot function extends to equipment permanently connected
to the a.c. supply.
6.3 Types of EV connection using cables and plugs (cases A, B, and C)
6.3.1 General description
The connection of EVs using cables may be carried out in one or more of three different ways:

61851-1 Ó IEC:2010 – 15 –
a) Case "A" connection: the connection of an EV to the a.c. supply network (mains) utilizing a
supply cable and plug permanently attached to the EV (see Figure 1).
b) Case "B" connection: the connection of an EV to the a.c. supply network (mains) utilizing a
detachable cable assembly with a vehicle connector and a.c. supply equipment (see
Figure 2).
Case B1 corresponds to a connection to wall mounted socket.
Case B2 corresponds to a specific charging station.
c) Case "C" connection: the connection of an EV to the a.c. supply network (mains) utilizing a
supply cable and vehicle connector permanently attached to the supply equipment (see
Figure 3). Only case "C" is allowed for mode 4 charging.
NOTE Specific mechanical connecting systems can be utilized instead of cables and plug.

Socket outlet
Plug and scocket outlet
Plug
Flexible cable
On-board charger
Traction battery
Charging station
Earth terminal Plug
Domestic, industrial dedicated
socket outlet
EVSE
IEC  2374/10
Connection of an EV to an a.c. supply utilizing supply cable and plug permanently attached to the EV
A1: charging cable connected to a domestic or industrial socket
A2: charging cable connected to a specific charging station
Figure 1 – Case "A" connection

– 16 – 61851-1 Ó IEC:2010
Socket outlet
Plug and scocket outlet
Plug
Flexible cable
On-board charger
Case B2
Traction battery
Electrical vehicle
inlet
Charging station
Connector
Case B1
Plug
Earth terminal
Electrical vehicle coupler
Domestic, industrial dedicated
socket outlet
EVSE
IEC  2375/10
Connection of an EV to an a.c. supply utilizing a detachable cable assembly with a vehicle connector and a.c.
supply equipment
B1: charging cable connected to a domestic or industrial socket
B2: charging cable connected to a specific charging station
Figure 2 – Case "B" connection

Flexible
...