What safety protections does EVIRA have?
EVIRA EV chargers are designed with multiple layers of protection to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operation in all environments. Below is a detailed explanation of the built-in safety features, including both AC and DC leakage protection.
Overcurrent protection
Prevents damage to the charger, vehicle, or wiring if the electrical current exceeds the safe rated limit. Triggered by faults in the charger, vehicle onboard charger, or sudden short circuits. Uses circuit breakers or fuses to disconnect power quickly, avoiding overheating, component failure, or fire risk.
Leakage protection AC (30 mA)
Detects alternating current (AC) leakage to earth, which may be caused by damaged cables, water ingress, or insulation faults. Trips when leakage exceeds 30 mA, shutting down power within milliseconds to protect users from electric shock. Operates continuously during charging.
Leakage protection DC (6 mA)
Specifically designed for EV applications to detect smooth DC fault currents that can be generated by vehicle onboard chargers. A DC fault above 6 mA can blind standard AC RCDs, making them ineffective. This protection ensures such faults are detected early and power is disconnected to maintain full safety.
Over-temperature protection
Monitors internal temperatures at key components such as power electronics and connectors. If overheating is detected due to prolonged high current, poor ventilation, or faulty connections, charging is paused or stopped until the unit cools. Cord EVIRA portable chargers has unique TRIPLE-PROTECTION, by including sensors across the sockets, control box, and plugs, EVIRA ensures ultra-safe operation with maximum protection against overheating risks.
Surge protection
Protects the charger and vehicle from sudden voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes, grid switching, or large nearby electrical loads. Surge protection devices (SPDs) divert or absorb excess voltage before it reaches sensitive electronics.
Over or under voltage protection
Ensures charging only occurs when the mains voltage is within a safe operating range. If voltage is too high or too low, it may damage components; too low can also cause overheating due to excess current draw. Stops charging if voltage is outside preset limits.
Ground protection
Verifies that the charger is properly earthed before and during charging. A poor or missing earth increases electric shock risk and can impair leakage protection. Charging is prevented if grounding is unsafe.
CP (Control Pilot) diode short circuit detection
The Control Pilot signal manages communication between charger and vehicle. A diode short circuit fault in this circuit could lead to unsafe charging. This protection stops charging immediately if such a fault is detected.
Relay adhesion detection
High-current relays (contactors) control power delivery to the vehicle. If a relay becomes stuck in the ‘on’ position, power may still flow when charging should be off. This system regularly tests relay operation and isolates power if a fault is found.
Important Safety Note
For safe charging, only use your Cord EVIRA with sockets and electrical supplies that meet UK (BS 7671:2018) or international (IEC/HD 60364) wiring regulations and are suitable for EV charging. This applies at home, at work, or anywhere else you plug in. If in doubt, ask a qualified electrician to check before use.
