Understanding NEC Article 626: Electrified Truck Parking Spaces
NEC Article 626 addresses the requirements for electrified truck parking spaces (ETPS), enabling trucks to connect to electrical supplies for heating, refrigeration, and driver convenience without running their engines. This promotes energy efficiency and reduces emissions while providing a standardized framework for safe and functional installations.
Scope of Article 626
This article applies to:
- Electrical systems connecting non-propulsion elements of trucks or refrigerated units to a power supply.
- Equipment and devices installed in ETPS locations.
Exclusions:
- Equipment at residential, commercial, or industrial sites not used for trucks or transport refrigerated units (TRUs).
Key Requirements for Electrified Truck Parking Spaces
- Power Supply
- Voltage Options: 120, 120/240, 208Y/120, 240, or 480Y/277 volts.
- Supply equipment includes pedestals, overhead gantries, or raised concrete pads.
- Branch Circuits and Load Calculations
- Branch circuits can use single-phase systems (120/240 volts or 208Y/120 volts).
- Feeder/service loads must be calculated at 11 kVA per parking space with adjustments for temperature zones (Table 626.11(B)).
- Receptacles
- ETPS must have up to three 20-amp, 125-volt receptacles and one 30-amp receptacle rated for 208Y/120 volts or 125/250 volts.
- GFCI protection is mandatory for all receptacles.
- Disconnecting Means
- Disconnects must be provided and located for accessibility and lockability.
- Disconnects for individual TRU systems must be within 30 inches of the controlled receptacle.
- Cable Management
- Overhead gantry or cable management systems must prevent strain and automatically de-energize cables under excessive strain.
Transport Refrigerated Units (TRUs)
- Power Supply for TRUs
- Dedicated branch circuits must provide 208-, 240-, or 480-volt, three-phase power.
- Each TRU space must have one or more receptacles rated for 30-60 amps.
- Cable Requirements
- Cables must be extra-hard usage, resistant to weather, oil, gasoline, and abrasion.
- Maximum cord length: 25 feet, unless a cable management system is used.
Interactive Systems
- Bidirectional power systems must comply with Article 705 for power production and Article 702 for optional standby systems.
- Systems must prevent backfeeding during power loss.
Applications
Article 626 is essential for:
- Truck Stops: Providing electricity for parked vehicles.
- Distribution Centers: Supporting refrigeration and heating for logistics.
- Sustainable Solutions: Reducing emissions by eliminating engine idling.
Conclusion
NEC Article 626 provides a standardized framework for electrified truck parking spaces, addressing safety, functionality, and environmental considerations. These systems support modern transportation needs while promoting sustainability and operational efficiency.
