If You Have Solar Systems at Home and Will Be Installing EV Chargers, Here’s Why You Need to Know This
As more homes integrate solar power with EV charging solutions, understanding electrical installation best practices becomes crucial. One key principle that often gets overlooked is that DC (direct current) cables and AC (alternating current) cables should not share conduits or trunking. This is not just a recommendation—it’s essential for safety, efficiency, and compliance with electrical standards.
Why Shouldn’t DC and AC Cables Be Installed Together?
1. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Risks
AC and DC operate on different electrical principles. AC cables generate an alternating electromagnetic field, while DC cables produce a steady field. If placed together in a shared conduit or trunking, the AC field can induce unwanted noise and interference in the DC circuit. This could lead to erratic performance, particularly for sensitive DC equipment such as solar inverters and EV chargers.
2. Safety Risks Due to Voltage Differentials
DC circuits, particularly from solar PV systems or battery storage, often operate at higher voltages than standard household AC circuits. Mixing both in the same conduit or trunking can lead to insulation degradation over time due to different electrical stresses. In worst-case scenarios, this could increase the risk of short circuits, fire hazards, or accidental electric shocks.
3. Compliance with Electrical Standards
In Malaysia, electrical regulations and international standards (such as IEC 60364) dictate that AC and DC wiring must be physically separated to prevent safety and operational issues. Non-compliance could lead to failed inspections, warranty issues, or worse—fire risks that insurance may not cover.
4. Impact on EV Charger and Solar System Performance
An improperly installed system can lead to power quality issues. Your EV charger and solar inverter rely on clean, stable electrical signals to function optimally. If AC noise interferes with the DC signal, it can cause charging inconsistencies, reduced efficiency, and even system errors.
How IGP Ensures Proper AC and DC Cable Installation
At Innovative Green Power (IGP), we take electrical safety and compliance seriously. Our team is trained to observe and assess existing installations before any EV charger setup. We ensure that AC and DC cables are always separated to maintain a safe and interference-free system. By following strict industry best practices, we help protect your home’s electrical infrastructure while ensuring your EV charger and solar system operate at peak performance.
Future-Proof Your Home Charging Setup
If you’re planning to install an EV charger alongside a solar system, ensuring proper cable separation not only enhances safety but also maximizes the performance of your renewable energy investment.
