NKOM: No serious deviations at charging stations

Based on a market inspection of Easee Home and Easee Charge in Sweden in 2023, as well as concerns from the industry about the electrical safety of certain electric car chargers, Nkom initiated a market inspection of eight charging stations in July 2023.

Section Manager at the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom), Johan Olav Brakestad, states that no serious deviations have been identified at any of the inspected charging stations, but deficiencies have been identified in labeling, safety information and documentation aimed at installers and users.

Nkom has sent notices to Tesla and Zaptec with an order to rectify the discrepancies identified on their chargers. In addition, a request has been sent to Easee to rectify deficiencies at one of their charging stations. The five other operators that have been under supervision have been informed that the supervision has now been concluded.

Brakestad clarifies that it is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that the equipment they market is safe to use and in accordance with applicable regulations. Nkom is satisfied that no serious deviations were found in this inspection, but expects the affected operators to correct the deficiencies identified during the inspection.

The charging stations were selected based on their popularity in the Norwegian market. Selected tests were conducted with a focus on electrical safety, including ground fault protection, clearance and creepage distances, as well as safety information aimed at installers and users.

The following charging stations were checked for electrical safety and administrative requirements:

• Besen Group: BS-B20-BC-22KW-APP
• DEFA Power Up: DEEVC/CT2/22
• Easee Charge Lite: CB-A3-2/L01-STD2-01
• Number: 14031810
• Tesla Wall Connector: Gen 3 - 1529455-02-E
• Zaptec Pro: ZM000776

Charging stations that were checked for administrative requirements:

• Schneider Electric EVlink Pro AC EVB3S22N4
• Wallbox Pulsar Max 22kW 5m (PLP2-0-2-4-9-002)

Authorities and responsibilities

Products that contain transmitter or receiver functions and that can be controlled remotely, for example via a mobile application, are covered by the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) and the regulations they administer. Electric car chargers, which can often be controlled via a separate app, therefore fall under Nkom's area of ​​responsibility.

The Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Preparedness (DSB) is the authority responsible for electrical safety related to electrical products and installations. The installation of electric car chargers and the safety of this installation are regulated by DSB's regulations.

Summary results of inspection of charging stations.