What is BS EN 60721-3-2:2018 ?

Title: A Comprehensive Guide to BS EN 60721-3-2:2018 and BS EN 166:2020

The advancement of electric vehicles (EVs) has created a growing demand for high-quality, reliable, and safe EV charging infrastructure. To meet these demands, manufacturers need to ensure their EV charging components align with industry standards. Two such standards that play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of EV charging systems are BS EN 60721-3-2:2018 and BS EN 166:2020.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to these two important standards, including their scope, key requirements, and how they can help ensure the interoperability and reliability of EV charging infrastructure.

Overview of BS EN 60721-3-2:2018:

BS EN 60721-3-2:2018, also known as "Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets – Conductive charging of electric vehicles – Part 2," is a European standard that focuses on the dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for alternating current (a.c.) pin and contact-tube accessories used in EV charging systems.

The primary objective of BS EN 60721-3-2:2018 is to ensure interoperability between EV charging infrastructure components, regardless of the manufacturer. By defining the physical dimensions and tolerances for plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle inlets, this standard enables easy and reliable connections between EVs and charging stations.

Key Requirements of BS EN 60721-3-2:2018:

BS EN 60721-3-2:2018 outlines several key requirements that manufacturers must meet to ensure the quality and safety of EV charging systems. These requirements include:

Dimensional compatibility: The standard defines the physical dimensions and tolerances for EV charging components, including the width, height, and depth of the plug, socket, or vehicle connector.

Interchangeability: The standard ensures that EV charging components can be easily interchanged without affecting the functionality of the charging system.

Contact-tube compatibility: The standard specifies the requirements for the mechanical and electrical compatibility of contact-tube accessories, including their dimensions, tolerances, and electrical properties.

Electrical properties: The standard outlines the electrical requirements for EV charging components, including the voltage, current, and resistance.

Safety: The standard emphasizes the importance of electrical safety and outlines the measures that manufacturers must take to ensure the safety of their EV charging components.

Overview of BS EN 166:2020:

BS EN 166:2020 is another important standard for the safety and reliability of EV charging systems. It applies to all types of eye protectors used for general occupational applications, including those designed to provide protection against optical radiation, liquid droplets, mechanical hazards, and more.

Key Requirements of BS EN 166:2020:

BS EN 166:2020 defines several key requirements for eye protectors, including:

Field of vision: The standard outlines the field of vision for eye protectors and ensures that they provide adequate protection.

Optical characteristics: The standard specifies the optical characteristics of eye protectors, including their transparency, refractive index, and light transmissivity.

Resistance to ignition: The standard requires eye protectors to have resistance to ignition and to not emit light that could cause eye irritation or damage.

Robustness: The standard outlines the requirements for the durability and resistance to damage of eye protectors.

Compatibility with other PPE: The standard ensures that eye protectors are compatible with other personal protective equipment (PPE), including clothing, footwear, and facial protection.

Conclusion:

BS EN 60721-3-2:2018 and BS EN 166:2020 are essential standards for the quality and safety of EV charging systems. By defining the physical dimensions and tolerances for EV charging components, as well as the key requirements for electrical safety and eye protection, these standards ensure that EV charging infrastructure is reliable, safe, and compatible with various types of EVs and charging stations.

BS EN 166:2020.