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Electrical standards
The installation of a charging station for electric vehicles must comply with electrical standard NFC 15-100. This standard lays down the rules governing the deployment of all low-voltage electrical installations in France. Its aim is to ensure perfect safety for all users, while guaranteeing optimum recharging performance. Professionals must comply with strict specifications to draw up an electrical diagram and check the conformity of their installation, involving in particular :
- the installation of a dedicated electrical circuit for recharging electric vehicle(s);
- protect this circuit with a differential switch and a circuit-breaker circuit breaker.
As you can see, certain knowledge and skills are required for the installation of charging stations. That's why it's vital to choose the right professional to oversee the operation. Your safety and that of your employees is at stake! Regulations have evolved in this direction, with the introduction by decree of thethe obligation to use an IRVE-certified electrician electrician when installation of a charging point of over 3.7 kW (decree no. 2017-26 of January 12, 2017).
This obligation does not apply to charging devices with a power rating of less than 3.7 kW, in two situations:
- When installed in a private dwelling.
- When they are not accessible to the public and their main function is not to recharge electric vehicles.
However, we strongly recommend it is strongly recommended that you always use an installer with specific expertise in the field of electric vehicles and charging stations, regardless of power. The most experienced electricians are not necessarily familiar with the regulations and technical aspects relating to the deployment and commissioning of this type of equipment.
The IRVE certification certification is a reliable criterion for selecting a craftsman likely to offer you a quality service.
Also read → How to become an IRVE charging station installer?
What does IRVE certification mean?
IRVE certification qualifies professionals authorized to install electric vehicle charging stations. This is a recent certification, since it was created when the decree governing the deployment of such installations came into force.
IRVE-certified electricians have undergone specific training and demonstrated their expertise in the field of charging stations. In France, certification is issued by just two bodies: theAFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation) and Qualifelec (Association Professionnelle et Technique de Qualification des Entreprises de Génie Électrique et Énergétique). There are no formal differences between these two bodies, which are authorized to issue professional accreditations. The certification process is identical. Candidates must attend a training course at an accredited establishment. Training is organized around 5 areas of qualificationThese can be chosen according to the degree of competence required:
- IRVE design study IRVE design study: this module is designed for electricians who wish to carry out large-scale IRVE installation projects in parking lots with 50 or more spaces, as well as in apartment buildings with a minimum of 4 charging stations. Following the entry into force of decree decree no. 2021-546 of May 4, 2021 amending the initial decree N°2017-26 of January 12, 2017.
- Level 1 training Level 1 training: justifies the ability of professionals to install charging points of over 3.7 kW, powered by alternating current (AC), unconnected and not requiring to be configured for data collection or supervisory use.
- Level 2 training This course enables professionals to install charging stations of over 3.7 kW, powered by alternating current (AC) and connected, requiring specific configuration for data transmission and/or supervision.
- Level 3 Rapid or high-power charging training This course covers the safety and technical aspects of installing high-power, direct-current (DC) fast-charging infrastructures.
- IRVE maintenance training (AC terminals) This session is complementary to training levels 1 and 2. Its aim is to provide an understanding of the issues involved in the maintenance and upkeep of AC charging points.
Depending on your project, you'll need to pay particular attention to your installer's experience. Before hiring an electrician, take the time to check his certification and level (P1-P2-P3).
Also read → Choosing your charging station installer
Installing a charging station without an IRVE certificate: what are the risks?
Having one or more charging points with a power rating of over 3.7 kW installed by an electrician who does not have IRVE certification exposes you to a number of risks.
No safety guarantees
The purpose of IRVE certification is precisely to guarantee the best possible safety for users. If you call in a professional who does not have a thorough knowledge of the standards and technical specifications for charging stations, you will be held liable for any accidents or short-circuits resulting from poor installation or connection. No warranty will be applied in the event of material damage or if the damaged equipment has been installed under random conditions.
As a company director, you are responsible for the safety of the goods and personnel on your premises. It would be a shame to expose them to unnecessary risks. Especially as your company will not be covered by the insurance company in the event of fire caused by a defective installation.
On the contrary, calling in an IRVE-certified electrician ensures a quality installation, guaranteed for at least two years after completion of the work. This professional will also be able to advise you, carry out maintenance and service your equipment to extend its lifespan. So you don't have to worry about a thing!
No financial assistance
Companies that install charging stations on site or at their employees' homes can benefit from certain financial aids and subsidies, depending on their sector of activity, geographical area and regulatory developments (ADVENIR bonus, local authority subsidies, etc.).
However, these grants are only available if the work is carried out by a IRVE-certified installer. The installer must provide his customer with an invoice attesting to his status and the characteristics of the devices installed (power, type of equipment, supply, price of labor, etc.).
Without this document, it is not possible to finalize the premium application.
No coverage by the insurer in the event of a claim
In the event of a claim resulting from non-compliant installation, you run the risk of not being compensated by your insurance company. Most insurers will carry out an investigation to establish the circumstances of an accident. This means you'll have to cover the cost of repairs and any compensation for damage caused to third parties.
The Advenir label
Certified professionals must label their commercial offer on the ADVENIR website. Don't hesitate to check that your installer has taken the necessary steps to declare and list himself on the platform. If they haven't, you won't be able to benefit from the bonus offered by this financing program (if eligible).
Our tip: to find ADVENIR-labeled professionals, simply consult the platform's online directory. You can also entrust your installation project to Beev. Our partner installers are all IRVE-certified and ADVENIR label !
In 2024, companies can benefit from a number of financial incentives for installing charging stations, such as the ADVENIR program, which offers subsidies for charging station installation projects. This program covers up to 50% of costs for installations intended for heavy vehicle fleets, and offers specific subsidies for high-power infrastructures, enabling installation costs to be reduced considerably.
Z.E. Ready certification
Launched by carmaker Renault in November 2012, Z.E. Ready certification certification is to guarantee users perfect compatibility between electric or hybrid vehicles (cars, commercial vehicles) and public or private charging stations. Although this certification has a purely commercial basis, since it initially only concerned vehicles marketed by the brand in order to reassure its customers, it has rapidly established itself as a benchmark. This success is due to the exhaustiveness of the criteria verified, since Z.E. Ready certification is based on 52 control points :
- 41 control points for infrastructure (charging points and electrical installations)
- 11 checkpoints focus on the expertise of the installer wishing to obtain Z.E. Ready certification.
It goes without saying that Z.E. Ready certification incorporates all existing regulatory standards and constraints, but it takes them one step further by furthering interoperability between vehicles and charging stations. In this context, it focuses as much on the specific features of equipment design as on technical compliance and the level of expertise of operators. This makes it one of the most comprehensive certifications in this field.
E.V. Ready
While Z.E. Ready only applies to equipment from Renault and its partners, such as Schneider Electrics, which has launched 100% compatible charging stations, E.V. Ready certification has been extended to all electric vehicle ranges, regardless of manufacturer.
Although Renault is no stranger to its creation, having launched the label with its partner Schneider before being joined by an alliance of automotive brands including PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi Motors, E.V. Ready is an inter-manufacturer standard. The label aims to harmonize compatibility between electric vehicles and charging stations across Europe. It focuses on three key priorities: safety, performance and infrastructure compatibility.
Are you lost between the different standards and certifications linked to the installation of charging stations? Beev offers you customized support, from the choice of your charging solution to its installation by an IRVE-certified electrician, who will also carry out maintenance and servicing (optional). Our equipment and professional network are also Z.E. Ready and E.V. Ready certified (installer approved by theasefa).
How long does it usually take to install an electric vehicle charging station?
There are several stages in the installation of a charging station. From delivery to commissioning, you'll need to take a number of steps:
- needs assessment and formalization ;
- comparison of terminal models and search for the most suitable equipment, which often requires technical support;
- search for a certified installer ;
- technical audit ;
- quote for installation ;
- at the same time, take the necessary administrative steps to obtain any subsidies (local authority grants, ADVENIR bonus where applicable);
- installation and electrical compliance work (if necessary) ;
- commissioning.
As a result, it can take several weeks or even months from project launch to formal completion.
Depending on the complexity of the project and civil engineering, Beev offers installation times of 10 working days..
By entrusting your project to our team, you can save precious time and concentrate solely on your core business. Discuss your objectives and requirements with one of our advisors, who will guide you towards the most suitable charging station model(s). We'll take care of all the installation formalities, thanks to our network of IRVE-certified installers. We'll even draw up your application for grants, subsidies or tax credits, depending on the type of installation chosen, its configuration and current legislation! Start by selecting your future charging station or make an appointment with one of our experts.
Would you like to find out more about the benefits of a charging station for your business? Download our white paper to help you prepare your project! We look forward to hearing from you!
