1. Reasons for Amendment
ㅇ This Amendment addresses weaknesses in the operation of the current Korea Electro-technical Code (hereinafter “KEC”), improves standards on electric vehicle charging equipment necessary for the safety management of electrical installations, and amends provisions to prevent power outages in multi-family housing (apartments) and quasi-housing (officetels).
2. Major Provisions
A. Prescribe standards for the application of polypropylene (PP) cables (122.5)
ㅇ Allow PP cables to be used if they meet or exceed Korean Industrial Standards (KS) or equivalent, and newly insert minimum performance requirements* to enable market entry.
* Introduce requirements on the continuous permissible temperature of wire conductors and the tensile strength/elongation/moisture absorption of insulators.
B. Prescribe compulsory application of dust and water protection performance requirements for charging equipment (241.17.3-1-’C’, 241.17.4-1-’F’)
ㅇ Improve dust and water protection ratings for electric vehicle charging devices and accessories (connectors, plugs, etc.) to the same level* as that of international standards (IEC) (requirement: protection against dust and sprays).
* Charging devices: (Outdoor) IP41, (Indoor) IP44, Connectors, etc.: (Outdoor) IP21, IP24 (Indoor) IP24, IP44
C. Prescribe compulsory installation of an emergency stop device in rapid charging equipment (241.17.3-1-’J’).
ㅇ Install an emergency stop device so that rapid charging (high voltage/large current) facilities can be stopped by the user, etc. in the event of an urgent, dangerous situation.
D. Prescribe facility standards on electric vehicle charging equipment with metered power outlets (241.17.3-1-’K’)
ㅇ Prescribe compulsory use of drip-proof equipment to prevent fires (tracking, short circuits) caused by foreign matter, dust, etc. entering the plug insertion terminal of metered power outlets.
E. Prevent safety accidents involving electric vehicle charger cables and protection systems (241.17.3-1-’L’, 241.17.5-1-’B’)
ㅇ Ensure charging cables are not held or stored in parking bays, and require protection systems to be labeled with a danger warning in accordance with Korean Industrial Standards (KS).
F. Prescribe detailed standards on wireless electric vehicle charging equipment, etc. (241.17.4-2)
ㅇ Prescribe requirements such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in accordance with international standards (IEC), water and dust protection ratings (IP65 or higher), stopping upon penetration by foreign matter, installation height (70 mm), etc.
G. Clarify lighting requirements for electric vehicle charging stations (241.17.5-1-’B’)
ㅇ Specify that regulations on the brightness of lighting installed in venues for charging electric vehicles shall be in accordance with lighting requirements pursuant to Korean Industrial Standards (KS).
H. Strengthen the fire safety of electric vehicle charging equipment in underground parking lots (241.17.5-2, 3)
ㅇ Prescribe fire safety standards such as fire-resistant construction of underground electric vehicle charging areas, facilities to be located within the first three underground floors, CCTV facilities for monitoring purposes, and prohibition of portable chargers in outdoor facilities.
I. Install transformer status monitoring systems in multi-family housing and quasi-housing (351.6-6)
ㅇ Prevent power outages and fires by prescribing that items that are currently continuously monitored on high voltage transformers* may be tracked from the management office.
* Transformer voltage, current, power, power factor, temperature, ambient temperature, etc.
