Electrifying EV surge protection

Powerful protection for wall boxes

EV wall box chargers bring the power of advanced charging stations to compact, private spaces, such as single-family homes or multi-story parking garages. As electrical vehicles become more common among the general public, wall boxes meet the demand for constant, individual access to EV charging equipment.

However, this convenient charging method can be wiped out in a flash if left unprotected. Overvoltage from a transient surge or lightning strike can quickly render wall boxes inoperable and spread damage to any connected electrical components, such as your home’s electrical system and your charging vehicle.

Protecting wall boxes from transient voltage damage presents a unique challenge as these switchgear cabinets have a highly compact internal environment.

Luckily, DEHN has specialized solutions for small charging spaces. Our strategies stand out because we can install effective protection directly into limited spaces without the need for costly additional cabinets or expanded infrastructure.

A need for speed: High-power charging protection

High-power charging parks are a faster public charging station alternative to a standard EV charging system. These DC chargers can range between 150 to 350 kW charging speeds, making them highly beneficial infrastructure for EV owners balancing busy schedules.

To protect people using your EV chargers and the safety and mobility of their electric vehicles, it’s important to proactively install efficient transient voltage protection systems.

While it is faster, high-power charging stations face the same electrical risks as standard chargers. Direct and indirect lightning strikes can damage infrastructure through fire or surges, while earth faults and short circuits in the power grid could cause an overvoltage that diminishes your power quality for the long term.

It only takes one split-second strike to a single electrical component to bring down the entire charging station system. Get the grounding systems and protective solutions you need to ensure consistent, fast charging with DEHN.

Charge up against electrical threats to charging stations

Charging stations remain some of the most common types of EV charging infrastructure. They are often in open, public spaces, and consist of several electric vehicle chargers grouped together for a convenient charging space.

Both AC and DC charging facilities, as well as connected vehicles, are vulnerable to electrical events if left ungrounded and unprotected. In the case of a thunderstorm, the electrical components inside these often outdoor stations are at risk of damage from a lightning-related electrical power surge. The controller, meter, and communication system are especially vulnerable to overvoltage.

Depending on the location and characteristics of the EV station and the electrical threats it faces, its protection needs change and evolve. Additionally, as charging stations are often spread out across a space and consist of several diverse electrical systems working together, they require a tailored transient voltage protection concept that includes grounding systems, equipotential bonding measures, and standard lightning and surge protection systems.

Contact DEHN today to start your journey toward powerful protection with a risk assessment

The future of public transportation is electric… but are your DCFC and bus charging stations prepared for the transition?

Part of the EV industry expansion has been the introduction of electric vehicles and charging into the public transportation sector. Many new public mobility concepts across the U.S. include electrified bus fleets.

Like privately owned electric vehicles, these critical transporters need reliable charging stations that are protected against common transient voltage threats. If an ungrounded, unprotected charger is rendered inoperable by an electrical event, it will affect much more than a single commuter’s trip to work.

Overvoltage could wipe out significant portions of the fleet or cause delays in transportation schedules due to a lack of charged vehicles and buses. As the company behind the charging infrastructure, local governments could hold your company publicly and financially accountable for any damage incurred to connected vehicles and systems.