ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

What type of branch circuit should outlets used for charging electric vehicles be supplied by?

1. Shared branch circuit

2. Individual branch circuit

3. Multi-purpose branch circuit

4. General-use branch circuit

The correct answer is: Individual branch circuit

Outlets used for charging electric vehicles should be supplied by an individual branch circuit to ensure safety and meet the specific power requirements of the charging system. An individual branch circuit is dedicated solely to a single load or piece of equipment, which is essential for electric vehicle chargers that often require higher amperage and voltage than standard outlets. This dedicated supply minimizes the risk of overloading circuits that share multiple devices and helps to prevent tripping breakers or potential electrical hazards. Using an individual branch circuit also facilitates compliance with electrical codes, which stipulate the need for specific amperage ratings and performance requirements for electric vehicle charging systems. This ensures that the outlet can sufficiently handle the electrical load without interference from other devices, providing reliability and safety for the user when charging their electric vehicle.