A risk analysis must be undertaken when vetting electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Homeowners of a high-rise building wanted to install chargers throughout their underground garage and wanted to do so without changing the risk profile of their building.
The homeowners association (HOA) of an existing high-rise condominium building would like to install Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers for half of the parking spaces in their underground parking garage. They are concerned that if they provide a high density of chargers, they will increase the risk to their building. The HOA provides the local utility with an updated building load calculation to determine if the grid can support this additional power consumption and the utility states that it can support it.
Now that the EV charger installation has been deemed feasible, the following steps are established to determine the risks of implementing the project and available options to lower these risks.
Risk: Improper installation of power conversion/charging station equipment leading to electrical equipment fire.
Risk countermeasure:
- Ensure the installer/integrator is qualified and licensed.
- Ensure equipment is listed and labelled.
- Ensure a means to disconnect the systems is available and accessible.
Risk: Overcharging of EV battery pack, leading to a vehicle fire.
Risk countermeasure:
- Ensure the installer/integrator is qualified and licensed.
- Ensure equipment is listed and labelled.
- Ensure a means to disconnect the systems is available and accessible.
- The existing sprinkler system was designed to Ordinary Hazard Group 1, which does not meet current code requirements for parking garages (NFPA 88A: Standard for Parking Structures). The HOA can upgrade the sprinkler system to Ordinary Hazard Group 2 or Extra Hazard Group 1, as research is ongoing on the appropriate level of protection.
- Provide air-aspirating smoke detection in charging location stations.
- Ensure mechanical exhaust systems, if installed, within the parking garages are maintained and routinely tested in accordance with International Mechanical Code and NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems.
The HOA should evaluate the benefits and investment costs of each potential protective measure to determine the right solution for each scenario.
In this hypothetical case study, the HOA decided to ensure listed equipment and power disconnects were installed by a qualified contractor. The HOA upgraded the existing sprinkler system to be Extra Hazard Group 1 and ensured continuous ventilation to the garage. Extra Hazard Group 1 was selected based on insurance provider guidance and the fact that building owners were conservative with their risk tolerance.
