Do you want to install an electric charging station? If its power is greater than 3.7 kW, the installation must be carried out by an electrician with IRVE qualification. What does this acronym mean exactly? Why is this important for the installation of a charging solution for an electric vehicle?
IRVE qualification for electricians: everything you need to know
The term IRVE means “Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids” and refers to the set of charging solutions for electric motor vehicles. This includes both the reinforced socket and the high-power charging station. Its English term is EVSE, for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.
In France, this qualification is a legal requirement. Since the decree of January 12, 2017*, any charging solution for an electric vehicle with a power greater than 3.7 kW must in fact be installed by an “authorized” electricity professional, i.e. having followed an IRVE training course delivered by an accredited organization.
The reason? Since electric vehicle charging infrastructures are very specific equipment, the installer must be able to demonstrate specific skills relating to this type of equipment to guarantee the safety of the installation.
For electricians, 3 levels of IRVE training are offered:
- Basic training Level 1: for the installation of charging stations up to 22 kW, without specific configuration for communication and supervision;
- Level 2 Expert Training: for the installation of charging stations up to 22 kW, with configuration for communicating terminals and station supervision;
- Level 3 “fast charging” training: for the installation of fast charging stations over 22 kW.
Electrical installers wishing to obtain the IRVE qualification, in addition to their main qualification, must use an accredited organization. To date, there are two: Qualifelec (the professional and technical association for the qualification of electrical and energy engineering companies) and AFNOR (the French standardization association).
Also to be read : Which installer should you choose for your charging station?
Why use an IRVE electrician to install a charging station?
As mentioned, this is mandatory for charging stations with a power greater than 3.7 kW. But that is not all. Using an IRVE qualified electrician has advantages in terms of:
- Coverage: in the event of an accident, coverage by your insurance may be refused if your terminal is not installed by an IRVE electrician.
- Safety: as the installation of a terminal is complex and requires real expertise, the IRVE mention is the guarantee of having a reliable and standard-compliant installation.
- Obtaining subsidies: the IRVE mention is one of the conditions to be eligible for the aid offered by the State to finance the installation and purchase of a charging station. This is the case with the tax credit for individuals and the Advenir program for condominiums and businesses.
Also to read: Installing an electric charging station: what assistance are you entitled to?
For secure and peaceful charging, Qovoltis offers the installation of your electric charging solution by an IRVE trained and qualified professional.
*Decree No. 2017-26 of 12 January 2017 relating to charging infrastructures for electric vehicles
Sources: Qualifelec, Promotelec Association, EDF.
