IEC 61851
The international standard for safe charging stations
It is crucial that electric vehicles can be charged safely. With this in mind, actors like the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) have elaborated various standards. One is IEC 61851, the standard for testing electric vehicle charging systems. This standard sets out many requirements that charging stations must comply with. The standard's general requirements cover DC and AC charging stations. Having your charging station certified by DEKRA's experts will ensure you have the best input for your technical dossier, which you will need to compile to meet the CE mark requirements. More than 70% of manufacturers of EV charging equipment are certified by DEKRA, so you will be in great company.
Our tests for IEC 61851
- IEC 61851-1, the general requirements
- IEC 61851-23, about DC electric vehicle charging stations
- IEC 61851-24, about DC charging stations
- IEC 61851-21-2, about off-board charger EMC requirements
- IEC 61851-21-1, about on-board charger EMC requirements
- IEC 62955, a standard for RDC-DD mode 3 charging stations
Four charging modes
The charging station has a standard socket outlet. So you can also use it to charge your e-bike, for instance.
This concerns a portable charging station which — unlike Mode 1 — also includes communication.
IEC 61851 Mode 3 covers the most common charging stations that you see in public places, at work or at home. Here, the charging station can communicate with the EV, just like in Mode 2. Charging stations for domestic situations are often Mode 3 chargers. Mode 3 incorporates various control and safety features to ensure safe operation. For instance, for verifying the ground connection and the connection between the charging station and the vehicle.
This mode is for DC charging stations, also called fast chargers. You mostly find these located along motorways. These have an extra communication layer beyond the basic communication possible with Mode 3, which allows for more detailed information to be sent.
Our approach
DEKRA for IEC 61851 certification
