Siemens EV charger circuit breakers are popular with EV charger installers because they are designed to meet high-quality standards required for EV charging and provide reliable protection on an electric vehicle branch circuit.
This diagram illustrates the installation of a Siemens EV charger circuit breaker within a dedicated EV branch circuit connected to a Siemens electrical panel.
In this comprehensive Siemens EV charger circuit breakers guide, we will address common questions regarding working with Siemens circuit breakers when installing an EV charger.
Table of Contents
Siemens EV Charger Circuit Breakers
Siemens is a leader in electrical equipment, and their circuit breakers meet the rigorous quality standards required for EV charger installations. This means Siemens breakers provide dependable protection against overloads and short circuits in your electric vehicle branch circuit, safeguarding your installation and guaranteeing safe EV charging.
For a seamless and efficient EV charging experience, consider these top-rated Siemens circuit breakers:
Siemens QP EV Charger Circuit Breaker
Siemens QP breakers work across various Type Q panels (Siemens, Murray, Gould, Sylvania) and most Midwest Power/Milbank Mfg metering equipment.
Siemens QP breakers are the most preferred series of Siemens circuit breakers by EV charger installers because they streamline installation in Siemens enclosures with their time-saving Insta-Wire feature.
| Circuit Breaker (amps) | Siemens QP EV Charger Circuit Breaker | Recommended Wire Size (NEC 80/20) | Power Rating of EV Charger (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Siemens Q115 15-Amp Single Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) | 14 AWG | 2.8 |
| 20 | Siemens Q120 20-Amp Single Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) | 12 AWG | 3.8 |
| 30 | Siemens HI Q130 30-Amp Single Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) | 10 AWG | 5.7 |
| 40 | Siemens Q140 40-Amp Single Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) | 8 AWG | 7.6 |
| 50 | Siemens Q250 50-Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker (Type QP) | 6 AWG | 9.6 |
| 60 | SIEMENS QF260A 60 Amp, 2 Pole Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter with Self-Test Feature | 4 AWG | 11.5 |
Siemens QT EV Charger Circuit Breaker
Siemens QT breakers offer a shorter height compared to standard breakers, maximizing space within your Siemens enclosures.
While primarily designed for Siemens panels, QT breakers offer compatibility with a wider range of electrical panel brands like GE, Murray, Arrow Hart, Challenger, and Westinghouse.
Siemens EV Charger Circuit Breaker Panels
While Siemens EV charger circuit breakers might not be compatible with other electrical panel brands (Eaton, Square D, Cutler Hammer), they excel when paired with Siemens electrical panels.
For optimal performance and a seamless experience, we recommend pairing Siemens EV charger circuit breakers with compatible Siemens electrical panels. Crucially, ensure the circuit breaker series matches the one designated for your electrical panel.
Here are some top Siemens panels that excel for EV charger branch circuits:
Working on an EV charger circuit with Siemens electrical panels above a breeze. Here’s why:
- Siemens panels offer a well-organized layout for circuit breakers, simplifying organization during EV charger installation.
- They provide ample space around the bus bars for easy access and effective cable management.
- These panels include copper bus bars, necessary for EV charger branch circuits.
- Siemens panels feature a flexible configuration for designing simple or complex EV charger circuits.
- Installation is effortless with backed-out terminal screws, reducing installation time.
- Conversions to sub-panels or neutral bars are easier compared to other brands.
- Siemens panels are competitively priced, making them a budget-friendly choice.
Learn more on installing Siemens panels in an electric vehicle branch circuit:
Siemens EV Charger Circuit Breaker Compatibility
As we outlined earlier we recommend installing Siemens EV charger circuit breakers in Siements electrical panels due to compatibility issues, unfortunately, Siemens EV charger circuit breakers are not compatible with major brand electrical panels such as Eaton, Square D, and Cutler Hammer electrical panels.
By compatibility, we mean Siemens EV charger circuit breakers’ ability to fit and function correctly with electrical panels from different brands, based on first-hand research we recommend the use of Siemens EV charger circuit breakers on Siemens electrical panels for optimal performance of EV chargers and the safety of your electrical vehicle branch circuit.
It’s important to note that while Siemens QP EV charger circuit breaker and Siemens QT EV charger circuit breaker are not interchangeable, each breaker type is designed to fit in specific EV electrical panels, and using the wrong breaker in an electrical vehicle branch circuit can compromise the safety and performance of the EV charger after installation.
Siemens EV Charger Circuit Breaker Compatibility Tips.
Before purchasing a Siemens EV charger circuit breaker for your EV charger electrical vehicle branch circuit, we recommend selecting the series that is compatible with your electrical panel, referring to your electrical panel manufacturer documentation, or consulting with a qualified EV charger installer or certified electrician to help you determine the appropriate Siemens Ev charger circuit breaker for your electrical panel.
To ensure seamless integration with your EV charger circuit, verify the electrical specifications of your Siemens EV charger circuit breaker.
Here’s what to consider:
- Voltage: Match the breaker voltage rating to your circuit’s voltage (usually 240V for Level 2 chargers).
- Amperage: Choose a breaker with an amperage rating exceeding your EV charger’s maximum current draw.
- Circuit Configuration: Select a breaker that aligns with the number of poles required for your circuit (single-pole or double-pole).
Read our guide, “Electric Vehicle Charger Circuit Breaker Selection Guide,” which goes deeper into the electrical specifications of EV charger circuit breakers.
When upgrading main electrical panels for EV charger installation, or installing new subpanels for EV charger installations, use a Siemens EV charger circuit breaker compatible with that specific electrical panel, selecting the right Siemens series circuit breaker will ensure a safe, reliable, and optimal performing EV charger installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs provide concise information about Siemens EV charger circuit breakers, their types, applications, and compatibility considerations, ensuring clarity for electric vehicle owners seeking to understand and use Siemens EV charger circuit breakers effectively.
Can You Install Eaton EV Circuit Breakers in Siemens EV Electrical Panels?
No, Eaton EV charger breakers are not compatible with Siemens EV Panels. Each brand has distinct designs and electrical compatibility requirements. Mixing them in an electric vehicle branch circuit can compromise the safety and performance of your EV charger installation.
Can You Interchange Siemens EV Charger Circuit Breakers With Square D EV Charger Circuit Breakers?
No, Siemens and Square D EV Charger circuit breakers are not generally interchangeable. Each brand has unique designs and specifications. For proper breaker selection, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can I Use a Cutler Hammer EV Charger Circuit Breaker in a Siemens EV Charger Panel?
While some Cutler Hammer EV charger circuit breakers may physically fit into a Siemens EV charger panel, compatibility extends beyond physical dimensions.
For safety and optimal performance of your EV charger installation, use EV charger circuit breakers specifically designed for Siemens EV panels.
How do you know if a Siemens EV charger circuit breaker is compatible with my EV Charger Panel?
To ensure compatibility, consider the breaker’s specifications, design, and electrical ratings, and follow the panel manufacturer’s guidelines. Consulting with a qualified electrician or reviewing manufacturer documentation is recommended for selecting the right breaker.
Are Siemens QP EV Charger Circuit Breakers Compatible with other brands’ EV Charger Load Centers?
Siemens QP EV Charger Circuit Breakers are designed to fit several EV charger panels including Siemens, Murray, Gould, and Sylvania, as well as most Midwest Power and Milbank Mfg metering equipment. However, using Siemens EV charger breakers in non-Siemens EV panels may void the UL listing.
Always consult your equipment manufacturer for compatibility details before installation.
What are Siemens Type QT EV Charger Circuit Breakers used for?
Siemens Type QT Breakers are space-saving duplex, triplex, and quadplex breakers designed to fit inside enclosures with limited space.
What is a Siemens Type QAF Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) EV Charger Circuit Breaker Used For?
Siemens Type QAF EV charger breakers are Branch Feeder Type AFCIs designed to mitigate high-current arcing faults in complete electrical vehicle branch circuits.
Siemens Type QAF EV charger breakers protect outlets in EV charger installations. These AFCIs detect and de-energize the circuit in case of parallel arcs (line-to-ground or line-to-neutral), enhancing EV charger installation safety.
What are Siemens Type QPF Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) EV Charger Circuit Breakers Used For?
Siemens Type QPF EV charger circuit breakers are effective in preventing severe electrical shock by detecting ground faults in EV charger installations. They are installed in moisture-prone EV charger installations such as outdoor EV charger installations such as Parking lot EV charger installations.
These GFCIs continuously monitor electrical current and trip the circuit if an imbalance is detected, offering Class A GFCI protection with resistance to false tripping.
What is a Siemens Type QFGA2 Dual Function EV Charger Circuit Breaker?
Siemens Type QFGA2 Breakers combine both AFCI and GFCI protection in EV charger installations, meeting NEC requirements for moisture-prone EV charger installations. They provide cost savings and easier installation compared to separate AFCI and GFCI devices. The Self-Test feature ensures continuous EV charging functionality and compliance with UL standards.
About the Author: James Ndungu
James Ndungu, founder and editor-in-chief of Electric Vehicle Geek, brings over five years of hands-on experience in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) selection, permitting, and installation. He specializes in assisting businesses and homeowners in the United States with a seamless transition to electric vehicles.
As a certified EV charger installer and holder of advanced certifications, including the EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program), Diploma in Electric Vehicle Technology, and Diploma in Engineering Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles, I provide expert guidance and in-depth reviews on the latest EV charging equipment.
Last update on 2024-09-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
