A charger counts as portable under the National Electrical Code when it is not fastened in place and connects to the building wiring through a cord and plug. Article 625, the NEC article that covers EV charging equipment, groups chargers by how they connect: portable, stationary, and fastened in place. So “portable” is a code category, not a marketing word.
Key Takeaways
- Under NEC Article 625, “portable” means cord-and-plug connected and not fastened in place.
- The category decides the rules: no wiring for the unit, full code requirements for the circuit and receptacle.
- EV charging is a continuous load, so circuits are sized at 125% of the charger current.
- Buy listed equipment, and have any new receptacle installed by a licensed electrician.
The Three Connection Categories in Article 625
Article 625 covers all EV supply equipment, from a small plug-in cable to a DC fast charger. It sorts that equipment by its connection to the premises wiring:
| Category | How it connects | Fastened in place? | Typical example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable | Cord and plug into a receptacle | No. It can be picked up and moved without tools or rewiring | Portable charger / mobile connector |
| Stationary | Cord-and-plug or permanently wired | Mounted, but designed so it can be relocated | Plug-in wallbox on a bracket |
| Fastened in place | Permanently wired (hard-wired) | Yes | Hard-wired wall charger |
A portable unit passes both halves of the test: it plugs in, and nothing about it is fixed to the building. Once a unit is screwed to a wall and hard-wired, it leaves the portable category.
Why the Definition Matters
The category changes what the code asks of the installation:
- No fixed wiring for the unit itself. A portable charger needs no mounting or wiring work. The receptacle it plugs into, however, is fixed wiring and must be installed to code.
- The circuit still counts as an EV charging load. EV charging is a continuous load under the NEC, so the branch circuit is sized at 125% of the charger current: a 32 A charger needs a 40 A circuit, and a 40 A charger needs a 50 A circuit.
- The receptacle needs the right protection. Recent NEC editions require GFCI protection for receptacles used for EV charging, and the receptacle must match the plug and the circuit rating.
- The equipment must be listed. Portable chargers must be tested and listed by a recognized laboratory, which is why the OSHA NRTL program matters when you compare units.
Our portable EV charger safety guide covers the practical side of these rules, including why a portable unit must be used with its own listed cord and not an improvised extension cord.
Portable Does Not Mean Unregulated
Because a portable charger plugs into an ordinary receptacle, it is easy to assume no rules apply. In fact they sit in a different place: the charger carries safety functions in its control box, while the building side — circuit size, receptacle condition, GFCI protection — carries the rest. The portable charger types explained article shows the category spanning 10 A plug-in cables up to 32 A three-phase units, all relying on a correctly sized circuit behind the socket.
Adding a new 240 V receptacle for a portable Level 2 charger is electrical work: have a licensed electrician size and install it. The comparison of hardwired vs plug-in chargers explains when each category makes sense at home.
EVDANCE Portable Chargers
EVDANCE portable chargers sit squarely in the portable category: cord-and-plug connected, nothing to fasten in place. The EV-ACS3210T 32A NACS portable charger delivers about 7.7 kW through a NEMA 14-50P plug with current adjustable from 10 A to 32 A in six steps, and the EV-AC04001U 40A J1772 portable charger delivers 9.6 kW through the same plug type. Both are rated IP66. Match the setting to your circuit, using the 125% sizing rule above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a plug-in wallbox a portable charger?
Usually not. A wallbox mounted on the wall is normally treated as stationary equipment even when it has a plug, because it is fastened in place during use. The portable case is the charger you carry in the car and plug in wherever you park.
Does a portable charger need a dedicated circuit?
It needs a circuit that can carry its current continuously and a receptacle in good condition. In practice, a 240 V portable charger belongs on a dedicated circuit sized at 125% of its setting. An electrician can confirm what your panel can support.
Does Article 625 apply everywhere in the US?
The NEC is adopted state by state and sometimes amended locally, so the edition in force varies. Your electrician works to the version adopted where you live.
Related Reading
- Portable EV Charger Safety Guide 2026: NEC Rules, Extension Cords, and What to Avoid
- Portable EV Charger Types Explained: 10A, 16A, 32A and Three-Phase Models
- EV Charger Hardwired vs Plug-In: Which Should You Choose?
- Do Portable EV Chargers Work? How Speed Depends on the Outlet
